Without Communication, how would we navigate through the world? Not only is communication important, but effective communication is even more important. Whether we're communicating with our family members, employees, or our co-workers, how we communicate determines the outcome of that conversation. Our goal is usually to teach, mentor, lead, express a message, or explain something to someone. Ultimately, we want that message to be received. When communicating effectively we should keep in mind these 4 areas to focus on: Listening, Body Language, Being Precise, and Being Open-Minded.
1. Listen
Always keep in mind that communication is a two way street. You have to be willing not only share your thoughts and point of views, but to also listen to what the other party has to say. Otherwise, the conversation will become one sided, and the other party may feel attacked. For example, you want to have a conversation with an employee who needs to improve in some areas. You sit down with that employee, share your concerns, and end the conversation with a threat of accountability if they don't improve the areas. That was not effective communication because you didn't ask questions and possibly offer solutions to assist this employee in improvement. You didn't open up the opportunity to receive their feedback or stance on what may be affecting their productivity. This holds the same weight when communicating with your loved ones. You want to receive their perspectives and how they feel about the subject as well. Therefore, you want to make sure you're prepared to listen if you want an effective conversation with a positive outcome.
Always keep in mind that communication is a two way street. You have to be willing not only share your thoughts and point of views, but to also listen to what the other party has to say. Otherwise, the conversation will become one sided, and the other party may feel attacked. For example, you want to have a conversation with an employee who needs to improve in some areas. You sit down with that employee, share your concerns, and end the conversation with a threat of accountability if they don't improve the areas. That was not effective communication because you didn't ask questions and possibly offer solutions to assist this employee in improvement. You didn't open up the opportunity to receive their feedback or stance on what may be affecting their productivity. This holds the same weight when communicating with your loved ones. You want to receive their perspectives and how they feel about the subject as well. Therefore, you want to make sure you're prepared to listen if you want an effective conversation with a positive outcome.
2. Body Language
You want to be sure you have the correct body language going into a conversation with someone if you want to have an effective conversation. Your posture, eye contact, facial expressions, your tone, and use of space can affect the outcome. If you look upset, disappointed, are fidgeting, or looking down, this might make the other party uncomfortable or even feed off of the same energy. You want them to feel calm and open to the conversation so you have to display that same type of energy. Presenting a confident, relaxed, and calming body language can make the difference in the outcome of this communication.
You want to be sure you have the correct body language going into a conversation with someone if you want to have an effective conversation. Your posture, eye contact, facial expressions, your tone, and use of space can affect the outcome. If you look upset, disappointed, are fidgeting, or looking down, this might make the other party uncomfortable or even feed off of the same energy. You want them to feel calm and open to the conversation so you have to display that same type of energy. Presenting a confident, relaxed, and calming body language can make the difference in the outcome of this communication.
3. Be Precise
Before attempting to communicate an issue or concern, take a minute or two to plan that conversation. Create an outline of approach so that you're clear and able to get your message across. You don't want to draw the conversation out too long or be scattered everywhere and forget what intention you originally had going in. Narrow down the message you want to express and hit points. You don't want this communication to turn into a long argument or debate so you have to control the direction of the communication. That will become challenging if you don't have a plan going in. Know the behaviors and personality of the person you're going to communicate with. Everyone is different, so you have to plan your approach ahead of time and very specific. Be precise in your communication for the best end results.
4. Be Open-Minded
Last but no least, go into the conversation with an open-mind. If you think that you can communicate effectively without being able to absorb others perspectives and views, you're in for a rude awakening. It's a must that you have an open-mind. It's important to control your emotions and leave the door open for various opinions and observations. Everyone won't always agree with your perspective and you have to be okay with that. We all have room for improvement and communicating effectively sometimes mean that your self accountability can change that conversation drastically. I sometimes mention areas that I can improve on as well so that the other party feels I'm coming from a genuine place of self accountability and not judgement.
Overall, effective communication can change various outcomes at work or at home. What it looks like to me is two parties having a conversation, coming up with a solution, and leaving that conversation in a positive mindset. Effectively communicating isn't always easy, but it's worth the effort.
Sending you all Peace, Love, and Light.
Sincerely,
Carrie P.
Before attempting to communicate an issue or concern, take a minute or two to plan that conversation. Create an outline of approach so that you're clear and able to get your message across. You don't want to draw the conversation out too long or be scattered everywhere and forget what intention you originally had going in. Narrow down the message you want to express and hit points. You don't want this communication to turn into a long argument or debate so you have to control the direction of the communication. That will become challenging if you don't have a plan going in. Know the behaviors and personality of the person you're going to communicate with. Everyone is different, so you have to plan your approach ahead of time and very specific. Be precise in your communication for the best end results.
4. Be Open-Minded
Last but no least, go into the conversation with an open-mind. If you think that you can communicate effectively without being able to absorb others perspectives and views, you're in for a rude awakening. It's a must that you have an open-mind. It's important to control your emotions and leave the door open for various opinions and observations. Everyone won't always agree with your perspective and you have to be okay with that. We all have room for improvement and communicating effectively sometimes mean that your self accountability can change that conversation drastically. I sometimes mention areas that I can improve on as well so that the other party feels I'm coming from a genuine place of self accountability and not judgement.
Overall, effective communication can change various outcomes at work or at home. What it looks like to me is two parties having a conversation, coming up with a solution, and leaving that conversation in a positive mindset. Effectively communicating isn't always easy, but it's worth the effort.
Sending you all Peace, Love, and Light.
Sincerely,
Carrie P.
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