In any personal or professional relationship, it is essential to know how to communicate effectively. Effective communication enables you to express yourself to others with conviction and clarity. Communication is key for maintaining relationships with others and making creating a cohesive unit within your workplace. Although not everyone will agree with your opinion or point of view, communicating effectively will enable everyone to feel understood and seen.
The foundation of all relationships is communication.
Without communication, we would be unable to express our needs, wants, and feelings to the people closest to us and those around us. We would also be unable to resolve conflicts in a healthy manner if we left people making assumptions about our thoughts and actions.
Without effective communication, relationships and work environments will crumble. Communication is presented verbally and non-verbally. Our actions, body posture, or lack of reaction communicate more than words at times.
Beware! The improving technology is suppressing our communication skills.
With the rise of technological innovation, we are able to communicate at faster speeds and at greater lengths within a few seconds. There is currently much more communication being shared than ever over social media platforms along with a lack of sufficient communication skills when conversing with others face to face. The younger generation, especially due to the pandemic, has become more isolated and withdrawn from others.
We text instead of talk, email instead of meet in person, and social media has replaced face-to-face interactions. As a result, there is concerning number of individuals who have lost basic communication skills. It is beneficial to make an effort to communicate with people outside of a screen. When individuals communicate face-to-face, they are able to establish a deeper sense of connection with others and feel more seen and understood.
Unclear communication can create an environment of misunderstanding.
In every relationship, there is no evading tension, trouble, and drama. Unclear communication can lead to uncommunicated expectations, judgment, and resistance. The key to reducing tension, trouble, and drama in your relationships is establishing clear communication. When you are clear about your needs, wants, and expectations, you can avoid conflict and build stronger relationships.
How can you be an effective communicator?
To be an effective communicator, you need to understand yourself and be understood by others. You value what you have to say and value what others have to say. You listen to understand, you do not listen to respond.
When speaking, build the habit of being clear and concise with your words. Ensure you are not speaking too quickly or using words your listener may not understand. Being aware of your body language and facial expressions as well, non-verbal communication is communicating just as much as your words.
When listening to someone, pay attention to what they are saying. Do not get distracted or start thinking about other things. Try to paraphrase what the other person said to ensure that you understood them correctly. Remember to always be respectful and curious when communicating with others regardless of whether you agree with them.
The AHRK Path can help you to become an effective communicator.
If you want to develop your communication skills, come join us on the AHRK Path. AHRK Path provides you with resources and tools that help you to hone your communication skills. Download our CirclesNow app now and learn how it works.
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