Making Communication Clear

Making Communication Clear

Where does communication fall apart and how does it raise the bar?

Misunderstandings are often the ‘gap’ between what someone said, and what someone heard.

Communication is the main key I often assist my clients with how to improve the relationships they have personally, professionally and with themselves.

Sharing thoughts and feelings is the heart of how we communicate. Listening to someone else as they are sharing is key to complete a circle between each other.

If you are the person speaking- be direct. Don’t assume the other person, no matter how close you think you are, knows what you are thinking. State your needs, wants, desires and what you are willing to be responsible for, and what you are willing to do to for ‘it’.

During the time someone is speaking and you are the listener, be attentive and honestly listen, without distraction of what you want to say next. Be respectful and stay calm, listen without reacting. When they are done speaking, then respond and acknowledge what they just said. Paraphrase (repeat) the best you can what you think they just said, to be sure ‘you heard’ what ‘they said’ correctly.

Get clarity of anything you find confusing or questionable. Assumptions kill communication because it is based on un-truths.

Conclusions from communication must be based on ‘clarified truths’ and not assumptions. Communication is incomplete, usually misunderstood and develops hurt or angry feelings if any part of it is based on assumptions and therefore incorrect conclusions.

Give the person the benefit of the doubt, some slack, by getting clarity directly from the source. Allow for some human quirks (you have them too!), and extend some compassion without judgment coming from your ‘own glass house’.

The more issues you have about or with others that you judge, the person in the mirror is being judged too, with the same. Use the differences between yourself and others for growth and learning, instead of seeing limitation and making more separation.

Be curious! It takes less energy and is easier to be curious and allowing of others ways and being, than to gossip and reject them or you.

Let’s make our communication a curious and open place to be with ourselves and others.

Smiles,

Phoenix