meaningfuel

Communication and success go hand in hand, it’s not a secret.

It’s the basis of any lasting relationship, personal or professional.

I’ve failed in jobs because I’ve not communicated. I’ve failed in jobs because I’ve communicated badly. I have a tendency to think first about what others might want to hear.

Communication, or effective communication is a struggle.

Through struggle comes fulfilment.

1.Listen:

We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.

Epictetus

You can immediately destroy the effectiveness of your own words if you don’t understand or engage with what is being said. Maintain focus on the speaker, avoid the temptation to interrupt and ask questions only to ensure you’ve understood.

2.Expression and Honesty:

…when genuine passion moves you, say what you’ve got to say, and say it hot.

D.H. Lawrence

It’s a positive to respect who you are talking to, it is essential that you respect yourself more. Expressing your thoughts and beliefs is sometimes necessary to move forward in our work and our relationships. Sometimes a ‘no’ is as powerful as any tirade you want to conjure. Sometimes somebody genuinely needs to hear your opinion or your feedback and with the right words, can be convinced. Say what you mean.

3.Control:

I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.

Evelyn Beatrice Hall

Giving in to emotions enables them to take control of the conversation. Stay rational when you speak, slow down or stay silent until you’ve considered your response. Consider if you will regret your words in the next hour or day.

4. Choice of Language:

You can change your world by changing your words… Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue.

Joel Osteen

We have an almost infinite arsenal of words to choose. The choice of words; adjectives, verbs, pronouns etc can significantly change or enhance our meaning. Consider if ‘we’ or ‘us’ might build better bridges than ‘you’ and ‘me’.

Ultimately, communication will always be a complex process and some aspects will be easier or more challenging dependent on the individual.

Consider the relationships in which you struggle and also the ones in which you thrive..perhaps you look differently at your contribution.