Effective communication can be the cornerstone of successful relationships, helping both partners to understand one another’s needs and desires while also avoiding miscommunication that leads to hurt, anger and resentment. To enhance your communications abilities further, try adding some of these strategies into daily routine:
Be curious: Take an open approach when responding to any angry remarks by your partner and aim to understand why they might be upset, without passing judgment on what might lie beneath the surface.
Table of Contents
Be Open and Honest
Open dialogue allows both partners to express their feelings without risk of misunderstand or unnecessary conflicts arising.
When disputes arise between you and your spouse, it’s essential that both parties communicate openly so they understand each other’s emotions, so solutions that meet both of their needs and expectations may be found more quickly.
Avoid criticizing or blaming your spouse; rather express your emotions in a constructive manner and seek feedback that’s constructive for both of you. Be open to constructive advice, learn active listening techniques (listen not just what someone says but their tone of voice and body language as well) and stay out of distractions during conversations so as to devote all your focus and attention on each individual conversation partner.
Be Specific
Inclusion in communication is of utmost importance when sharing ideas or passing emails between colleagues or relaying telegraphed information in person or email form, to prevent misinterpretations by others of what has been sent out by them. Being explicit and specific helps prevent any misunderstandings and miscommunication.
Verbal communication involves more than words; tone and body language play an integral part. Avoid filler words such as “um,” “yeah,” or “like.” For written communications, concise sentences without too much humor may provide greater clarity.
Recognizing how people communicate differently is critical to effective dialogue. Some may speak in high context – emphasizing relationships, hierarchy and formality – while others prefer direct language for efficiency. Being mindful of such differences and learning strategies to navigate them will allow you to avoid miscommunication and build deeper bonds with those you meet.
Be Empathetic
Empathy is essential in relationships. It allows both partners to understand one another’s experiences, creating stronger bonds. Empathy also aids conflict resolution and builds trust between couples.
To demonstrate empathy, listen actively without interruptions, ask any necessary questions if necessary, and respond in kind; reflective responses which match up to speaker emotions such as “I understand your frustration or the stress this situation must cause”, for instance are examples of reflective replies which demonstrate our empathetic disposition – this way it shows we really hear them when speaking – like saying things like, “I understand your stress”.
Before venturing into emotionally charged topics, take some time for reflection. Discuss these sensitive matters face-to-face whenever possible so as to convey more nuanced message and express more effectively your compassion and empathy.
Be Receptive
Communication should always be open-minded so as to gain understanding for one another’s views during contentious exchanges, rather than becoming aggressive or hostile. Instead of attacking or criticizing, focus on conveying feelings and needs assertively yet constructively.
Marshall B Rosenberg’s nonviolent communication technique offers one way to enhance receptive communication skills; making observations without labelling or interpreting them. If your date arrives late for dinner, rather than labelling their lateness as proof they don’t value or plan appropriately – let this serve as an opportunity for you both!
Active listening techniques are another effective means of honing receptive communication abilities, including monitoring body language and refraining from looking at phones/texting during conversations; asking clarifying questions to assess what has been heard can also greatly increase receptive skills.
Be Patient
Mastering healthy communication takes practice in any relationship. By being open and willing to compromise, constructive conversations and finding compromise solutions for conflicts between partners may come about more easily.
Timing can have an incredible effect on how a conversation goes. Discussing sensitive subjects at night after an exhausting day might not be ideal.
Marshall B Rosenberg’s nonviolent communication technique can also prove fruitful, encouraging you to express your observations without making judgments on their actions – for instance if someone arrives late for an appointment you could simply say: ‘I noticed when you arrive; it seems you tend to arrive later.” This helps de-escalate any negative emotions and keep both parties focused on discussing the topic at hand.
Be respectful
Respect is often taken for granted when it comes to communication. A healthy relationship requires equal participation on all topics discussed; otherwise one party could feel left out or frustrated due to another taking over conversations.
Being polite in communication requires listening without attacking another’s viewpoint, and using “I” statements rather than blanket statements which might come off as attacks against individuals.
Communication requires being willing to compromise and come up with solutions that satisfy both sides, which may prove challenging when tempers flare. But making every effort necessary to maintain respectful communications will yield benefits over time: positive relationships require it.
Be Assertive
Being assertive when communicating means being clear, confident and in charge. Adopting this style helps enhance conversations by encouraging open dialogue and psychological safety as well as simplifying conflict resolution by eliminating ambiguity in one’s messages and being direct with their communication.
Assertive conversations require both body language and tone of voice awareness; doing this can make you seem more assured even if you feel anxious inwardly; encouraging other to take you seriously and give you their attention.
As an example, it is crucial that individuals maintain proper posture by standing up straight, making eye contact, and not crossing their arms or legs. At first this may feel awkward but with practice it will become second nature – try practicing in front of a mirror or trusted friend as this process.
