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Effective communication is the key to building successful relationships. Communicating involves the exchange of information and transmitting meaning, building trust, coordinating actions, and planning strategies for goal accomplishment. These skills are very important in daily life, whether at work or at home.
Effective Communication Skills include:
· Active Listening
o Involves giving your partner/co-worker equal air time
o Give 100% of your attention to the person speaking
o Paraphrase and ask for clarification
o Being non-judgmental
· Skillful Questioning
o Open questions begin with what, why, when, how, where
o Invites discussion and encourages individual to explore thoughts and feelings
o Elicits information relevant to the discussion
· Giving and Receiving Feedback
o Be descriptive, constructive, and positive about behaviour
o Try to give feedback promptly
o Avoid overload – focus on what is important and changeable
o Be open to receiving feedback and acknowledge its receipt
o Avoid being defensive and be open to further discussion
If conflict arises it is often due to a breakdown in communication. When communicating with co-workers or friends and family, use the communication skills above to ensure you are effective in getting your message across and also getting their correct meaning.
Good communication skills must be practiced and reinforced. It is not something that is learned quickly and mastered just by having the right information. You need to purposefully make a point of using these skills in daily life in order for it to become second nature. Through discussion and feedback, stronger relationships can be established. This will benefit you in all areas of your life.
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Source by Diane Ruth Mackay
