By Bronwyn Ison
Honing your skills as a good communicator will serve you for the rest of your life. When you communicate well you are able to foster healthy relationships within your family and workplace. Healthy communication skills do not come naturally for most of us. Communication skills need to be practiced and developed.
An attribute, most great communicators posses are exceptional listening skills. Proficient communicators also honed their skills of effecting others mood and attitude. When a communicator can read his/her environment they are able to tune into what that person or group needs or desires.
Whether you are communicating with your spouse, significant other, children, colleagues in the workplace or your employees, each person desires someone trustworthy. A person is more likely to pay attention and follow the lead if they can trust the words that are being spoken. If trust is absent or broken, there will be a challenge to gain respect.
As a healthy communicator you will want and need to attain a personal relationship with whom you are speaking to. Your husband or wife needs to know they are being heard. Becoming personal also conveys that you value the person.
As a leader, conveying positive messages to your team will be essential. In your ensuing address to your team, do so with empathy and jettison your ego behind. Nobody wants or needs an egocentric boss. An empathetic communicator will be able to display a level of authenticity. Everyone desires this quality in a person.
A good communicator will also maintain an open mind. Listen to what your friend or child has to say. Do not assume anything. Keep in mind there are two sides to every story. Often people will not share their ideas with others for fear of being rejected. Gain a reputation of being open minded. Remember you have everything to gain.
As an effective communicator one of the worst things you can do is utilize the silent treatment. This is disrespectful, rude and uncalled for in any relationship. It’s fine to have a cooling off period, reconvene and talk it through.
Be honest. Lying will only dig you into a deeper hole. Remember, the truth will set you free. Also, do not raise your voice. You can convey a valid point with a respectful tone of voice. Lastly, put your cell phone away. You cannot have engaging or meaningful dialog with someone if you are distracted by another conversation on your phone.
You can be a positive and healthy communicator if you choose to learn. Be a positive influence to others through your communication.
Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. www.e-volveyoga.com 760.567.6716 (YOGA)
