Communication sounds easy. It can be as simple as stating what you want to say and listening to what others have to say, but it can be harder than it sounds. Communication skills are especially important in maintaining a healthy relationship. According to Discovery Health, many people believe that effective communication is the number one secret to maintaining a healthy relationship. Effective communication can enhance, and not just maintain, an intimate relationship.
Listening
Listening effectively is important in communication. This means giving the speaker time to fully state what he wants to say. Nods and verbal acknowledgments indicate to the speaker that you are listening. After the speaker has finished, repeating what was said in your own words shows the speaker that you listened and provides a basis for your response.
Body Language
Body language can be important in effectively communicating. If you look bored or are constantly looking away or skyward while someone is speaking, you are giving visual clues that you are not listening to the speaker. Eye contact shows that you are engaged in the conversation.
Speaking
Speaking clearly and directly is important in communicating what you have to say. If you get at your point in a roundabout way, your message may get lost. Conversation should be made in nondefensive tones. After making your point, ask the listener to repeat your message to ensure it was understood correctly.
Open-Ended Questions
Open-ended questions allow the person answering to give responses that are more fully detailed. For example, a question that elicits a simple "yes" or "no" response may make the other person feel constricted in responding and may give the impression that the topic of the conversation is being controlled too tightly.
Summarizing
After a conversation, summarizing what was said helps ensure that the communication was effective. Each person can summarize the conversation as she heard it to ensure all parties understood the conversation correctly.
Emotions
Communicating involves expressing emotions. It is important for the listener to understand that expressing such emotions as anger, frustration, fear and despair is an important part of the communication process. Emotions should be acknowledged. Further communication, such as asking open-ended questions, may help identify the issue that is at the root of the emotional response.
Follow Up
If an issue is raised but not resolved during a conversation, a point can be made to follow up with another conversation. Communication is an ongoing process.
Member Comments