Good, regular communication is essential in any kind of relationship. Without it, relationships can suffer from misunderstandings, which often lead to arguments or, at worst, the breakup of a friendship or other relationship. Though we might think we communicate well, MindTools.com reports that people only remember between a quarter to half of what they hear in a conversation. This means that we could be missing out on as much as half of all the communication in our relationships as well. Take steps to improve communication in your relationships.
Step 1
Think before you say something. Say exactly what you mean, but try not to take too long to speak up when you need to say something that is important to you. Understand that not speaking up when something is important to you can actually cause resentment to build inside you, which can negatively affect your relationships in the long term.
Step 2
Listen to what the other person says to you without interrupting or trying to plan your response. Try to listen actively by paraphrasing what the person has said back to him to make sure you have understood him properly. Understand how important listening is for creating respect in your relationships and for creating an atmosphere that allows for open, honest communication.
Step 3
Watch your nonverbal communication, including your tone of voice, body language and eye contact. Speak in an assertive, yet gentle tone of voice, make enough eye contact (without making the other person feel as though you are staring at her) and face the person you are speaking with. Try not to cross your arms, as this can signal you feel defensive or are trying to distance yourself from the other person.
Step 4
Write letters or notes to express your feelings if it is difficult for you to orally express certain things.
Step 5
Set aside time to "just talk." Creating scheduled times to communicate can be a good way to discover how your friend, relative or lover is doing and is a way to practice your communication skills.
Tips and Warnings
- Remember that it takes time and practice to improve communication in your relationships.
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