Communication is the building block for connections and ultimately facilitates the nurturing of
bonds. How well we can communicate will
strengthen or destroy the bonds we create.
It also helps to establish the outcome of many of the situations we find
ourselves in. Many times, we can control
whether we have a positive or negative outcome in our interactions with others,
depending on choice words and actions. The
ability to get promoted, sustain relationships, find favor in different
circumstances, teach, parent, have successful outcomes, close a deal, etc., all
depends on how effectively we communicate.
Know that
you are designed to communicate on numerous levels. Not only what you say is important in
communicating, your tone, delivery and projection also play a part. Verbal communications is just a small part of
your message. Non-verbal communication
cues are just as important in conveying your message. Your eyes, body language, touch, breathing, walk,
posture, attitude, smile or lack of one, are all apart of your message, serving
to emote your most inner thoughts, and feelings.
Even when you don’t say a word, you are
constantly communicating to others. Your
non-verbal cues speak volumes, even when you don’t realize it. You not only display your feelings and
attitudes towards others, as well as the world around you, you amply display
your feelings and attitudes about yourself. Essentially, you incorporate your identity in every part of your communication. An identity that is based on ones self-perception and that perception is projected to the world through various levels of communications.
JOURNEY #2
- Practice being a better listener. Over the next week make a conscience
effort to listen while others talk, without interruption or thinking of
your next words. Fully focus on what
they are saying without letting your mind drift. At the end of each day journal your
success’s and how your communication with others was improved through this
technique.
- Evaluate your self-talk. Over the next week journal at the end of
each day about the types of self-talk experiences you had during the
day. Is it more positive or
negative?
- When you notice negative self-talk
immediately shift your thinking to positive affirmations. Tell yourself the positive opposite.
- Do you have things that have been bottled
up inside of you? Write a letter
(even if you decide it’s best to not share it,) express yourself to
someone who will listen and cares, or have a heart to heart conversation
with the person who your feelings are directed towards.
- Improve your questions by thinking of the
end result in mind first. Ask the
exact questions that are the means to the desired end.
- Practice having a pleasant, friendly,
motivating, nurturing, encouraging tone with everyone you encounter all
week. Especially those you have the
hardest time communicating with.
Journal at the end of each day how this affected your encounters.
- Think before you speak, every time you
speak. It is ok to take a pause to
clearly think your thoughts out and precisely convey the message you want. Do not be in a rush to speak.
- If you are telling someone something
important over the next week, remember to repeat the important parts to
them.
- If someone else is telling you something important to them, repeat what you believe is the important part of their message back to them before you respond to ensure that you have clarity. Do not assume that you understand their points.
- At the end of the week log in your journal what communication techniques you tried. Did they improve your communications with others? If so, how does the improvement affect your relationships?
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