Ten Techniques for Effective Communication

The techniques for effective communication are simple guidelines to improve your ability to share your thoughts, emotions and feelings as well as listen to and connect with family, friends and anyone you need to speak to. As you go through the various techniques, look inward and honestly assess your personal style. Make changes where necessary.

Techniques for Effective Communication

Always Assume.

Assume that nobody can read your mind. Assume that you need to explain, share, communicate and talk to everyone you want to know and understand your thoughts. Otherwise, do not assume anything else.

Speech needs to be straightforward, honest and open.

Communication that beats around the bush, is cryptic or said to a third party seldom bring about the desired result. It is important that communication speak to or focus on the most wanted response. Using tact to accomplish this is also important.

Effective speech does not use questions as statements.

My grandmother would announce to the house the following question...who drank the last of the water without filling it up? The question was in reality an announcement that who ever drank the last of the water needs to fill it up. Ironically, nobody would admit and grandma usually filled it herself. The communication was ineffective.

Effective speech should be harmonious and congruent.

Our speech should not only be congruent with all that we say, it should also be congruent with our facial expression, body language and emotions.

Express observations, not accusations.

Rather than saying...you never pick up after yourself around the house...(an accusation) it could be better worded...when you do not pick up yourself... In so doing, you have only made a statement of fact.

Clearly define feelings.

Nobody can make you feel anything unless you give up your will to them. What ever feelings we have, we consciously or unconsciously choose or allow. So although an action of another may evoke a feeling, the action did not make you feel anything. To effectively communicate, it is necessary to clearly define the feeling.

Distinctly express needs.

Once the observation is defined and the feelings expressed, it is necessary to make a statement of the desired most wanted response. In other words, what do you need.

Focus on only one issue at a time.

Do not introduce several issues at the same time. For communication to be effective, only communicate one thing at a time is it is extremely sensitive or important.

Avoid double meanings.

It is possible that two honest feelings, contradictory thoughts can be communicated at the same time. It is important to decide between the two. In the case of a husband who wants to go to a movie to be with his wife for the evening but feels that he will be bored to tears has to decide between the two. Saying both is confusing and can only bring about a failure to communicate.

Effective speech will build up and not tear down.

Communication should always build up. Even when it is necessary to offer counsel or criticism, it is possible to frame it in a positive light.

This is only a brief overview of the ten techniques for effective communication. Now, how can you put the techniques for effective communication to work?

The Definition of Communication

Effective Public Speaking: What is it? How is it attained?

Types of Nonverbal communication What are they? What do you need to know about nonverbal communication.

Barriers to Effective Communication What are they?

Gender Differences in Communication

Facial Expression Communication

Importance of Family Communication How will it benefit you?

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