How to Communicate Effectively

We communicate every moment of every day through our eyes, our body language, our behavior, our words, our style, our art and our mere presence. There are times when we are more effective communicators and there are times when we are less effective communicators. Most important is communicating what we had intended to communicate, whether we have been understood and whether our communication is reaping the desired outcome.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Goals
• Patience
• Self-reflection
• Listening skills
• Observation skills
• Time
• Well chosen words
• Courage
• Flexibility

1. Practice your communication with the assistance of any tools at hand such as a mirror, a tape recorder, a video camera or another individual.

2. After using step one as self reflection, modify any behavior, language, body language, facial expressions, choice of words or proximity to the second party.

3. Engage in your communication session while relaxed, well rested and free of any substances such as alcohol.

4. With the aid of all your senses, pay close attention to what you have heard and observed. Ask questions, then determine if your communication goal has been met and whether your communication has been received in a manner that facilitates continuing dialog.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the word "I" more than the word "you."
• Be sure to be a good listener.
• Listening can only take place when you are silent.
• Without self-reflection, only a one-way communication exists.