Communication skills directly affect the quality of relationships and emotional health. Let's explore how to effectively convey your thoughts and emotions.
The ability to communicate is not just a skill, but a true art. Even adults sometimes find it difficult to clearly express their feelings or thoughts without creating conflicts. Experts from Evergreen Therapeutics have prepared a step-by-step guide to help you learn how to speak in a way that ensures you are understood while maintaining harmony in relationships.
Understand Your Emotions
Before saying anything, it is important to recognize your feelings. Keeping an emotion journal and answering questions can help clarify them:
- What am I feeling right now?
- Why do I feel this way?
- What events or thoughts triggered these emotions?
When you understand your feelings, it is easier to find the right words for your conversation partner.
The Right Time and Place
Effective communication requires a calm environment. Do not discuss important or conflictual topics if someone is tired or irritated. When everyone is ready to listen, the conversation is more productive.
Use "I-Messages"
Speak in the first person to avoid accusations and conflicts:
- Instead of "You never listen to me"
- Say: "I feel unheard when you interrupt during our conversation"
Be Specific
General phrases create misunderstandings. Clearly explain what and why it concerns you:
- Instead of "I am upset"
- Better: "I am upset that my ideas are not considered in the meeting"
Active Listening
Communication is a dialogue. Listen attentively, nod, and ask clarifying questions to understand your partner. This builds trust.
Control Nonverbal Signals
Body language enhances the message. Maintain eye contact, keep an open posture, and be mindful of your facial expressions so that your partner feels engaged.
Stay Calm
During emotional conversations, it is easy to succumb to anger. Breathe deeply, maintain a constructive tone, and remember: the goal is to understand, not to win an argument.
Feedback and Analysis
After the conversation, clarify how your partner perceived your words and what can be improved. This helps refine communication skills.
Empathy
Try to see the situation through the eyes of the other person, acknowledging their feelings even if you disagree. Empathy deepens the connection and makes the dialogue more productive.
The skill of communication requires practice. It is important to understand yourself, choose the right time, use clear words, and be attentive to others. The art of communication helps build healthy relationships and remain true to oneself.
