8 Tips to Better Communication

It is true that communication can be a stumbling block in relationships. It is also true that this stumbling block can be moved out of the way. However, the stumbling block is not going to move itself and therefore, the work will have to be done by you and your partner. Here are 8 tips, in no particular order:

1. Show your good manners. Be the type of person that others will want to respect and listened to.
2. Create a climate conducive to communication. Agree upon a time to have a serious talk, pay attention to your body language and your surroundings.
3. Pay attention. This involves listening and not merely hearing.
4. Don’t humiliate the other person. Avoid the ‘winner/loser’ power play of conversations. There are no winners when someone is embarrassed or ashamed.
5. Don’t pass judgment and don’t be critical. Why place the other person on the defensive?
6. Build the other person’s self-confidence. Open the door so that the real issues are attended to.
7. Allow the other person to challenge your opinions. Who says you are right? Are you open to learn from the other person? Have you communicated clearly?
8. Never close the door on a subject. Nothing is gained by either party when one or both close up toward one another.