Do you feel like your messages get lost in translation?
Do misunderstandings frequently arise in your most challenging conversations?
Do you struggle to articulate your thoughts clearly and feel frustrated or unheard?
Effective communication is the key to strong relationships, successful collaboration, and personal well-being. When we communicate well we build trust and resolve conflicts and confusion.
But like any skill we need to practice and make a constant effort to be clear, concise, and empathetic .
This exercise is designed to help us improve our communication skills and get to more productive and meaningful conversations. I have been using it myself and with some of my coaching clients.
Good luck!
Exercise: Communicating Better
Reflect on recent interactions that did not go well and work thru these questions:
Active Listening:
During your last significant conversation, how much attention did you truly give to the other person? Were you fully present, or were you planning your response, distracted by your phone, or thinking about something else?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = not at all, 5 = completely), how effectively did you listen?
What cues (verbal or non-verbal) did you notice that indicated whether the other person felt heard?
Clarity and Conciseness:
When you spoke, were your points clear and easy to understand? Did you get straight to the point or did you find ramble or use unnecessary jargon?
Can you recall a time recently where you felt your message was misunderstood? What could you have done differently to make it clearer?
Non-Verbal Communication:
What was your body language like during your last few interactions? Was it open and inviting or closed off and defensive? Did your facial expressions match your words?
Think about how your non-verbal cues might be impacting how others perceive your message.
Empathy and Perspective-Taking:
Before responding, did you try to understand the other person’s perspective or feelings even if you didn't agree with them? Did you acknowledge their emotions?
In what ways could you have shown more empathy or validated the other person's feelings?
Feedback and Openness:
How do you typically react when someone provides you with feedback on your communication style? Are you open to it or do you become defensive? Do you actively seek feedback on how you communicate?
Consider one specific interaction where feedback on your communication might have been helpful (either given or received). How could that have changed the outcome?
This is a great list of questions.
I am trying to be more effective at communicating. Thank you for the subject!