12/14/2022
The quality of your relationships can affect all aspects of your life—your self-esteem, health, and even productivity. Keeping any relationship healthy requires effective communication. These tips
will help you communicate better for stronger relationships.
Show respect. This should be number one in your “communication toolbox.” Always listen without judgment, showing that you value the other person.
Practice “active” listening. Put away your phone or tablet, make eye contact with the person who is talking, and observe their body language. Acknowledge what you heard by nodding or repeating back what is being said.
Watch your own body language. Your actions, expressions, and physical stance bear meaning, too. When congratulating someone, for example, approaching them in a relaxed manner rather than in a tense, hurried stance will help better communicate your genuine feelings.
Make it a two-way street. Don’t dominate the conversation — allow equal time to talk and listen.
Avoid interrupting. Keep your focus on the conversation and let the other person finish what they
are saying before you interject your own thoughts.
Ask probing questions. Ask open-ended questions that solicit more than a yes/no response or just a few words. For example, rather than simply asking a friend if they liked the concert, ask them to
tell you what they found most interesting about the concert.
Opt for face-to-face communication to discuss sensitive subjects. Texts or emails can’t truly convey the tone or inflection that lends true meaning to your words, especially regarding matters like relationships or job issues. Misunderstandings can arise. In general, whenever possible, it’s best to discuss these subjects in person, or at least, over the phone.
