Being able to communicate thoughts and opinions to others is important for survival. Communication plays a fundamental role in all aspects of your life. From your relationships to business settings, communication is a skill everyone should continually work on. Learning how to effectively communicate is not a one-and-done skill, you have to work to hone and perfect it. There are several roles that every person fills on a daily basis, depending on the interaction. What every interaction has in common is the need for clear and effective communication.
In creating effective communication, there are many elements involved, and not always words. Being able to recognize and interpret body language helps lead to lasting and genuine relationships.
There are many different reasons why communication is key. Here are several from Janelle Alex, PhD:
- Building Bonds and Trust
- When we effectively communicate with our partners, we build trust with them. Trust is a major factor in keeping a relationship strong. It has a powerful impact on the longevity of our relationships.
- Understanding
- The only way to truly know what others want is by understanding what they have to say. If you do not let others know what you are needing, likely there will be miscommunication and the relationships will grow further and further apart.
- Create Boundaries
- Talking to those you are working with or building a relationship with offers the opportunity to let the other person involved know the limits and boundaries. These boundaries can vary depending on the relationship type.
- Create a Safe Space
- Within our different relationships, we should have a safe space to be authentic – to let our guard down and show our true selves. By building trust and actually understanding one another or a team, provides a safe place to share things in confidence you may or may not have with others.
Good communication skills are the key to any given situation. Be sure to pay attention, be present, and don’t spend your time thinking of what you’ll say next. Remember, there’s a difference between hearing and listening.
Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.
–Nat Turner
