Communication is the key towards building any relationship, be it with a life partner, family or even friends. Delivering your message in an understandable and effective way to another person or persons is communication. But many make this mistake of assuming that a large quantity of communication is good communication and is enough. The truth is that the quantity of communication is not as important as the quality of the communication. Tending Minds, Pune's best psychotherapy experts, will help with some tips to improve communication in relationships.
Effective Communication
In its simplistic sense, effective communication means that when you say something, it is delivered to and understood by the listener in every sense you intended to. Sometimes, you assume that when you communicate, the listener is perceiving everything the way you want them to. But this usually is not the case as everyone has a different opinion and interpretation of things. So, in order to improve communication in a relationship, it is important to know what the other person is perceiving from your communication. You can ask questions, be clear what you want to say and your motives. Only then can effective communication be achieved.
Listen
Rather than patiently listening to what the other is saying, we wait for them to stop speaking so we have our chance to speak. Mindfully listening to the person speaking to you, being in the present physically and mentally, is something many don't do. When communicating with someone there are hundreds of distractions but it is your responsibility to make an effort to avoid those distractions and concentrate and listen to the other person, giving them your undivided attention. If there are doubts or questions, clarify them right there in order to avoid misunderstandings.
Body Language
While communicating we often say something but our body language may give off a completely different message. The subconscious mind can sense and understand body language, so it is important to have the right body language as well while communicating. Make eye contact, have an open-to-communication stance, give the occasional nod to show that you are listening. Avoid fidgeting as it shows that one is getting restless and wants to get away. Good body language is an important part of communication in a relationship, so give it its due importance.
Think Before Speaking
Never speak in a fit of rage as you tend to say hurtful things that you don't mean to and won't say under other circumstances. Hence, it is important to calm down if you are angry and only then communicate. Even when you are not angry, you need to think about what they are saying and how it will affect or how it will be taken by the person listening. Calmly thinking about what to say is always a good thing to do.
Communication is the key for success in any relationship. To know more about it and become an effective communicator, you can even take help from us at Tending Minds, the top mental health centre in Pune.
