Are you communicating or are you talking?

You know that feeling in a conversation when you say one thing but the other person responds as if they’ve heard or read something else? You could be doing the same without realizing.

This leads to misunderstandings, frustration, conflicts, and problems at work and home.

Effective communication is not just about clearly conveying a message, but also listening and reading in a way that gains the full meaning of what’s being said, and makes the other person feel understood.

Here are some simple tips to communicate more effectively:

1- Set aside your bias, and focus on making progress with the person rather than defending your point of view.

2- Avoid interrupting or trying to redirect the conversation to your concerns. You can’t concentrate on what someone’s saying if you’re forming what you’re going to say next.

3. If there seems to be a disconnect, reflect what has been said by paraphrasing. Express what the speaker’s words mean to you, and ask questions to clarify certain points.

Remember, a conversation should not be about playing defense, but rather bridging gaps, finding common ground, and making progress! What other tips do you have for effective communication? Please do share!