Communication Skills

Good Communication is vital to solve problems. However, it is not a subject that is taught at school, and it is fraught with difficulties. There are times in a conversation when it is our turn to talk, and other times when we listen.

There are some obvious rules connected to good communication.

If we talk in a way that is respectful, and then if we listen attentively to what the other person is saying, we have a fair chance of getting somewhere with the conversation.

Getting somewhere means some level of agreement or acceptance.

Listening skills need to be practised. And speaking in a way that is acceptable to the other party is also something one needs to practise.

It is a waste of time getting angry , and using a tone of voice that upsets the other person. If the conversation starts to become a rowdy argument, it is better to stop talking at that point. No-one is going to win the argument. You are both going to retain the memory of the unpleasant conversation, and the memory of the unpleasantness is likely to stop you wanting to discuss the situation with that person ever again.

So -use patience and respect. Avoid saying things in a nasty way. Avoid criticising the other person. People do not like to be criticised.

Use good manners, and try to maintain a pleasant attitude throughout.

What was the purpose for talking in the first place? Was it to be mean, or was it to get a useful result?

 Be constructive, not destructive. This requires practice and self-control.