Communication

THE BEST WAY TO COMMUNICATE

-> Improve your vocabulary by reading as often as you can. People who communicate effectively usually have a strong grasp of language and an outstanding vocabulary. It is often difficult to express thoughts because you cannot find the right words. The simple act of reading will naturally grow your vocabulary, giving you a better shot at coming up with the exact words you need at the exact time you need them.

->Try to focus on the point that you are trying to express devoid of emotion. Oftentimes, when you debate or argue as a couple or family, egos get bruised causing defensive behavior and language that was not your original intent. This only leads to confusion and misunderstandings. As soon as you feel your emotions welling up, or feelings of defensiveness arising, try to immediately focus on your original idea or point, and try to express it using different language, rather than jumping on an insulting comment. Once your point is expressed clearly and understood, your partner in debate, may retract the hurtful remark, and you will have reached a better place of understanding.

>Listen. While staying on the task of expressing your own thoughts is key, doing so without listening to others negates any progress you have made in communicating effectively. When your spouse, family member or friend is speaking, focus on what the other person is saying, without planning what you will say to combat his thoughts, at least until he is finished speaking. This way you will have a greater chance of speaking coherently about what you have just heard, and a much greater chance of your thoughts being well received and clearly understood.
> Speak with passion. When giving a speech or presentation at work, the first step to communicating clearly is caring about the topic. Understandably this may not be possible at all times, but do your best to stimulate your own interest in the subject that you are speaking about prior to the big day.

> Stay in the moment. This is probably the best way to communicate effectively in any circumstance. It can be so very easy to let any number of things take your mind off of what you are talking about. Try to ignore what may appear to be negative responses on people's faces, because most of the time, people are completely unaware that they are making such faces. Inside they might be thinking how incredible your speech has been, and hanging on your every word. Appearances can be incredibly deceiving. The most successful people in every area of life, from acting to accounting, to fatherhood, have learned to stay in the moment, captivated by what is happening in the present, and avoiding letting their minds deviate from that moment in time.