Written by: Ginger Carlson, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
This article is your guide to get started on becoming a better, more thoughtful communicator. In it, we explore four key tips to help you improve your relationships and interactions through receptive and expressive communication, how dignity plays a role, and how using the right words can make an impactful difference. By the end, you'll have the tools to communicate effectively and positively influence your personal and professional life.
Are you seeking to enhance your communication skills, foster deeper connections, or discover effective leadership strategies? Regardless of your motivation, embarking on this journey is a pathway towards self-discovery and personal growth, with the potential to leave a lasting impact.
Communication stands as an indispensable facet of our daily existence. Whether it's our interactions with family and friends or our leadership roles in the workplace, adept communication is paramount for forging robust relationships and achieving our goals. In this article, we'll delve into the significance of communication and unveil four essential tips to refine your communicative prowess while enhancing your overall well-being and interpersonal relationships.
Tip 1: Embrace receptive and expressive communication
The art of communication can be categorized into two primary facets: receptive and expressive. Receptive communication pertains to what we take in and absorb, while expressive communication revolves around what we convey. Appreciating the significance of both forms and intentionally honing your skills in each domain can significantly elevate your ability to connect effectively, both personally and professionally. Mastering these skills is the first step towards creating a substantial impact in your interactions.
Tip 2: Prioritize healthy conversations
Healthy dialogues are integral to our overall well-being. They have the potential to mitigate stress, enhance mental and physical health, and promote a harmonious environment. One way is to become aware of and explore the concept of "heart coherence,” which is the state of your heart and brain being in alignment. Studies show that when we achieve this state stress is reduced and well-being increases. In addition, when we are able to drop into a “coherent” state, we are better prepared to communicate with calm compassion, fostering a positive and wholesome atmosphere for communication. You can get closer to communicating with coherence by doing the following:
Connect. Sit or stand in a comfortable place with both feet firmly on the ground. Place your hand over your heart. Gently begin to move your fingertips in a circular motion over your heart.
Breathe. As you breathe in, imagine breathing into your heart instead of your lungs. Breathe deeply into your heart while continuing to connect your hand to heart in a circular motion. If it helps, imagine that you are “rubbing it in” as if it was a special kiss you wanted to savor.
Go inward. Close your eyes to better imagine your heart and brain waves begin to come more into alignment. You will begin to feel your mind calm and your heart center soften. Spend at least 30 seconds here before you open your eyes and are ready to communicate.
Harriet Lerner says, “How we use our voice determines the quality of our relationships, who we are in the world, and what the world can be or might become.” If you use it from a coherent place, you will be better able to connect with those you are trying to communicate with. And remember, there is always time to be more “coherent.”
Tip 3: Grasp the essence of dignity
In our course on Communicating with Dignity, we distinguish between the key concepts of dignity and respect. Doing so is actually vital to better communication. In her book Dignity, Dr. Donna Hicks outlined ten fundamental elements of dignity that every human deserves. By increasing your understanding of the elements of dignity you utilize in our conversations, you can make a positive impact on yourself, each other, AND the world around you. Further, by incorporating these elements into your interactions, you can amplify your communication skills and cultivate more profound connections with those in your sphere.
Tip 4: Communication with granularity
As Mark Twain astutely noted, "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug." The precision of your language is pivotal in effective communication. Paying meticulous attention to your choice of words can enhance your ability to communicate effectively, mitigating misunderstandings and conflicts.
Reflect on the words you regularly use that currently serve you well and those that present challenges. Are there words that might trigger those around you into a defensive response? Other words that bring them along the journey more inclusively? By setting a deliberate intention for our exploration, you can engage in introspective conversations with yourself, identifying areas ripe for growth and improvement.
Remember, communication is the cornerstone for building robust relationships, attaining your aspirations, and leading an impactful life. By nurturing your communication skills and consistently approaching your interactions with dignity, you develop the tools and knowledge to create a positive impact in the world around you. So step forth with confidence, equipped with the means to communicate effectively and leave your mark on the world.
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Ginger Carlson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Ginger Carlson is an international keynote and TEDx speaker, leader, and award-winning author. She has presented and written widely on the topics of creativity, communication, growth, and transformation, and how to uniquely and positively nurture each of them in our personal lives and organizations. Dr. Carlson is the co-founder of Möbius Dynamics and CEO of The Multarity Project™. She can be contacted through her websites https://www.gingercarlson.com/ and https://www.multarityproject.com/
