Better communication makes life easier and more fulfilling. Communication errors cause much of our problems with others and ourselves. We define ourselves through verbal and nonverbal language.
Communication that fosters understanding is good. Thus, it requires the ability to communicate and comprehend others. This means we say what we want at the proper moment and in a way that others can understand.
“I fear incommunicability; it causes all violence.
Jean-Paul Sartre
We must also be able to listen and analyse others' messages. Though simple, it is not. We must eliminate prejudices, preconceived assumptions, and filters that distort what they say or show us.
The best incentive to work on this is that good communication improves life. Freer when we can express ourselves truthfully. Weight drops. Nothing is more burdensome than not saying something we must. So here are three ways to improve your communication.
This method improves communication by replacing expressions, gestures, and behaviours. We all have an internal thermometer or intuition that alarms us when we communicate poorly.
The goal is to discover factors that hinder communication. Instead of our interlocutor's mistakes, we should focus on ours. The discrepancy occurred when? Were our words or expressions offensive? We employed what language, gestures, and postures?
Such inquiries help us develop conclusions that improve communication. All of this is meant to replace behaviours that inhibit clear, open, assertive communication.
This strategy is similar to the above but focuses on expressive volume. We must analyse what is lacking or too much in our communications to improve communication.
The objective is to focus on the word. Prolix or stingy with words? Do we use enough words to be understood or only what we need? Do we explain every detail to help others? Is this too far?
To improve communication, we must study our nonverbal language. The latter can have excesses or shortages. We may be too expressive because we are not invested in what we say or lack confidence in expressing our sentiments. Excessive expression might intimidate or mute others.
Our method of being includes some things. Our identity depends on them, thus we shouldn't eliminate them. If we want to communicate better, we should avoid some behaviours. Fear of public expression is one of these behaviours.
Neurotic fear of expressing our thoughts and feelings. Everyone should be able to express themselves. You can choose or nuance how you do it. Not everyone has wealth, and it's not required. We should all be able to correctly portray our inner selves when we desire.
That's why we should eliminate (or strive to eradicate) behaviours that make us stay mute when we don't want to. This is possible for anyone. This decision takes courage yet is worthwhile.
These three methods will improve our communication if we practise and internalise them. Our relationships will improve, so it's worth it. Additionally, we can enhance internal conversation and adopt behaviours aligned with our values and interests.