Key To Effective Communication

By Jayaram V

The key to effective communication is to be in the present and paying attention. Indeed, unless you are in the present you cannot pay attention, and unless you pay attention you cannot be in the present. Thus, both are interrelated.

Good communicators are also good at communicating with themselves. They pay attention to themselves and are sensitive to their own thoughts and feelings. They know when they are happy or unhappy, what motivates them or inspires or what depresses them.

Being aware of their desires and aspirations and their strengths and weaknesses makes them transparent and truthful about their feelings and emotions. This ability to look within themselves and honestly acknowledging their feelings and emotions help them empathize with others, which is the key to effective communication.

Effective communication is all about paying attention, being mindful of oneself and the other person or persons in communication and knowing when to speak and when to listen, when to yield and when to assert, and when to speak out and when to suspend judgment. Good communication requires effort. Those who excel in it excel in their lives and professions.

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