Communication is defined in Merrian Websters dictionary as: “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior” Me personally I don’t know if it’s the communicating that is hard or if it’s the vulnerability that comes with having to communicate certain issues that makes it hard. With vulnerability you have to show emotion, you have to let your guard down. And I think that’s what the hardest thing is for people. People categorize vulnerability with weakness. Showing emotion has nothing to do with weakness, it’s actually shows strength because this is a hard thing to do; to let your guard down and speak on whatever is bothering you. Communication is a two way street. Your partner has to be receptive to understanding where you are coming from and looking at things from your point of view whether they agree or not. Communication gets hard when the other person isn’t willing to understand where the other person is coming from. No relationship is going to work without good communication skills. So let’s talk about how we can work on this. 

1. Listen, Listen, and Listen People want to know that they are being heard. Make sure that both parties are in a space where they can give you their undivided attention. Really listen to what the other person has to say before jumping to conclusions and blurting out a response. Ask for clarification to avoid any misunderstanding. 

2. Body Language  This is important for face to face meetings or video calls. Make sure that you appear accessible, so have an open body language. No arms crossed or any defensive body language. Maintain eye contact so that the other person knows that you are listening.

3. Write Things Down sometimes you are not able to speak to the other person right away and that’s okay just grab a pen and paper and write down exactly how you are feeling and how you want to voice your concerns to the other person. Writing is a form of decompressing it’ll calm you. Controlling your emotions and not just going from 0 to 100 is key. I know its easier said than done but just breathe y’all LOL 

4. Think Before You Speak always pause before you speak, not saying the first thing that comes to mind. Take a moment and pay close attention to what you say and how you say it. This one habit will allow you to avoid embarrassments. 

5. Maintain a Positive Attitude and Smile even when you are speaking on the phone, smile because your positive attitude will shine through and the other person will know it. When you smile often and exude a positive attitude, people will respond positively to you.

Communicating effectively is a teachable skill. Practice these 5 tips and watch your communication skills prosper. Wishing you all a happy healthy communicative relationship.