Effective Communication Skills

Effective Communication Skills: How we express ourselves can either build bridges or create barriers. 🗣️These effective communication skills can help foster understanding, strengthen bonds, and ensure your connections survive and thrive 💫

“Strong relationships are based on trust and communication. But if there is no communication, there can be no trust.” - Simon Sinek

• Validate emotions, create safe space for sharing

• Practice active listening (listen without thinking about your reply before they finish), avoid interrupting, show understanding

• Foster non-judgmental, respectful conversations

• Use “I” statements, express feelings openly

• Teach assertiveness, not aggression, in conflicts

• Be self-aware of your non-verbal cues (body language)

Examples of how to use each of the aforementioned skills:

Validate Emotions:

• “It’s completely valid to feel the way you do.”

• “Your emotions are important and I’m here to support you.”

• “This is a safe space for you to share without judgment.”

Non-judgmental and Respectful:

• “I respect your perspective.”

• “I may not agree, but I hear you and I understand.”

• “Everyone has their own unique experience.”

Active Listening:

• “I hear what you’re saying.”

• “Tell me more about that.”

• “It sounds like you’re feeling.....”

• “I want to hear your complete thoughts before responding.”

Use of “I” Statements:

• “I feel (emotion)....when____ because_____”

• “I need.....”

• “I appreciate when......”

Empathy and Understanding:

• “I can imagine how that might make you feel.”

• “It must be really tough for you.”

• “I understand where you’re coming from.”

• *paraphrase back to them what they said

Teaching Assertiveness in Conflicts:

• “Express your needs without attacking the other person.”

• “We can work together to find a solution that meets both our needs.”

• “Let’s find a way to address this issue assertively.”