Good Communication

From our Motiv8ing Ideas Archive

Good communication is the core of a good relationship - whether it's a personal, social or working relationship.

We can always improve our communication skills, regardless of our current abilities. Our most powerful tool in developing better communication skills is the genuine desire to do so. With the right attitude, we can learn to be better communicators.
Good communication includes:

• Using "I" statements (to describe how we feel) rather than "you" statements (that blame the other person)
• Sharing our observations and checking them out rather than making assumptions about the other person's words or actions
• Speaking in terms of differing opinions, not in terms of absolute right or wrong
• Focusing on describing the other person's behaviour, not judging them as a person
• Sharing ideas and information rather than giving advice.

This month's Motiv8ing Idea is adapted from an extract from the wonderful book "Making Love Stay (Everything you ever knew about love but forgot)" by Peggy Vaughan and James Vaughan. PDF copies of this book can be purchased at www.dearpeggy.com, and printed copies can be purchased here.

"Communication works for those who work at it"
John Powell