{"id":2430,"date":"2016-08-16T10:43:54","date_gmt":"2016-08-16T16:43:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wholeperson.com\/blog\/?p=2430"},"modified":"2023-04-27T10:53:08","modified_gmt":"2023-04-27T16:53:08","slug":"effective-communication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wholeperson.com\/blog\/effective-communication","title":{"rendered":"Steps to Effective Communication"},"content":{"rendered":"


\nStop, Look and Listen!<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Steps to Effective Communication<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The ability to express ourselves clearly and to understand what others are trying to say to us is the key to success in all areas of our lives. Most of us have not been trained in the principles of effective\u00a0communication. We do not always listen to what is being said. Instead we are busy formulating and justifying our own point of view. We also become derailed by bringing up the\u00a0past, especially old hurts and resentments.<\/p>\n

Effective\u00a0communication has two parts: How to really hear \u2013 and really understand \u2013 what others are saying, and and how to express feelings and thoughts without dragging in past conflicts and emotions.<\/p>\n

It takes commitment and practice to improve communication with your care-receiver, medical team, family members, etc. You can begin by noticing when you are on automatic and then remembering what you learned about crossing a street safely: Stop, Look, and Listen.<\/p>\n

Listening<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A. Stop what you are doing. <\/strong>Be present, eliminate distractions, stop talking, etc.<\/em><\/p>\n

B. Look at the speaker. <\/strong>Give full attention; notice body-language.<\/em><\/p>\n

C. Listen to what is being said. <\/strong>Allow the speaker time to finish, don\u2019t jump to conclusions.<\/em><\/p>\n

D. Double check. <\/strong>Be certain you have all the facts, ask for more information if needed.<\/em><\/p>\n

Once you have done all the above, it is your turn and time to express your thoughts and feelings.<\/p>\n

Your Turn to Speak<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A. \u201cBe\u201d Attitudes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Be focused<\/strong><\/td>\nAddress the issue at hand. Do not bring strong emotions and issues from the past into the discussion.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Be specific.<\/strong><\/td>\nDo not assume the listener knows what you are thinking. Offer clarifications if necessary. <\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Be calm<\/strong><\/td>\nIf the speaker is distraught, be calm. If you are in an emotional state where you are unable to discuss an issue, agree to continue the discussion later.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Be polite<\/strong><\/td>\nDo not use inflammatory words. Avoid insults and accusations. They will lead to heated argument and make the problem worse.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

B. When pointing out an existing problem<\/strong><\/p>\n