What, according to you, would be the most serious problem with the way we communicate? One major barrier to effective communication occurs when we listen to respond rather than understand. And, because communication is one of the essential pillars of any good relationship, learning to use it the right way is critical for sustaining a partnership.

Excellent communication skills are the most vital life skill. These skills allow us to provide information to others while comprehending the message communicated to us.

Five Communication Skills for a Stronger Foundation for Any Relationship

Active Listening

When it comes to developing excellent communication skills, genuinely listening to anyone is not as simple as you may assume.

We frequently develop the following notion we wish to express when we listen, introducing our agenda and not letting the other person express their point of view. A slight disconnect hinders you from hearing or processing what is said. It may make someone feel devalued or unnoticed.

If you can't repeat what the individual might have said, you didn't hear them. When anyone feels heard or seen, it diffuses any tense situation. This, of course, requires practice. But if you can learn to perfect it, you will significantly benefit from it throughout your life.

Start with Empathy

Empathy is the best way to climb into the shoes of another person. You may not entirely comprehend their situation, but you will most likely develop an understanding of what they are going through.

Allow the individual to share their perspective first, instead of jumping in with a similar story from your own experience. Allowing the other person to talk without interruption or not sharing your own emotions and opinions goes hand in hand with active listening.

Take A Break

When tensions are high, communication is usually handled in various ways. It depends on you and how you are communicating. When we are upset or frustrated, we lose our ability to reason. This is why we struggle to develop the appropriate retort in the heat of a dispute and unintentionally say unpleasant stuff.

As in most anxiety-provoking circumstances, slowing down, taking a deep breath, and giving yourself an excellent old-fashioned time-out is always beneficial. Try your hand at meditation!

Make a Note of It

It can be hard to retrieve your thoughts when overwhelmed with intense sentiments. Taking the time to note down what you are thinking, feeling, or want to communicate to the other party can help you maintain your mental clarity and avoid potentially detrimental situations.

This might be a journaling brain dump or a typical letter addressed to another person. The goal is not to always share these thoughts with the other person, but it is possible.

Fight Honestly

A passionate debate is not always wrong if it doesn't lead to hurt, rage, or other volatile emotions. It's OKAY to disagree and have opposing viewpoints, but if you can't healthily express them, it can lead to communication failure and similar issues.

Do not bring up past arguments or irrelevant disputes to prove a point. This adds gasoline to the flames and is most likely unrelated to the current situation. The past must be left in the past, most of the time. 

Bottom Line

While this list may not cover all effective communication strategies, it will undoubtedly bring a new perspective to any relationship. Communication may run smoothly in both directions when we take a step back and slow down the process, allowing both parties to be heard and understood.

The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to agree with someone to communicate well. It's okay to have different feelings or opinions about the same thing. Using these strategies will help reduce misunderstanding and strengthen any relationship.

Sha'Quan Yahdee Hester's book Take Control of Your Mind, Take Control of Your Life is the perfect guide to help you. He provides unique and honest advice on communicating effectively, and this book is a must-read for all those struggling with communication. Pre-order your copy now from Amazon.