Communication E-Course--DAY 7 - Be clear in your communication

We've found that unclear communication creates assumptions 
by one or both people and creates barriers to a connected, 
healthy relationship. This is true no matter what type of 
relationship you're in.


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Are you clear in your communication? Here are some 
questions for you to consider.

1. Are there times when you feel people misunderstand 
what you are asking them to do or trying to communicate with 
them? If so, write these scenarios here.



2. Are there times when you feel that you do not 
understand another person but are not comfortable or don't 
take the time to clarify the communication between the two 
of you? If so, write these scenarios here.



3. What could you do to be clearer in your communication 
with others? How could you ask for clarification when you 
are unsure of the meaning of what someone else has said? 
What different words could you use instead of the ones you 
presently use to make your communication more clear? Write 
some examples of how you'd like to communicate more clearly.




4. Is there an agreement you can make with yourself and 
with another person that will help each of you to avoid 
misunderstandings because of unclear communication, if this 
is a problem for you? If so, write it here.



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TIPS on creating clear communication:

1. If someone talks to you in a "fuzzy" way, dig 
deeper and ask one question deeper. Don't assume that 
you know what he or she means.

2. Be clear in what you are asking someone else to do. 
If it's a subject that may trigger one or both of you to 
become defensive, try approaching the subject with the 
following-"I'd like your help with. . ." or "Here's something 
that would really make me feel happy. . ."

3. Be aware of your reason (or reasons) for 
communicating with everyone as much of the time as possible. 
Be clear in your own mind whether you are trying to give 
them information, to get them to do something or change 
something or to connect with them to create a better 
understanding between the two of you or deepen the 
relationship. Make sure you know your purpose for 
communicating. If you don't, you can't expect the 
other person to know what it is.