Communication holds the key to any personal or professional relationships. You need to communicate, you need to listen, you need to share, and you need to express. All these are vital components of communication. Communication builds bridges, if you are happy with the person, share it, if you are unhappy, then also share it. Sharing helps!
One of the primary reasons why communication is imperative is because it helps foster stronger relationships and build trust between people. Indeed, effective, honest and regular communication is the basis of any successful and long-term relationship.
The need for communication, not only in close relations but also to know what is happening in the socio-political arena, nationally, and internationally is a very genuine urge. This job is undertaken by media/ journalists in our lives and is delivered through round-the-clock television channels. If we revisit our Hindu mythological times, Devarishi Narad was the first known communicator or journalist. As he entered the durbar with his Narayan Narayan chant, everybody became attentive, knowing that he has some news to share.
In recent times, communication has undergone a drastic change. Right from earlier days of cave paintings, hieroglyphs, carrier pigeons, postal letters, and telegrams to today’s emails, voice messages, and hologram conferences, it has traversed a long way. The presence of social media is another means of remaining connected with people, sharing opinions, and communicating on different topics. But what takes the cake is WhatsApp which has revolutionized the communication scenario. It is one of the fastest, most accessible and most versatile mediums where we can not only communicate with our near and dear ones but undertake business communication also. Its easy-to-use features make it easier to use by persons right from 8- to 80-year-olds. No wonder, one and all are using it! This is satiating the yearning to communicate in a major way.
In the words of Anthony Robbins, “The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our life.”
We need to lay a lot of importance on communication in our personal life. In your personal life, good communication skills can improve your relationships by helping you to understand others, and to be understood. It is almost a given that personal relationships need communication. Failure to talk has been blamed for the breakdown of any number of partnerships and relationships. Good communication skills can improve the way that you operate through life, smoothing your way in your relationships with others.
How to improve communication in our Personal Life?
Listen, listen, and listen. People want to know that they are being heard. Listen to what the other person is saying, instead of formulating your response. Another important point is to have one conversation at a time. The other person will know that he/she has your undivided attention. Make sure that you appear accessible, so have open body language. This means that you should not cross your arms. And keep eye contact so that the other person knows that you are paying attention. Do not talk down to anyone, treat everyone with respect. Treat others as your equal.
There are certain principles of communication, and if you follow these, your communication will be effective – personally, and professionally.
Clarity: Language is the medium of communication; hence it should be clear and understandable.
Adequacy & Consistency: The information provided in your communication should be complete in all respects, whether you are writing or communicating verbally.
Integration: It should aim at the integration of all efforts to lead a better life by building better relations. It will raise your happiness quotient. This way you will absorb happiness and also spread happiness.
A key thing to note here is that communication is not a one-way process. That is, while speaking is an essential component of communication, listening is also an indispensable one. So, if you wish to forge stronger relationships with people, don’t just talk to them, but also listen to what they’re saying.
Not only this, communication is the best way to solve any conflict that might arise in your life or relationships.
In most cases, communication is an excellent way to avoid any conflict from arising in the first place.
Communication also helps gain better knowledge and understanding of another person. It helps you get your point across clearly. Effective communication also helps avoid any misunderstanding and quickly solve any that might arise.
Active listening is different from just listening or its counterpart, hearing. Active listening not only involves simple listening but also engaging with other people by responding to what they’re saying and asking follow-up questions to show that you’re listening.
This process is an excellent way to develop not just your listening abilities, but also boosts the quality as well as quantity of your interaction with others, which ultimately boosts your communication skills.
While communicating, particularly with near and dear ones, you should come across as trustworthy and honest. Avoid rushing through, induce flexibility and adaptability, be present in the moment, and understand body language. Empathy and respect are other aspects, you need to follow. This way we see that communication is not a unidimensional but a multi-dimensional activity which is the core of any relationship.
So, communicate, communicate well, spread happiness, and HappyHo!
