How true is this quote from the television show Grey’s Anatomy? A baby’s first word is something that creates such excitement and pride. Parents talk to their babies and enunciate words waiting and hoping for that first real word to emerge, but then once those babies are grown, the real art of communication begins.
Recently I realized that communication is something that needs to be taught and not something that children just grow up knowing how to do. I was told by my 12 year old son that communication is hard work. There is definitely truth in that statement! There are courses taught on this subject, but they all seem to be geared towards strengthening public speaking skills versus your everyday life situations. To me, communication means talking to another person while being in the moment and giving them the attention they deserve. You want to capture their attention and be respectful for no other reason than that’s how you want them to treat you.
Teaching children how to communicate politely and effectively is one of a parent’s most important tasks. Assuming your child will learn proper communication skills without your guidance is a big mistake. Parents need to teach their children basic communication skills at birth and continue to hone those skills as the child matures. Being an adept communicator is a necessary skill in today’s world. Children need guidance from their parents to learn how to not only communicate effectively but also politely. Good listening skills, self-control, use of good grammar, and sensitivity to others are all skills that are learned. Communication is what helps deepen your connections to others and improve teamwork, decision making, and problem solving.
I have researched many articles available on the internet to come up with the top attributes of a great communicator. These techniques should be practiced every day until they are mastered. I have written them down and posted them on the refrigerator in our house so that we as a family have a constant reminder.
- Be enthusiastic
- Make good eye contact
- Speak clearly and correctly
- Refrain from speaking too quickly
- Be confident
- Pay attention
- Be curious and ask questions
- Practice good listening skills
- Think before you speak
- Take turns and don’t interrupt
- Pay attention to nonverbal signals
- Enter Conversations politely
- Stay away from Gossip
- Don’t Pretend.
And of course, the most important attribute is…
- BE YOURSELF!
All relationships from a significant other, parent, brother, sister, child, boss, coworker, customer, etc. is uniquely different and requires us to communicate differently. You would choose your words wisely with a coworker or a customer where you can speak freely with your best friend or sibling.
Have you ever noticed when you say something nice or complimentary to someone you’re speaking with, how it can actually make them light up, as if you’ve turned on some kind of a switch? The way you are able to bring out the best in yourself is by making a conscious effort to bring out the best in someone else through your communication.
At the end of the day, everyone just wants to feel connected to others, build better relationships, express themselves and navigate challenging situations. Effective communication is the key!
Get to know me! I am Kori Moses, the local Sales Representative for Duralee Fabrics and previous owner of Mi Design Group – a residential interior design consulting firm in Chandler. I hope you enjoyed reading my posts! You can reach me at kmoses@duralee.com or at 480-213-4708. Duralee is an established company with a fresh, young perspective on design; Duralee has continuously expanded their extensive offerings of fabric, furniture, and trim to include designs from traditional to modern in order to supply the Interior Design industry with the proper tools to continue its rapid growth. www.duralee.com.
Thank you, Kori! Being an avid “Grey’s Anatomy” fan, I recognized those words and could hear ‘Meredith Gray’ speaking. Excellent article and a true reminder of what communication is and what we, not only as parents but, as a population of truly caring individuals need to do to build relationships – personal and professional. It’s really common sense if someone has taken the time to express and be an example of a good communicator for all the ages the words and actions are passed along to others.
It’s a pleasure working with you. I appreciate your posts!