Despite being in a world of touch screens and commercial flights to outer space, I am not convinced we are evolving into an advanced species of humanity. All our advancements should be opportunities to advance our communication and relationship skills. In order to build a strong house that can weather all storms, there must be a solid foundation. To create and live life, we must be able to form relationships. To achieve these major milestones in life, you must have create a foundation through communication. While you may be thinking it's not that hard to communicate since you talk to people everyday, how often do you truly form relationships through communication?
Beyond The Normal
Communication is a multifaceted phenomenon that exceeds what humans like to call “normal” dialogue. In order for dialogue to be successful, both parties must share a common interest or topic. The conversation initiator begins the first step of communication by conveying meaningful information to an intended recipient. Communication completes when the recipient has received and understood the original message. This understanding is conveyed by a return message. Understanding is the key to communication and the creation of relationships. Without this, people are ultimately left divided. Essentially, communication is interchangeable teacher student relationship.
Our entire society is dependent on interpersonal communication. It teaches us how to interact with each other. It helps us understand how and why people behave as they do so we can construct and negotiate a social reality. We are able to form relationships through communicating our ideas, thoughts and feelings to another person. We improve our communication skills through knowledge, practice, feedback and reflection.
We can now take advantage of advanced technology to communicate through direct and indirect mediums. From face to face interactions to computer mediated means, we now have more methods than ever to communicate. Think how much further we could advance if we could only learn how to improve the quality of interpersonal communication. Our relationships with partners, parents, children, friends, work colleagues and students would vastly improve.
Instilling Good Principles
When we improve our communication and relationship skills, we also learn valuable lessons which continue to improve our lives and relationships with others.
Treat Each Other With Respect
Better communication means learning to respect each other. Instead of living with the illusions that keep us divided, we'd focus our energy toward enjoying the company of others.
Do Not Interrupt Others
Listening is a vital part of communication. When you don't interrupt others, conversations become more though provoking, stimulating and valuable. People become more open minded and attentive, equaling better relationships.
Speaking Only When Necessary
Sometimes humanity becomes so obsessed with filling up a conversation that nothing is really communicated. When you only speak when necessary, you learn to value your words and focus on accurate statements. The result is conversations where you both teach and learn while fully respecting others.
Challenge Behavior, Not The Person
Poor communication is something which is learned. Therefore, it isn't the person that needs to change, but the behavior. Instead of personal insults, you see poor communication as a chance to learn and change the behavior instead of insults and personal battles. Problematic situations are handled creatively and without destructive comments.
5. It's Okay To Make Mistakes
No matter how much one hones their communication skills, mistakes do happen. We are only human. Instead of condemnation, look at mistakes as an opportunity for enlightenment. Adopt a no blame approach in order to take responsibility and promote growth in relationships.
Interpersonal communication is a gift we have been given to understand our relationships. One method to interact with advanced technology and practice communication skills is through the video sharing site Fufflist. The video blog community and social networks allows you to share thoughts, rant and connect with like minded people.
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