Workshops

Balancing Work & Family

Managing Change

Parenting Skills

Alcohol & Drugs

Communication Skills

Wallet Watchers

 

Effective Communication Skills

Communication is a patterned exchange of information that creates some level of shared experience and meaning among people. Effective communication is often essential to decision making and decision implementing. Conflict occurs when messages between persons are misinterpreted and misunderstood.

Communication is facilitated by a climate of respect and caring between the speaker and the listener. Being aware of what our words and actions convey to others, showing empathetic understanding and genuineness, establishing an atmosphere of trust where both are free to risk being openly themselves all contribute to good communication. Dealing with specific issues rather than generalizations fosters accurate mutual understanding and effective problem solving.

Active listening, attending fully to what someone is saying, communicates acceptance and increases interpersonal trust. Effective feedback informs the speaker that they are being understood. Using "I" statements demonstrates the speaker is taking responsibility for what one is saying. This also indicates trust  in oneself, and discourages blame.

Taking risks in giving feedback to others and achieving effective communication skills will certainly lead to developing personal effectiveness, which in turn creates confidence and positive interpersonal relationships.

For more information call Bloomingdale Psychological at 610-688-2737.

Related Topics

Relationships

Related Support Groups

Women Self Care and Personal Growth Group