Communication Weed #4: Words Have No Meaning-Part 3
by Dr. Coach Love
Check back for Parts 1&2, where I describe a negative communication pattern and offer tips and ideas to weed it from your relationship. Below are 5 additional tips.
5. “Audio graphic” memory DOs and DON”Ts:
è DON’T — tell the speaker what she/he intended.
è DO — locate and correct word disconnects.
è DO — discover how one particular word may carry different
meanings for each person.
6. You sabotage communication—
è When you label or dismiss your listener as “too sensitive” because
he/she was offended by what you believe are harmless words.
è If you do not admit you goofed.
è When you do not fix it now.
7. If you feel offended by someone’s words—
è Do not assume it was intentional.
è Check it out.
8. Language is delivered in one setting or context—
è But may be heard in a different one.
è Mutiple contexts are a common source of miscommunication.
è Pay attention to your listener’s unique perspective.
9. Work to accept that in all miscommunication —
è Two independant forces are at work, the speaker and the listener.
è You always have responsibility to work through
poor communication from your end.
10. When you fail to be understood —
è Do not blame your listener.
è Realize that no matter how clear you thought you were—-
you weren’t.
è Select different words better suited to your audience.
The biggest enemy to effective communication is when folks stay mounted on their own “communication high horses” and ride off into the sunset—in different directions. Thanks for staying tuned.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Regards,
Dr. Coach Love
MORE INFO LINKS: Posts-Pt1 3-18-08, Pt2 3-19-08
v I invite your comments below.
v E-mail your relationship coaching questions to DrCoachLove@centurytel.net.
v Questions selected will be edited as needed to reflect privacy, brevity, clarity, and general interest.
v Sorry, Dr. Coach Love is unable to offer any personal advice through this blog.
v Check out relationship coaching services at www.HireCoach.com.
© Copyright 2008 P.H. Pickett, Ph.D. All rights reserved. Reprint with permission.
Contact DrCoachLove@CenturyTel.net for permissions.
