This is the eighth and final part of a series on the basics of communication we keep missing. We've walked through acknowledgment, presence, curiosity, the pause, body language, clarity, and receiving. Now we arrive at the end, which is really just another beginning.What Repair Actually IsYou will mess up.You will say the wrong thing. You... Continue Reading →
Receiving: Why Listening Is Only Half the Work
This is the seventh in a series on the basics of communication we keep missing. We've talked about speaking clearly, being present, asking questions, pausing, and aligning your body. But none of that matters if you don't know how to receive what comes back.What Receiving Actually IsListening is waiting for your turn to speak.Receiving is... Continue Reading →
Clarity: Saying Enough
This is the sixth in a series on the basics of communication we keep missing. If acknowledgment is the door, presence is stepping through, curiosity is wanting to stay, the pause is where you decide, and body language is what speaks while you're deciding, then clarity is making sure everyone heard the same thing.What Clarity... Continue Reading →
Body Language: What Your Mouth Isn’t Saying
This is the fifth in a series on the basics of communication we keep missing. If acknowledgment is the door, presence is stepping through, curiosity is wanting to stay, and the pause is where you decide, then body language is what speaks while you're deciding.What Body Language Actually IsYour words say "I'm listening."Your body says... Continue Reading →
What do you mean by communication?
At its simplest, communication is the process of sharing information, ideas, thoughts, even feelings between two or more people.However, it's much more than just talking or sending a message. For communication to be truly successful, the other person must understand the message in the way you intended.Think of it not as a one-way street, but... Continue Reading →
Help me understand.
One phrase that can change any conversation:"Help me understand..."· Instead of arguing: "Help me understand your perspective on this."· Instead of assuming: "Help me understand why this is so important to you."· Instead of getting defensive: "Help me understand what I did that hurt you."This phrase is a magic key. It:· Replaces judgment with curiosity.·... Continue Reading →
Body Language
Your words say "I'm listening," but your body says "I'm bored." 😴 Communication is more than words. Master these non-verbal cues:· EYES: Are you making gentle eye contact? Or are you looking at your phone?· ARMS: Are they crossed (closed off)? Or are they at your sides or gesturing (open)?· POSTURE: Are you turned away?... Continue Reading →
Awkward conversations
The "Awkward Conversation" FrameworkStop avoiding the awkward talk.Here’s a simple 3-part framework to navigate it:1. NAME IT: Start with vulnerability, not accusation. "I feel a bit awkward bringing this up, but I care about us/this project, so I want to be honest about..." · "I'd like to talk about said topic. It's been on my... Continue Reading →
The childhood Echo
The way you argue with your partner today might not be your fault. It's probably how you learned to communicate as a child.We inherit communication styles like heirlooms, often without realizing it. That defensive tone? The habit of shutting down? The fear of awkward conversations?Look back. You'll likely see echoes of the household you grew... Continue Reading →