In the middle of a mental health crisis, it can be difficult to talk about your thoughts and feelings and even harder to reach out to others for help. While more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness, only about half of these individuals seek treatment, partially out of fear of talking to someone. Whether struggling to open up to a family member or to establish a line of communication with a therapist, communication skills are essential to get the support and assistance you need most.
How do you get your point across effectively, and how do you become a better listener? Effective communication is a skill that takes practice and can be improved upon. This article covers the elements of effective communication, including active communication and how to avoid miscommunications in conversations. It also offers tips to prevent misunderstandings and increase clarity when expressing yourself.
Elements of Effective Communication Skills
Effective communication is needed in all aspects of life. It’s required to foster strong and healthy relationships, help resolve conflicts, manage teams and build trust. Regardless of the message you’re trying to convey, knowing the following elements of effective communication can help you elaborate on your feelings and reduce misunderstandings.
- Sender and receiver. All interpersonal communication includes the person delivering the message and the one receiving it.
- Message. The message includes the nonverbal cues, the tone and the words the sender uses to express themselves.
- Medium. The way the message is delivered is the medium. This may include text message, email and written or spoken communication.
- Feedback. The receiver provides feedback and explains how the message was received and understood.
- Context. Several factors can affect the way the message is interpreted, including the environment and the personal experience and cultural background of those involved.
Active Listening and Its Role in Understanding
If your mind starts to wander when someone is talking, you’re not actively listening. Active listening includes not only hearing what the sender is saying but also understanding what they’re feeling and thinking. It makes the speaker feel better understood and heard. If you’re in treatment, your therapist likely incorporates active listening to understand you and uncover your true needs. You should also practice active listening for a deeper understanding of how to cope with your condition. Active listening involves taking the following steps.
- Offer your full attention. Show the speaker they have your complete attention by maintaining eye contact and nodding occasionally.
- Don’t interrupt. Let the speaker finish talking before you respond.
- Reflect and summarize. Repeat the message back to the speaker in your own words to prove you were listening and confirm you understand what was said.
- Ask questions. If you’re unsure of anything discussed, ask questions.
- Be present in the moment. Eliminate all distractions during the conversation, including setting your phone aside.
Strategies to Avoid Miscommunication
Active listening is a vital communication skill, whether receiving feedback or delivering an important message. Inactive listening often leads to miscommunication, incorrect interpretations and confusion. There are a few ways to minimize miscommunications.
- Use clear and concise language. Avoid making vague statements when discussing a topic. If you’re expressing feelings, use statements such as “I don’t like it when.” If you need something done, be specific. For example, instead of saying, “I need this soon,” say, “I need you to get this back to me by 3 p.m.” Concise language helps eliminate misunderstandings.
- Choose your communication method wisely. Texts and emails may work well for short and simple conversations, but save complex discussions for face-to-face interactions.
- Be mindful of nonverbal cues. Your body language, including your facial expression and tone of voice, can add meaning to your words.
- Clarify your understanding. Confirm you heard the message correctly by asking the person to summarize what’s been said.
- Adapt to the situation. Adjust your communication style to match the moment. For example, discussing a work issue with a client requires a different tone than talking about your feelings with friends.
Practicing Empathy and Clarity in Conversations
Empathy is another essential communication skill. It involves putting yourself into the shoes of the speaker. While it’s OK to disagree, let the person know you understand where they’re coming from. The following tips can help you achieve this.
- Consider their emotions. Pay attention to how the other person is feeling during the discussion. Adjust how you speak and choose words to be more sensitive and respectful. Be sure to validate their emotions.
- Use “I” statements. Use “I” statements to explain your side of the argument and your feelings in a nonaggressive way. Using “I” statements can help reduce defensiveness from the other person and help others understand how your feelings affect them.
- Keep an open mind. Listen to what the other person is saying without interrupting or jumping to conclusions. Give them time to finish what they’re saying, and be mindful there are valid reasons for perspectives other than your own.
- Watch your tone. The meaning of your words can change depending on the tone of your voice. Try to stay calm and speak in a warm, understanding tone.
- Think before speaking. Doing so prevents you from making hasty responses that can reduce your credibility. Try to avoid negativity and instead use factual statements to say something positive.
Reaching Out for Help
If you need assistance and aren’t sure where to turn, the counselors at Mental Health Hotline are always available to take your call. Our professionals can provide immediate assistance and identify local resources and services to get you back on track. Contact us today for free and confidential help 24-7.
