Author John Ortberg
writes, “If we are going to be in a personal relationship with someone,
there must be some two way communication. Even the most uncommunicative husband
has to grunt every once in a while or it isn't a marriage – it’s a monologue.”
Can you imagine being
in a relationship with someone where you just couldn't communicate anything?
Not only would it be torture, but the relationship would be nonexistent! For
any relationship to exist, communication is vital. It is what will take the
relationship to a whole new level.
C-Communication
We live in a
generation where people can text faster than they speak. Thanks to platforms
like Facebook, Twitter, mobile texting etc. we get to put forth words and
communicate to a great extent. But communication is more than just
words.
In his book, “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect”, Dr.John C. Maxwell observes an important discovery made by Albert Mehrabian, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, UCLA. The professor did a study and found that face-to-face communication can be
broken down into three components: words, tone of voice, and body
language. In situations where feelings and attitudes are being
communicated,
·
What we say accounts for only 7
percent of what is believed.
·
The way we
say it accounts for 38 percent.
·
What
others see accounts for 55
percent.
So that means in order
to communicate effectively in any relationship, we've to put in much more than
a few words. I believe what makes the difference in effective communication is
in the spirit of the person. In the right spirit, we tend to use the right
words, the right tone and the right body language.
Take Away Principle:
Communication is vital to sustain and take forward any
relationship and effective communication is more than just words.
Tips on Communication:
1. Never try to discuss important issues over social media.
2. Schedule times to sit down face to face with those you're close to.
3. Always choose a place with minimal distractions. (For example: Avoid restaurants which have a huge LCD TV)
4. Make eye contact while communicating as much as possible.
5. Wait until the person has completed speaking before responding. Don't interrupt.
