The general concept of communicating is to exchange information. Are we always sharing information as we communicate? Not necessarily. We also share feelings while communicating. Sometimes we communicate, to share the emotions.
Communication thus serves as a tool for creating experiences and relationships.
If you remove communication from a relationship, the relationship will fade. So, when you are communicating, you are relating to another person. If we understand this basic premise, our relationships can change.
Role Of Communication In Human Civilization
Darwin’s theory says humans evolved out of primitives. So, at one point in the history, there was neither language nor complex expressions. There may have been communication between individuals. Can you imagine the progress made by our species? That is due to the constructive use of language. Without language, these complexities would not exist. Complexity also creates confusion.
Okay, I leave this topic here and let’s focus on this blog’s theme, positive communication.
What Is Positive Communication And What Is Not?
Dr Leontovich Olga Arkadyevna, PhD in Philological Sciences,
Head of the Department of Intercultural Communication and Translation, Russia carried out research on what positive communication is. The following conclusions were drawn:
Positive communication is constructive, effective, supportive and full of good emotions; these characteristics can be seen as its building blocks.
The universal components of positive communication include positive intention, initiative, accommodation, empathic listening and social support.
Communication that does not have these features can be called negative communication. Ultimately, positive communication leads to positive outcomes.
Why Positive Communication?
Allow me to tell you a story that I read in social media.
When I was a kid, my mother enjoyed cooking. One night in particular when she had made dinner after a long hard day at work, Mom placed a plate of bread, jam and extremely burned toast in front of my dad. I was waiting to see if anybody noticed the burnt toast. But dad just ate his toast and asked how my day was at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember I heard Mom apologizing to dad for burning the toast. And I’ll never forget what he said: “Honey, I love burned toast.” Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his toast burned. He hugged me and said, “Your mom had a long day at work today and she was really tired. Besides, a burnt toast doesn’t hurt anyone, but harsh words do!
The story beautifully summarizes why we must consciously communicate with positive words. If communication is a tool for building relationships, then it is worth learning to sharpen our communicative skills, because after all life is about relationships.
If destructive communication is harmful for the receiver and can have a devastating effect on a relationship. Constructive communication, as its name implies, must “construct”, create something and bring about a positive result, be it action, idea, mood or feeling. Positive communication thus forms the foundation of positive interpersonal communication, affection and intimacy.
Better communication can also assist you in achieving your goals.
They can help you grow and change, enabling you to create a stronger social world around you.
Tips For Developing Positive Communication
The development of communication skills is a major task that takes years of practice to master. Here are some tips to begin the journey.
Positive Spin
You can transform any bad situation into a good (or even good) with the right language.
Being able to turn things in a positive way is a skill worth developing. Not only does it keep the mood bright and friendly — but, it also keeps people motivated and excited to help.
Positive Intention
Positive communication begins with positive intent. You must start with the intention of creating a positive impact. With the right intent, the conversation can go the right way. Better start is half winning.
Even with good intent, an interaction can sometimes slip up. So, with a positive intention, think clearly, frame your communication and then communicate with other people.
Constructive
Negative words like ‘can’t,’ ‘stop,’ ‘won’t,’ ‘unable,’ and ‘don’t’ make the listener feel bad, defensive, or like they’ve been forced into a corner. Although it will not be practical to delete them completely, try to rephrase the sentences to give a positive image of the situation to the extent possible.
For instance, if you would like your child to clean up after dinner. There are two ways of saying that. Instead of saying “don’t let the plate on the table”, you can say “put the plate in the sink after the meal”. The listener feels that the second option is positive and constructive.
Authentic Complement
What we say and do affects other people for good or bad. This affects who they are, who they are now, who they become. Compliments are only one of many behaviors that demonstrate our ability to positively affect people. Everything you do as a parent has a profound impact on your children. So whenever you see something good in your child, appreciate it authentically.
Constructive Criticism
Most of us have been conditioned to be critical. We therefore have a natural tendency to judge and criticize ourselves and others. So when you want to criticize, ask those questions.
Is this true, is it necessary, is it useful? How might this be better communicated?
Look For The Good
You can practice focusing on small, positive things that you can then include in the conversation. Keeping your positive attitude can keep your tone bright when things aren’t that good.
If you believe that your criticism will build the other person or help the other only then, give it in a constructive manner
Empathy
Try not to harm others while communicating. Some people are very sensitive and others care less. Therefore, be sensitive to other people’s feelings.
Supportive
Communication is equal to giving money. When we like the product we buy by paying money, it gives the owner of the company an incentive to create more. Likewise, we must support good deeds and values where and when we find them. Acknowledging this by encouraging words will strengthen it. If we fail to uphold the good, it will die. It is our duty to encourage good to grow in the world. Because what we focus on expands.
Effective
The work of communication often starts with a greeting, which is a simple but significant behavior: the moment when you initiate the process of making contact, you have started building better relationships.
One of the goals of communication is to accomplish something, could be an action of your child or co-worker or spouse. If the person is doing what you want for their sake, then your communication has been effective.
On the whole, to communicate is also to bring about consensus among all those involved in the common good. If so, you communicated effectively. Leaders who are authentic, honest and true are effective communicators. If you are a parent and you wish to communicate effectively with your child, practice communicating with authenticity.
Listen To Understand
Listening carefully is a matter of practice and patience. Listening deeply will allow you to understand the perspective of the other and transcend differences. Prejudice and judgmental attitude are enemies of deep listening. So be open as you listen and do not judge others for their actions or choices.
Summary
Communication serves as a tool for creating experiences and relationships.
If you remove communication from a relationship, the relationship will fade. So, when you are communicating, you are relating to another person. With the above tips, I am sure you will be able to create better relationships, especially with your children.
Happy Parenting
Hey, did you learn something from the article? Stay in touch. Join the like minded parents community on Facebook. Invite your friends too. Click here to join. See you ton the other side. Take care & stay blessed.
Sharing is caring…share this post, share the love.
