How Can We Communicate Effectively Using The 5 C's
Communication is the way for us to connect with each other and lack of communication or miscommunication might lead to frustrations, anxiety, or worse failed relationships.
Families, teenagers, and relationships are better off when families use effective communication, but how can we communicate effectively?
In today’s episode, we will share the 5 C’s to break the communication barrier that will lead to effective communication.
What is an Effective Communication
Beyond simply exchanging information, effective communication involves many different aspects. Understanding the sentiment and purposes underlying the information is important. The ability to clearly communicate a message is only one aspect of effective communication. You also need to be able to listen so that you can fully understand what the other person is saying and so that they feel heard and understood.
You must first identify the barriers that prevent effective relationships in your family before you can figure out how to overcome them. The consequences of poor communication are always there. This holds true in all aspects of life, but it can be particularly dangerous within the family. For children to understand their own emotions and those of others, there must be open communication within the family. Additionally, it teaches them to think before speaking. Children may experience communication problems as a result of our failure to consider this, which will negatively impact how they interact with others.
Through proper communication, all family members will be able to meet their own needs and those of others.
The 5 C’s of Effective Communication
We frequently focus on what we ought to say when speaking with others. However, listening is more important for effective communication than talking. Understanding the words or the information being communicated is only one aspect of listening, another is comprehending the emotions the speaker is trying to convey. We also have to make sure that the words we are using are accurate words to avoid misunderstandings.
Here is the 5C’s that will help us effectively communicate with one another:
Be Clear
You must be clear about what you want and take responsibility for your own needs in order to communicate effectively. Determine your problem and what you want and need from the other person before addressing it. When you encounter a problem, make an effort to gain clarity about what the problem is and why it manifests for you. Do you feel disrespected and silenced when a coworker refuses to listen to your point of view in a meeting? Understand what value of yours isn't being honored, and own it. It’s your responsibility to initiate the tough conversation.
Directly address the issue without misunderstanding it or evoking an emotional, critical, or defensive response. Be honest and take ownership of your experience. Be as precise and impartial as you can.
Be Concise
What do I mean by being concise? We must make sure that our request is brief, straightforward, and direct. We don't need to get caught up in the story; instead, concentrate on making your point in the shortest amount of words possible and advancing the discussion.
Provide a compelling request.
Give the person a suggested solution that you'd be happy with after explaining our requests. Ask the other person if there is a deeper issue if you consistently feel dismissed and shut down in meetings when you raise your area of expertise. After that, inquire as to how you might resolve it and state your desire to be heard in the future. Make it clear that in order to contribute the necessary feedback, it's equally important for you to voice your opinion or area of expertise, participate in the discussion, and share your thoughts on the subject.
Be curious
We must keep this in mind, that if a problem arises, we must communicate our request for a change and be prepared to offer a solution. Therefore, before simply talking to someone about it, much reflection is required. Keep an ear out for what the other person needs. After making a request, show interest in the concerns and goals of the other person as well as any potential requirements they may have to grant your wish. The focus is not solely on you. Recognize that other people also have needs and problems that need to be resolved, so try to see things from their perspective.
Be compassionate
We all need to realize that we are a component of the universe. Despite our differences, we are all alike. All of us are returning to the energy from which we first came. We really need to be kind to one another because having fun is what it's all about.
Understanding, recognizing, and appreciating how others feel is essential for resolving conflict, managing change, and making difficult decisions. By considering the other person's viewpoint, try to negotiate a win-win situation for both parties. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what it would take for both of you to achieve success.