SELF CARE - THE COMMUNICATION GAME

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Communication is part of everyday life, but effective communication is a skill you can always improve. Without clear, functional communication everyone can suffer misunderstandings, misdirection and misinformation. 

It's like a game of telephone with cans on strings; what you think you hear may not be the true message. What you say may not be what the hearer understands. Here are some simple ways to connect the dots as a speaker. 

First, obtain feedback. Good communication is like a game of catch. Getting feedback is like your listener tossing the ball back to you. You then have the opportunity to clarify your message sending the ball back to their court. 

Follow-up questions make sure your meaning is understood. Ask "Was I clear?" "Can I explain any part of that better?" or "What do you think our next steps are?" or simply "Tell me what you think." 

Next, leave time for the answer. Listening carefully at this moment can save you and your listener time and frustration in the future. Make the game of communication a win-win. It shows you care about other people and yourself. 

Take time to take care. 

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