Message Received?

Another communication tip is that your message must be received in order for it to be complete.

So often, even though you think you are being very clear (in your own head), it’s actually not that clear at all in the other person’s.

For example, the listener might have a strong mental block about the subject; a fixed idea in their head that only permits them to hear what you’re saying in a way that they interpret it.

A tip I have for this is to respectfully ask the listener to repeat back to you what was said in their own words, like this:

“Just so that I can make sure we’re on the same page, what is your understanding of what’s going to happen next?”

If you find yourself repeatedly frustrated in having the same type of conversation over & over again, possibly with the same person, make sure they are actually hearing what you’re saying.