Are you asking for what you really want? Are you being heard? Every day we interact with each other in so many important verbal and non-verbal ways. Wouldn’t it be great if we could clearly articulate our point of view or request - and be heard.

There is an art to communicating effectively. Here are some effective communication strategies which you can start using today!

Heart at Peace
When we speak to someone with a heart at peace we see others as people, not objects. We see others on the same level as ourselves – equally deserving and good. This way we invite them to see and treat us in the same fashion. We have a greater chance of having our messages heard and to really hear others. Our focus can move away from dealing with things that are going wrong to helping things to go right.

Choose When and Where to Talk
Ask: “When would be a good time for you to talk?” The best chance for an effective conversation is when both parties are not too busy, tired, interruptible or unfocused. Your patience and flexibility will be rewarded.

Listening
Listening is vital to effective communication. I believe that listening can be more important than speaking. Listen to the other person’s reaction to what you are saying. What are you sensing? Is what you are saying really landing with them? Listen to their reality – be really interested in what is important to them. You are already clear on your position, be curious about their perspective on the situation. Listen in a non-judgmental way – be really open-minded. Listen to understand and empathize. At times, the other person may not need you to fix the situation. They may just need to clear their mind (vent!).

Be aware of both your Content and your Style
You may have the most brilliant message to share but if you cannot say it in a manner which engages others then your impact will be lessened. Avoid such style pitfalls as: monopolizing the conversation, not paying attention, not listening, and asking questions and not waiting for an answer. Be conscious of your style. Similarly when talking with others, if you are being stressed and annoyed by the way they speak to you, kindly mention it to them. You may be creating new awareness for them in the service of their effective communication.

Be conscious of your Body Language
There is so much more to our communicating than the words being spoken. Non-verbal communication is generally more convincing than verbal. Your gestures, facial expressions and posture express what your words may not. Positive body language includes: Steady eye contact, open arms at your sides or on the desk, smiles, nods and changing expressions. By eliminating background noise and distractions as well as turning off your cell phone you are clearly sending the message that you are interested in the person and what is being said.

Keep it brief and to the point
To maximize your impact keep your message simple and brief. Avoid rambling and lecturing to avoid being tuned out – especially with children. I recommend using more than one sense combined with your succinct message. For example, with a child, a gentle touch and eye contact is much more effective that hollering from the top of the stairs.

The Spring Re-Juvenation Life Coaching Boot Camp is off to a wonderful start!

Workshops and Speaking Engagements this month include:
'Soar to the Top! Love your Life', Re-Igniting your Passion, Parenting your Teenager, ‘Show me Balance, Take a way the Stress’, Clearly Communicating What You Really Want, Effective Life Balance Strategies and Love Your Life workshops.

Call me today at 416-237-1986 or email me at evamarie@gemlifecoaching.com.

If you are still not sure if Life Coaching is for you, please call or email me to set up a complimentary, no obligation coaching session. This 30 minute phone call will give you a taste of life coaching with Eva-Marie and it will help you to decide how it could work for you.

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• Respond by saying ‘Thank you’.


• Smile. Your smile will speak volumes so you do not need to find the perfect words to reply.


• Let the compliment sink in. Enjoy the moment.


• Give credit to others if you could not have done it without them.


• Return the favour by complimenting the other person, as appropriate.

Savour these precious verbal gifts. Be open to receive compliments graciously.