Let's Talk

Posts Tagged: principles of communication

Discerning Hidden Agendas in Relationships

Posted by Marlene Anderson, MA, LMHC, NCC

Like any skill we gain competence in, communication needs to be practiced. But like any habit we put in place, it is easy to get discouraged and go back to old ways of doing things.

Too often we come to our conversations with a hidden agenda – a motive that isn’t always clear to us.

We don’t come to resolve problems, but to convince the other person they need to change.

We want the other person to see and hear and accept our point of view – we don’t really want to hear theirs. We want to be understood and accepted just as we are.

Today on my blog and podcast, we’ll discuss our motives in communication, and actions we can put in place to nurture thriving relationships.

How Birth Order Impacts Your Life and Your Communication

Posted by Marlene Anderson, MA, LMHC, NCC

Are you on top or bottom of the heap?

Long-term research confirms that our birth order and position within our family of origin have a predictable emotional effect on our lives.

Where do you fall within the members of your family? Were you the oldest, the middle child, or the youngest? Perhaps you were an only child.

Today on my blog and podcast, we’ll take a close look at birth order. Understanding how birth order impacts you will help you better negotiate your current relationships.

Of Course I’m Listening: 5 Tips for Better Communication

Posted by Marlene Anderson, MA, LMHC, NCC

Every day I observe the difficulties people have in communicating with one another.

We struggle to listen with the purpose of understanding.

We jump to conclusions instead of getting the whole picture.

We often don’t consider what may be happening in the other person’s life that might make it difficult for them to ask for what they want or need or share what they are experiencing.

We all struggle to understand where the other person is coming from and to share our own needs and wants.

Good relationships require honest listening. Today on my podcast and blog, I’ll show you 5 ways to improve your listening skills.

Common Communication Breakdowns

Posted by Marlene Anderson, MA, LMHC, NCC

Communication is a process. It is circular, both verbal and non-verbal, and it is continuous. You cannot not communicate.

Today on my blog and podcast, we’ll explore why breakdowns in communication usually occur. I’ll also introduce you to 7 common communication problems:
-Self-summarizing syndrome
-Off-beaming
-Mind reading
-Kitchen sinking
-Yes, but…
-Cross-complaining
-Standoffs

Communication Basics

Posted by Marlene Anderson, MA, LMHC, NCC

Communication breakdown is nothing new.

How often are the messages we send received with the same objective we had in mind? How often do we hear something other than what was intended?

Our messages go through a filtering system that can color and distort. We speak and hear from our own experiences, from how we feel in the moment, from our perceptions, and from our interpretations of life.

Today on my blog and podcast, I’ll help you develop your skills of listening, validating, and providing feedback, so you can become a more effective communicator.