The holiday season is upon us. It is a time to celebrate and connect with family, friends and co-workers in a relaxed atmosphere. Sounds fun and easy right? Not if you struggle with communication skills. The interpersonal demands that accompany this time of year can be very stressful for you if you feel uncomfortable and out of place in social situations. This is a common occurrence for the clients with whom I work, but improving communication skills and strengthening relationships are not unachievable goals. Following are a few suggestions.
1. Practice “active listening.” Don’t allow your cell phone to distract you from the person speaking. Re-state what they said in your own words so that the speaker feels heard. Ask questions to gain more information and to keep the conversation flowing.
2. Practice “empathy.” Provide support and acknowledgement to someone who may be struggling without passing judgement. Empathy helps to build a stronger bond between people that will last beyond the holidays.
3. Use the Stop Think and Plan (STP) strategy when responding to challenging comments. The holidays can sometimes bring heightened emotions and potential conflicts. Different generations may have varying views on topics and by using STP, you can avoid getting into a heated discussion that has the potential to drain the holiday spirit from the room.
4. Rehearse “conversation starters” if you have trouble initiating conversations with others. Having a few of these conversation starters available to you will allow you to feel more relaxed as you enter the gathering.
5. Notice your non-verbal communication and that of the other people in the room. Is your facial expression and posture welcoming to others?
Practicing in front of a mirror can be very helpful to see how you look to others. You can do this while on the phone and observe your facial expression and body language.
6. Express gratitude. Gratitude is a central theme during the holidays, and effective communication plays a vital role in expressing appreciation. You can express gratitude through small gestures, written notes or verbal affirmations. Expressing gratitude to someone also strengthens the bond and allows the other person to know that they are appreciated.
The holiday season is a time to celebrate the connections you have with others. As you navigate the holidays, be mindful of the power your words and actions hold in shaping the experiences you share with your loved ones. By prioritizing communication, you not only enhance the holiday season, but also contribute to the lasting bonds that make this time of year truly special. May your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful connections.
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