D09 // The One Rule That Will Supercharge Your Communication Skills

Improving your communication is one of the most important things you can do, ever.

When it comes to communicating, most people tend to focus solely on speech, often only viewing communication as merely a means to express their own ideas. 

We often forget that a significant portion of our communication happens not through our words, but through our actions and when we are not speaking.

Empathic listening is even more important and just as hard of a skill to cultivate.

The one rule that completely changed my ability to communicate was shared in Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” 

This principle emphasizes the importance of truly understanding others before attempting to express our own thoughts. This alone is a skill.

Communication is about connection and sharing ideas. Gathering ideas and perspectives of the world is crucial for any expert communicator. To genuinely understand, we have to become better at asking empathic questions and actively listening with the intention to understand the answers. This approach has transformed our interactions, making them more meaningful and effective.

And in turn transforming how I communicate my intentions and identity as an interlocutor.

Before overly prioritizing how you express your ideas, focus also on enhancing your ability to listen and understand others.

This foundational skill will make your communication more impactful and authentic. By seeking first to understand, you will build stronger connections and become a more effective communicator.