Adele’s Keys to Effective Communication

Create understanding, respect and peace through the use of these considerations.

Self-awareness allows us to reflect about how our behavior impacts others.

• Do I reflect about my own behavior?
• Do I consider how I am coming across to others?
• Am I aware of my facial expressions? My body gestures? How loud my voice is?
• Do I monitor my own reactions and adjust my behavior as necessary?

Interacting with others neutrally invites accord.

• Do I make judgments about the other person’s behavior, dress or manner?
• Do I make assumptions about the other person’s behavior, dress or manner?
• Do I engage in argumentative behavior?
• Do I describe a situation in generalities or do I give specifics?

Curiosity, open-mindedness, and empathy create understanding.

• Do I communicate respect to the other person?
• Do I make the other person a partner in the conversation?
• Do I inquire about the other person’s feelings or concerns?
• Do I explain in carefully chosen words how the other person’s behavior has impacted me?
• Do I try to put myself in the other person’s shoes and try to understand what she is thinking or feeling?

Accountability, authenticity, and commonality can lead to resolution.

• Do I take responsibility for my own actions?
• Do I wait until anger has subsided before having a conversation?
• Do I demonstrate patience and authenticity when talking to someone else?
• Do I consider the needs of the other person?
• Do I try to discover common ground between us?