Communication Techniques
Communication skills are essential for expressing ideas, emotions, and information
clearly and effectively. Good communication helps build strong relationships, resolve
conflicts, and create understanding between people. There are many techniques to
improve communication, such as listening carefully, speaking clearly, and expressing
feelings. Each technique plays a unique role in making communication more effective
and meaningful.
1. Active listening
Active listening is a communication technique that requires fully concentrating on the
speaker’s message, not just hearing the words. It means being completely present in the
conversation and avoiding distractions or interruptions. Active listening involves
understanding both the content of what is said and the emotions behind it. This level of
attention shows the speaker that you respect and value their perspective.
To practice active listening, maintain eye contact and use body language such as
nodding to signal your engagement. Verbal responses like “I understand” or “That
sounds important” encourage the speaker to continue. Summarizing or paraphrasing
what the speaker says helps confirm that you have understood correctly. It is important
not to interrupt or plan your reply while the other person is talking.
Benefits of Active Listening
• Active listening builds trust and deepens relationships by making others feel
heard and respected.
• It reduces misunderstandings and helps resolve conflicts by clarifying
messages.
• This technique also allows you to pick up on non-verbal cues, such as tone and
facial expressions, which provide additional context.
• Practicing active listening improves empathy and creates a positive
communication environment.
2. Reflective listening
Reflective listening is a technique where the listener mirrors or reflects back the
speaker’s words and emotions to confirm understanding. This can be done by
paraphrasing or repeating key points and highlighting feelings. The goal is to help the
speaker feel validated and to ensure the listener accurately comprehends the message.
This technique is often used in counseling or conflict resolution. When a speaker
expresses feelings like sadness or frustration, the listener might say, “It sounds like
you’re feeling upset about this.” Reflective listening slows the pace of conversation,
allowing more thoughtful responses and deeper emotional exploration. It is important
to avoid giving advice or judgment during this process.
Advantages of Reflective Listening
• Reflective listening strengthens communication by fostering empathy and
reducing defensiveness.
• It helps clarify misunderstandings and encourages honest emotional expression.
• This method builds trust between people and promotes a supportive atmosphere
where complex or sensitive topics can be discussed openly.
3. Speak clearly
Speaking clearly is vital to effective communication. It means expressing your ideas
using simple, precise language, proper pronunciation, and an appropriate pace.
Speaking too quickly can confuse listeners, while speaking too slowly may cause them
to lose interest. Clarity helps your audience grasp your message easily.
Techniques for Clear Speaking
• Organize your thoughts before you speak to avoid rambling.
• Use short, direct sentences and avoid slang or technical jargon that might be
unfamiliar.
• Supporting your words with gestures and maintaining eye contact can
emphasize key points and keep your listeners engaged.
Benefits of Speaking Clearly
• Clear communication increases your credibility and confidence as a speaker.
• It encourages better understanding and reduces the need for repeated
explanations.
• Speaking clearly also makes it easier for others to respond or provide feedback,
making conversations more productive.
4. Explaining feelings
Expressing feelings openly is important for emotional health and honest
communication. Using “I” statements like “I feel disappointed” helps you take
responsibility for your emotions and avoids blaming others. This way of explaining
feelings reduces conflict and makes it easier for others to understand your experience.
How to Express Feelings Effectively
• Be specific about what you feel and what caused those feelings.
• Speak calmly and avoid exaggeration to promote understanding.
• It is also helpful to explain the impact of certain actions on your feelings so
others can see your perspective clearly.
Positive Impact of Sharing Feelings
When people express their feelings honestly, it builds trust and deepens relationships.
It also creates a space for empathy and support. Explaining feelings can prevent
misunderstandings and encourages open dialogue about needs and concerns.
5. Focus on behavior
This technique involves addressing specific actions instead of attacking a person’s
character. For example, say “You interrupted me during the meeting” instead of “You
are rude.” Focusing on behavior keeps feedback objective and less personal.
Importance
Talking about behaviors rather than traits makes it easier for others to hear and accept
criticism without becoming defensive.
It helps in discussing issues constructively and identifying what can be changed.
How Focusing on Behavior Improves Communication
This approach promotes problem-solving and cooperation. It helps avoid blame and
keeps the conversation focused on solutions. Focusing on behavior is useful in
workplaces, families, and therapy to improve interactions.
6. Telephone therapy
This form of telephone therapy is a therapeutic role-play technique used with children,
often as part of play therapy. In this activity, the therapist gives the child a toy or
imaginary phone and asks them to “dial” the number of someone they like (e.g., a
friend, parent, or teacher) and have a pretend conversation. Then, the therapist may ask
the child to dial the number of someone they don’t like or feel uncomfortable with. The
purpose is not real phone use but to explore emotions and relationships in a safe,
creative way.
Purpose and Process
The therapist observes how the child communicates with each “person” noting their
tone, words, and emotions. When talking to someone they like, children often express
joy, affection, and excitement. When “calling” someone they dislike, they may reveal
anger, fear, sadness, or confusion.
The therapist may ask follow-up questions like: “What would you say to them?” or
“How do you feel talking to them?”
This allows the child to process difficult emotions they may not be able to express
directly.
Therapeutic Benefits
• This activity helps children identify, express, and manage their feelings about
different people in their lives.
• It also builds emotional vocabulary and improves communication skills.
• The pretend calls provide insight into the child’s inner world including
unresolved conflicts, attachments, or fears.
• Through this creative method, children gain confidence to talk about real-life
situations and relationships in a playful and non-threatening way.
7. Guess the object
“Guess the Object” is a simple interactive game often used in classrooms and therapy
sessions to improve communication. One person describes an object without naming it,
while others try to guess what it is. It builds creativity and helps people use clear,
descriptive language.
Communication Skills Involved
• This game teaches participants how to describe things in detail using shape, size,
function, and color.
• It encourages speakers to be more specific and listeners to pay close attention.
• Non-verbal clues can also be part of the fun in in-person settings, helping
improve body language interpretation.
Why It’s Useful
• The activity strengthens both expressive and receptive communication.
• It’s a fun and pressure-free way to improve vocabulary, listening skills, and
attention to detail.
• It’s commonly used in occupational therapy, speech therapy, and language
learning settings to support communication growth.
8. Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy helps individuals develop or recover the skills needed for daily
living and working. These may include motor skills, self-care, and importantly
communication. Occupational Therapy is used for children with developmental delays,
adults recovering from injury, and people with mental health conditions.
Role of Communication in Occupational Therapy
Therapists help clients learn how to express their needs, ask for help, and interact
appropriately with others. Communication exercises in Occupational Therapy might
include role-playing conversations, practicing polite requests, or using visual aids and
symbols for those with speech difficulties.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy on Communication
Improving communication through OT increases independence, social confidence, and
quality of life. It prepares people to participate in school, work, and community life
more effectively.
Communication goals in occupational therapy are personalized to suit each client’s
abilities and challenges.
9. Behavior therapy
Behavior therapy is a psychological approach that helps people change negative
behaviors using techniques such as reinforcement, practice, and modeling. It is often
used with children who have behavioral issues, but also benefits adults with anxiety,
anger, or social challenges.
How Behavior Therapy Enhances Communication
• In therapy, individuals learn how to use appropriate words instead of acting out.
• They are taught how to express feelings, make requests, and respond to others
respectfully.
• Positive communication behaviors are rewarded to encourage repetition.
Benefits of Behavior-Focused Communication
Over time, behavior therapy helps reduce aggressive, shy, or inappropriate
communication patterns. It builds confidence, teaches self-control, and improves how
people relate to others. This makes school, work, and relationships more successful and
less stressful.
10. Bowenian therapy
Bowenian therapy is a form of family therapy developed by Dr. Murray Bowen. It
focuses on the emotional systems within families and how each person’s behavior
affects the others. It helps family members improve how they talk to and understand
each other.
Communication Strategies in Bowenian Therapy
• This therapy teaches clients to speak clearly about their emotions without
blaming others.
• It encourages listening with empathy and understanding generational patterns
that affect communication.
• Therapists guide clients to separate thoughts from feelings to communicate
calmly, even in conflict.
Effects on Families and Relationships
Bowenian therapy reduces tension in families and helps members express themselves
without fear. It improves emotional control, respect, and personal boundaries. The long-
term goal is to create healthy, mature communication where everyone feels heard and
valued.
