Question

How can you become more effective in communicating your feelings and emotions to others? How can you demonstrate that you have heard and understood the feelings and emotion of another person?

Answer 1

By following tips given below, one can become more effective in communicating your feelings and emotions to others:

• by being honest about your feelings
• be responsible for your own feelings as other person or situations may influence feelings but it is upto us how to respond to those feelings.
• Communication of feelings or needs should be without being judgemental.
• Be specific while communicating as it clears up any room for confusion and allows the other person to respond to the request more accurately.
• While communicating feelings, it’s important to remember that the other person has their own set of feelings and they may not always match up with yours. Actively listening to other people’s needs is just as important as speaking your own needs.
• Respect people when they tell us “no”

Following tips should be followed to demonstrate that you have heard and understood the feelings and emotion of another person:

• Give verbal responses like "Okay," "Uh-huh", and "I see" while the person is talking so they feel heard.
• Use body language to show that you're listening. Look at them, and turn your head or entire body towards them while they speak
• stay with them, even when their feelings are difficult or unpleasant. Put aside your own discomfort, and focus entirely on being there for them. Here are some ways to show you are listening: Holding their hand, Looking directly at them, Sitting with them or rubbing their back, Saying "I'm here"
• Mirroring their energy level, and responding to their mood, helps them feel understood. If someone is excited, let yourself get happy or excited too. If they're sad, be sympathetic. If they're nervous, be comforting and understanding.
• When a person finishes expressing themselves, ask questions to clarify.
• After someone is done expressing their thoughts and feelings, repeat their words back.
• when someone is first expressing themselves, you should strive to primarily listen. Avoid interrupting or interjecting until someone stops talking