Communicate well, Live better

Life, Money and Gratitude # 49 Communicate well, Live better

Have you ever had a message that you wanted to share with others and in your mind it was crystal clear?  Then when you went to talk about it with others and it came out as gibberish or worse as unkind or insulting.

Communicating is vital, yet it is not taught.  Some of us are lucky enough to be able to effortlessly get our ideas across in a pleasant and agreeable manner. 

The rest of us can use some help.

Dale Carnegie in his book, How To Win Friends and Influence People, shares some of his easy to use tips and tricks on how to communicate effectively. Though the book was written over 80 years ago, its simple lessons can still be used today.  Here are 5 highlights:

1. Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain

2. Give sincere appreciation

3. Think in terms of what the other person wants

4. Smile when you talk (text, email) to people

5. Most do better under a spirit of appreciation and kindness

Think about how you would like to be treated or talked to, that's probably what the people you're dealing with would also want.

“When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic.  We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity.”

Until next time, God bless and be well.

M. Joseph Benric is the author of Graduation Gift , A Step-By-Step Guide to Financial Literacy for Young Adults

If you're trying to be a positive influence in a young person's life try gifting a copy, and helping them on their journey to financial success.