Q&A for How to Communicate Effectively

The easiest way to get positive outcomes is to be positive yourself. Be kind and focus on what is good instead of complaining about the negatives.

If you are controlling your voice in an argument, so as not to make it sound frustrated, try pausing before you speak. Often, in an argument, people tend to rush into the discussion, not giving themselves time to think about how they want to come across. Before speaking, pause for a moment to focus on how your words and tone will sound, to calm yourself, and begin to articulate your response in a way that shows exactly what you want it to show.

That is certainly one very good reason if not the main reason. Frustration, eagerness to get your point across, and lack of empathy are other common problems. As a parent, you may assert yourself as the decision maker and feel the child should just fall in line. When a parent gives an answer like, "Because I said so" the child can clearly see that you are being lazy or you are not taking their argument seriously. It becomes frustrating for the child and it carries on with each argument. My suggestion would be to explain your position (fears, concerns) then listen to their response. Be willing to compromise.

Just be honest with him. Tell him you don't feel well.

Practice tongue twisters and sound scales with different tones and practice enunciating.

Politely tell them that another time can be fixed to converse in more detail about the matter but that now it is time for you to return some important call or do a pressing errand.