Communication tips from a wise father and daughter…

Have you ever witnessed an interaction between two people that just knocked you out of the water?

We did this on a trip home from a fabulous vacation in Florida and the interaction we saw was so good, so powerful and such a great example of how to communicate with kindness, love and respect that we only had to tell you about it….

So here’s what happened…

As we sat on the hard plastic bucket chairs waiting for our flight which ended up being canceled (that's another story)…

We couldn't help noticing a father talking quietly with his daughter who was sitting across from us.

The father was in his early thirties and had Clarissa Ann's name tattooed in a large font on the inside of his right leg. The girl was 9 or 10 years old and had long blond (almost white) hair and purple glasses.

What touched our hearts in the way they interacted with each other was how present he was, how he listened to her, and how clearly he communicated watching her in the eyes.

As we listened, they talked about the stuffed animal she had with her, how she felt about school starting soon, and whether or not she was getting a haircut.

He asked her if she was nervous about getting on the plane and when she said she was, he told her that sometimes he is too.

When they left to board their plane, we were so grateful to have seen such a beautiful interaction between two people, not to mention the fact that they were father and daughter.

We could see once again how presence, listening and clear communication created a connection.

So if communicating with a loved one (or anyone else) is sometimes a problem for you…

Here are 3 communication tips from the example of father and daughter that you can start practicing for a healthier and happier relationship… 1. Look them in the eye.

Sometimes it can be uncomfortable, but if it is, start small but start. When you look someone in the eye while they are talking or talking, it indicates that they are important to you (more important than what is happening on Facebook).

2. Listen without interrupting and ask questions.

Many of us tend to end each other's sentences with our thoughts. But what we've discovered is that we can't know what someone else is thinking and interrupting them with our thoughts cuts the connection.

That's why it's so important to listen with FULL attention without interrupting.

Listening and asking questions to learn more shows respect and creates a connection like nothing else can.

3. Be clear in your communication.

This father did not speak to his daughter but spoke clearly and thoughtfully. He treated her like an equal, someone worthy of all his love and presence.

When your questions and answers are clear, there is no room for assumptions or misunderstandings.

The friend we were staying with in Florida said she noticed how clearly we communicated.

She said she often makes false assumptions that end up creating havoc in her relationship when all you have to do is stop, ask a question, or say whatever you want to clear everything up.

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Communication doesn't have to be difficult.

Start using these simple communication tips today and see how your relationship improves.

If you would like help with making it easier to communicate in a specific situation or with a certain person, contact us here with a question or to speak with one of us…