Be mindful of your words: The Power of Mindful Communication

A Quick Guide

We have long been aware of the value of successful communication in the workplace. According to research, it can result in a variety of advantageous results, such as improved collaboration and increased employee engagement. But many people still have trouble improving their ability to communicate. Communication is fundamentally about giving people responses that are meaningful. People may presume you disagree with them, don’t value what they have to say, or don’t value them or their time if they feel you are not present during a conversation. This can result in misunderstandings, strained relationships, and further communication breakdowns; however, by being mindful of your words, you can show that you are present in a conversation and work to overcome these obstacles.

What does it mean to be mindful of your words?

Words have the innate ability to change someone’s mood, attitude, and even fate at times. When people treat words casually, they frequently wind up in life as casualties. We must truly and constantly perform a word audit. Every day, we engage in certain words and conversations that are in fact destroying the intimacy we have with our partners, kids, coworkers, family, friends, and other loved ones.

Be more mindful of your words. Be accountable for the things you say and do. Don’t let your words hold you back from achieving success in your relationships and in life. Every day, sometimes multiple times a day, you engage in a conversation that might be putting distance between you and the people you cherish. People will accurately answer your questions if you ask them with sincerity and patience.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness implies that the mind is completely focused on what is taking place, what you are doing, and the environment you are navigating through. That could be dismissed as unimportant if it weren’t for the irritating fact that we frequently stray from the topic at hand. When our mind wanders, we become disconnected from our physical selves and quickly become preoccupied with obsessive ideas about the past or worry about the future. And that stresses us out.

“The ability to be completely present, and conscious of where we’re at as well as what we are doing, while not being excessively reactive or stressed by what is happening around us is known as mindfulness.”

What is Mindful Communication?

The practice of mindful communication entails incorporating mindfulness practices into our interactions with others. Setting a purpose, being completely present, being transparent and unbiased, and relating to other people with kindness are some of these principles. The main goal of mindful communication is to increase awareness of the two main aspects of conversation: speaking and listening. We then go into greater depth about each of these areas and provide guidance on how to approach them all mindfully.

Mindful Listening

The objective of mindful listening is to comprehend what the speaker is attempting to say, which may seem rather obvious to state. It entails listening intently and showing curiosity about what others have to say. Four common obstacles can prevent us from genuinely understanding what is being said by diverting our focus away from what is being indicated and removing us from the present moment. These obstacles can prevent us from practicing mindful listening. which are the following:

• Comparing your ideas and experiences with others
• Trying to read the thoughts of the individual speaking and guess what they will say next
• Rehearsing the words you intend to use
• Evaluating the speaker’s words before they are complete

Avoiding self-centeredness, interruptions, completing other people’s sentences, responding while others are still speaking, and passing judgment while others are still speaking will help you to become an enhanced mindful listener. Instead, you can show that you paid attention by recounting what the other person said and, if required, seeking clarification.

Learning to be at ease in the presence of silence is also a component of mindful listening. For many, this entails taking their time to talk and giving others a chance to finish. Additionally, it entails allowing individuals some time to gather their thoughts before speaking. It’s essential to avoid taking the initiative when you enter conversations with the goal of understanding. You will probably discover the conversation that results more insightful and instructive if you give other people all the time and space they require.

Mindful Speaking

Mindful speaking is the second key element of successful communication. Here, it’s important to remain on the topic while also being aware of how other people are taking what you have to say. You can adjust your message’s clarity based on what you see in others.

We are more likely to drift off course and start talking about unrelated topics when we are not paying attention to how we are communicating. Speaking without thinking can also lead to apologies, justifications, hurtful remarks, and repetitions, all of which can undermine the point you are making.

Be mindful of the words you are speaking to improve as a speaker. Make an effort to be clear, concise, and precise. When necessary, use examples to support your arguments. By concentrating on what is most crucial to communicate, you are also demonstrating your respect for other people’s time and attention. While being mindful of your words, it’s also crucial to be genuine and honest. This will promote confidence and inspire other people to feel the same way.

How words can affect us?

Some of us have the bad practice of repeatedly using the same unpleasant words. The issue is that a term or phrase has more influence over us the more times we hear, read, or use it. This is due to the fact that the brain learns through repetition, looking for consistency, and develops to help us create a sense of everything that’s around us. We don’t fully comprehend the fact that fire always stays hot until we’ve been scorched a few times. If you had to repeatedly repeat your multiplication formulas, it is likely that you continue to remember what 6 x 5 is even though you may not be able to recall the precise end date of the Civil War.

Think back to a time when a song would linger in your mind all day long, despite your best efforts to get the tune out. The best way to imprint anything in our thoughts and keep it there is through repetition.

When we take into account the illusion of truth effect phenomenon, this is of important concern. It essentially establishes that every statement we hear, read, or see frequently is taken to be more true than one that we come across only rarely. Surprisingly, it doesn’t matter if the statement is accurate or false. The only factor that counts is how frequently we are subjected to it. According to research from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a weak message that is repeated twice gains more weight than a powerful message that is only heard once.

We are capable of changing our views with just one repetition. The same is true of images, which are simply concepts and ideas condensed into a visual form. Repeating something causes us to mentally validate whatever we are subjected to, which is why political propaganda uses repetition so effectively.

Consistency always wins out over truth if we’re not completely aware of what we’re subjecting ourselves to. You can start to see how your internal propaganda creates a false self-image if you think about how often you’ve labeled yourself dumb, untalented, unattractive, or anything else.

How do you begin using positive self-talk?

Here are some ways you can start using more positive words whenever you are talking about yourself. It is important to understand that you can be mindful of your words while talking about yourself.

Making Words Perform

Start with the words you’re using in order to deliberately harness the power that words have to your advantage while being more mindful.

No blaming others or criticizing oneself

Everyone, including you, is doing the best they can with the awareness they have at any given time. Be kind to yourself and give the same empathy and compassion you would show to anyone else.

Avoid Self-Deprecation

Never make jokes about your appearance, your accomplishments, or anything else in your life. Words have strength, & quantum energy is lacking a sense of humor.

Deny gossiping about or disparaging others

No one else’s body can respond to your words the way that your own can.

Put yourself on a diet of negativity

Say, “I’ve had better,” rather than, “That was terrible.” You essentially got your message across without sending any negative vibes through your body, and you even did it with a kind word.

Boost Words’ Positive Energy

Increase the positive vibe by using words like great, or fantastic in place of something like I had a good time at the performance. These are much more pleasant and produce a greater energetic reaction in the body.

Avoid negative people

Limit your time with them or make new acquaintances if your group of friends includes any negative people. Like a large black hole, negative energy has a way of drawing everything around it in. When possible, avoid it.

Surround yourself with phrases that will make you feel good

Affirmations that are positive about you, your family, or your goals should be posted on sticky notes and placed throughout your home and workplace. Wear clothing with inspiring words or feelings on it.

When you choose to be optimistic throughout the day, consider the kind of energy you will be producing for yourself. As you continue to do these things, you very successfully leverage the power of repetition to your advantage. One of the simplest ways to modify the energy you carry into your life is by choosing your words carefully and being more mindful. You have the ability to change your world.

The Impact of Words

There is emotional power in the language we use to communicate. Each phrase we choose can have a profound effect. At first glimpse, a manager or boss’s comment might not seem important. However, never consider words to be unimportant. Instead, consider them to be strong. Words have the power to uplift or destroy. They are able to inspire or demoralize.

In the workplace and in personal interactions, words can sway people. They have the power to ruin friendships. Simply stated, language has the immense, colossal power to bring about change—whether it’s for the better or worse. It may be preferable at times to remain silent. So it is important to understand that if you cannot convey something good, don’t say anything.

You should be very cautious and mindful when choosing your words since they have the power to either create or destroy almost anything. One negative remark can completely destroy a person’s day. Some of them could even end the person’s existence. On the other hand, one supportive remark can go a long way toward boosting morale among staff members, fostering more positive work environments, and improving individual relations. We frequently fail to notice the little things in life.

Your speech patterns, including your tone and mood, reveal who you are and have an effect on everyone and everything around you. It can greatly add to your level of accomplishment or “non-success” both in the workplace and in your personal life as well. Think before you speak the next time. It will be what matters most.

How to Practice Mindful Communication in 11 Easy Steps?

By being more mindful of our words, we slow down and respond with more thought. By doing this, we are able to communicate with more self-control, compassion, and restraint. 

Be patient, ground yourself, and clear your mind.

Prior to initiating a conversation, make an effort to clear your mind of any racing ideas. Release any preconceived notions you might have regarding the speaker. Knowing someone’s identity or whatever they will say before you listen puts you at a disadvantage because their words could be mistranslated. 

It is crucial to be in the present moment, which includes sitting up straight, having your feet on the ground, and being conscious of where you’re situated in space. This will keep you focused and conscious of your environment while participating in a conversation. Any kind of communication requires patience, but it’s particularly important when hearing another person speak or express their feelings.

Make a Safe Environment for Your Conversation

It is never easy to persuade someone to share their thoughts and open up. You can convey that it’s okay to allow them to be themselves around you by paying particular attention to everything the other person has to say. Creating a space that is safe and comfortable for conversion can get someone to open up and express their views. Create a space that is comfortable and safe for conversation. This could be as simple as creating an area of silence or going somewhere private if you are having a conversation about something personal.

Consider the words you use

If you are asked a question, don’t jump right into a conversation. Consider the question and your response for at least 10 to 20 seconds, if not longer. This way you will be able to come up with words that better articulate your point. It will allow you to be more mindful of your words.

Use “I” statements

Use “I” words whenever you are talking to someone. For instance, avoid saying “You made me feel terrible” in response to someone who has offended you. Say something like, “I am upset that you said that,” in place of that. The secret to using “I” statements effectively is to express your emotions and experiences without sounding judgmental or disengaged. 

Maintain Eye Contact

Instead of looking at your feet, the ceiling, or anything else nearby, keep your eyes on the individual you are speaking with. Look the speaker in the eyes and pay attention to what they are saying. It displays how considerate you are. Wouldn’t it be better if everyone demonstrated that thoughtfulness?

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes

People’s responses and perceptions of occurrences are influenced by their worldviews. Take a moment to step back and attempt to imagine yourself in the other person’s situation as you talk. A lot of the time, the person who is in the situation has evaluated their options. So rather than start giving suggestions right away, try to imagine yourself in their shoes.

Pick Your Words Carefully

Even though it makes sense to you, it might not be to someone else.  Always be mindful of what words you choose to use when speaking to others. It only serves to highlight the fact that using words carelessly could result in more negative consequences than positive ones. Most people are hesitant to give someone a second opportunity. A word spoken carelessly can put a person’s job or relationship in danger. 

Be True to Your Words and Do As You Say

When you speak with someone if you promise to give them a paper on a certain date, keep your word. If you follow through on your promises, people will value you more. Never promise to contact someone again with whom you no longer want to speak. In all situations, whether you’re doing business, courting, or just hanging out with friends, keeping your word is crucial.

Never assume anything

Don’t assume anything. Instead, politely request clarification from the speaker if they state something you failed to comprehend or aren’t sure about. The majority of the time, people assume that the other individual is saying one thing when they may actually be saying something completely different. As long as you express your questions politely, there is nothing inappropriate about having questions. 

Discuss the things that are truly on your thoughts

When we speak with someone, we frequently want to project a certain picture onto them. We’re all trying our best to come off as well as possible. Oftentimes, we need external validation if we are to be loved and respected. As a consequence, many people try to sound different in conversation. which almost always makes them look dishonest. Being true to yourself is the most important thing you can do for yourself. To do that, you must be sincere with yourself. This does not obligate you to act aggressively. It is possible to express yourself while remaining friendly and caring. 

Refocus on your breathing if you find yourself feeling particularly strong feelings

We might become more anxious or angry if we ignore our emotional state during a discussion. Keep in mind that these feelings are quite temporary. You don’t have to pass judgment on your emotions, even if they arise during a conversation and you experience unwelcome anger or sadness. It is one of the principles of awareness. We must shift our focus back to our breathing in order to regain our orientation.

Final Thoughts

The best communication begins with self-awareness of one’s own feelings and ideas. This enables us to communicate with people in a more accepting manner. Everyone desires to be known and heard. At times we have to hear someone out and understand them before they can listen and understand us.

Effective communication based on mindfulness is one of the most important methods to acquire in that regard. You get back what you give. People only respect you if you respect them.

We must never overlook how critical empathy, knowledge, and reason are in communication. To understand things from others’ perspectives, we need kindness. If we hold on to our preconceived ideas, we cannot develop sincere relationships with others. Then, we’ll be able to come to an understanding, work together more effectively, and communicate more thoughtfully. 

A nonjudgmental perspective toward our relationships, being present in the moment, and the ability to quickly adjust to change in a situation are all components of mindful communication. Successful conversation relies on thoughtful speaking and active listening. 

We hope you found this article useful in learning more about mindful communication and how you can be mindful of your words.