Although we’ve been speaking since we were little, we tend to mess it up pretty regularly.

That’s actually to be expected because accurate communication is not determined by the sender but by the receiver. No matter how well you say something, if the person at the other end doesn’t hear it the way you meant it, the communication was poor.

Four things to remember to help minimize conflict and to be happier:

1) Know Your Intention

Before you communicate, ask yourself, “If all went perfectly, what would I want to happen from the result of this communication?”

For example, are you trying to impart information, get someone to change his or her behavior, express how you feel, make someone feel good (or bad)…

If you understand your intention first, it helps you craft your message better.

2) Choose Your Medium

Determine HOW you are are going to communicate what you want.

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