When you are about to change the way you do something you may need to explain to others around you why you are about to behave differently. If you  make a dramatic change by either stopping doing something you’ve been doing for ages or start doing something you haven’t done before it’s a good idea to tell the others that they may notice something different about you from such and such a time or day.

So it’s important to improve the way you communicate with those people who may be affected by your change in behaviour.  Too many people don’t get as far as talking about what they would like to do because they assume that so and so would be very upset or not approve. Well that might be true but you won’t know their reaction until you actually do that thing. By communicating your intentions you will help to prepare that person for what you intend to do.

            First and most important is to get into rapport with the other person.           

            If you think they may not like what you are going to say, start with something positive, then tell them the main thing in a             positive way, and finish with something definitely positive from their point of view.

             If people don’t seem to hear or understand what you say learn to:

·      Listen twice as much as you speak. (Two ears and one mouth!)

·      Try to really understand their point of view because when you show understanding to them then they are more likely to give you the attention and consideration you want.

Susan E Kersley

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