27 April

5 Tips For Better Communication & Oh, Hey Girl! Link-Up

All day long we’re communicating verbally and non-verbally with the people around us. Are you sending the people around you the right message?

Your communication skills can help you land a new job, promotion, friend, spouse, someone’s trust, etc. So, they should be in tip top shape! I noticed my communication skills sucked when I was in college. It took one Organizational Communications class to make me realize that I was totally lacking in my skills. Eye contact…what? Since better communication skills make for better relationship and better outcomes, I made it a point from then on to focus on being a better communicator. Years later, these skills have become second nature to me and have not only improved my relationships, they’ve also improved my confidence! So, here you go, my five guiding principles for better communication:

1. Make eye contact. I used to be terrible at making eye contact when I talked with someone, it made me terribly uncomfortable. The problem is, when you don’t make eye contact, the person you’re speaking with doesn’t have any way of knowing that you’re listening or paying attention to them. Eye contact conveys confidence to the other party and interest in what they are saying! Eye contact is a powerful thing I tell ya!

2. Watch your body language. Eye contact is a part of your non-verbal communication, but the other facial expressions and gestures you make are just as important. One way to appear more inviting to someone you’re speaking with is to match their body language. Lean in to the conversation, smile when they smile, frown when they frown. Keep a warm neutral face. If I agree with what they are saying, I nod my head, etc. It’s important to make sure that your gestures match your thoughts and the conversation. You can say you agree, but if you’re making subtle side eyes and eye rolls, it’s pretty much a dead giveaway you don’t feel the same. Non-verbal communication also shows the other party that you’re listening and engaging in the conversation with them. When someone has a straight, no emotion, face when they’re talking to you, isn’t it confusing? Don’t be that confusing person, engage in the conversation with your non-verbal cues.

J. Crew Factory Ruffle Sleeve Top | J. Crew Factory Scallop Shorts — On an aside, I’m going to communicate how clearly I am loving J. Crew Factory lately! I grabbed these sweet scalloped shorts and bright green ruffle top recently and can’t stop wearing them!

3. Think before you speak. I learned pretty early on to watch what I say. Sometimes a thought is ugly or not well thought out and once you speak it out, you can’t take it back. No amount of apologies or explanations can take away the feelings the other person had when you made the first statement. Words are powerful and forever. Remember that.

4. Be clear. Say what you mean and don’t play games. No, this doesn’t mean just word vomit all of your thoughts, but if you have something you want to say to someone and it’s been well thought out, just say it. Don’t play little games or drop hints hoping someone will get the point, there is a good chance they won’t.

5. Don’t make excuses. When you screw up, apologize, find the solution and move on. No one likes excuses. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes so it’s bound to happen from time to time. However, an apology is always better than an excuse.

J. Crew flutter sleeve tank, J. Crew scalloped shorts and B.P. lace up flats — If it’s not obvious, I’m also totally obsessed with my B.P. lace up flats I grabbed at Nordstrom.

Communication is powerful and can influence so much of your life. Are you practicing to be a better communicator?

-Brooke

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116 Comments

4.27.16
Candice Petersen said:

Thanks for sharing these great tips

Beauty Candy Loves
4.27.16
Carrie said:

Great tips + I saw this top at j. crew and loved it too!
4.27.16
Jaymie Ashcraft said:

Cutest shorts!!!!
Jaymie
4.27.16
Living on Cloud Nine said:

Not only are these fabulous tips, especially the don’t make excuses, but HOW CUTE ARE YOU in this outfit of splendor? Gorgeous colors, gorgeous scallops and you just look like a fresh Summer day. All you need is a lemonade in your hand and you’re the belle of the picnic!!
4.27.16
Marta C said:

These are great tips, clear communication is so important! This outfit is so adorable, love the colours and those scalloped shorts!
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
4.27.16
Biana Perez said:

I picked the same blouse up but in pink!! Non-verbal communication is almost as important as what actually comes out of your mouth!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
4.27.16
Jill said:

Having good communication is so important throughout life! These are great tips! Your top and shorts are adorable! This is such a pretty color combo!

Jill
Doused In Pink
4.27.16
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom said:

I think eye contact and a smile or positive face is important! Love those shorts, although I love anything with a scallop edge!

Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
4.27.16
Sheela Goh said:

I learned early on that only you can “sell” you and in order to achieve that effectively, good communication skills are gospel 🙂 I’ve been blessed in being able to hone those skills in the course of work over the past 20 odd years. Having said that, the act of communicating has transcended physical contact with all those social media platforms permeating our lives. That’s certainly an entirely different way of communicating which we’ve all had to grasp and, I speak for myself, am still learning 🙂
4.27.16
Carylee said:

Those shorts are darling! Love them on you and the green is so so good! Loved your point about being clear and playing games. It just leads to frustration when you don’t get what you want, when you could have just been up front and direct and not wasting time or energy!
Carylee | http://morepiecesofme.com
4.27.16
Cherie James said:

Eye contact is key! And so are those scalloped shorts – love them! Thank you for hosting. Make sure to hop on over to The SHOE AND TELL Fashion Link UP, NOT just for shoes, on Style Nudge.

Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
4.27.16
Lauren said:

Good communication skills are so key!! I totally agree with the eye contact thing. I used to be bad at it too.

xo Lauren
http://www.earthtostyle.com/
4.27.16
http://www.weshopinheels.com said:

Great tips! Amazing color combo with that adorable top!

-Tatiana
We Shop in Heels
4.27.16
RedTagChicLA said:

Great well written post – thanks for the tips! Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
4.27.16
Amy Johnson said:

Great post! The last two points especially are spot on!
4.27.16
Deena Simair said:

Ruffles AND scallops for the win! Great colour combo too!
4.27.16
Jodie Filogomo said:

You are spot on with these points. I especially appreciate #5—I always say that everyone makes mistakes. It’s how you admit it and then fix it that shows your true character!
Thanks for hosting.
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
4.27.16
Amy Ann Arnold said:

Good tips! I’ve always had a hard time apologizing which is stupid. Learning to work on that one.

Amy Ann
Straight A Style
4.27.16
Shaunacey said:

love these tips but not quite as much as I LOVE those shorts and that beautiful green top on you!!!! so pretty

Simply Shaunacey
4.27.16
Happinessatmidlife said:

Great tips! We are teaching our son how to communicate better and these are the same guidance we give him. Love those fun shorts!

Thank you for hosting and hope you are having a fab week!

Alice

http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
4.27.16
Lisa @ Daily Style Finds said:

These are such great tips. Body language and eye contact are so important, and especially #4 – I like when people are straight-forward – I don’t like guessing – or finding out later they were hiding something.

Lisa
Daily Style Finds
4.27.16
Elise Ward Joyce said:

These are all great tips. Loving this look! the green and blue are so pretty together, and I love the scallop detail on your shorts!

xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
4.27.16
ADA said:

This post is fabulous and right on point. Communication is a minor on my fields of study and all these points you mentioned are exactly what we learnt. I am always striving to be a better communicator and sometimes I still have a problem with eye contact, especially with strangers – it makes me nervous. Your new Crew Factory pieces are gorgeous. I am loving Navy Blue and Bright Green together and I am wearing them in my latest post too – come take a peek.

Also would love for you to linkup with me tomorrow. Thanks Brooke and have a fantastic day!
4.27.16
Threads for Thomas said:

Great tips! Body language is still something I need to work on! Also loving your scalloped shorts!
Rachael
http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com
4.27.16
Rachel Garay said:

Nice tips. I have some in-laws and people around me I need to practice these with as I feel like I have done more damage than good with some of these people with non-verbal and verbal communication Thanks for the reminder.

Rachel xo

http://garaytreasures.com
4.27.16
JL@ A Pocketful of Polka Dots said:

Really helpful tips. It can be awkward to look others in the eye while communicating, but really makes a difference. Super cute look – those shorts are adorable!
4.27.16
Shea Sayers said:

Your scallops and ruffles are adorable….LOVE this fun summery look! These are all excellent tips too, especially the one about being clear. Especially with my husband, I find myself expecting him to know what I want even when I haven’t actually come out and said what I want. I expect him to read my mind, which is ridiculous!
4.27.16
DAUGHTER OF REMEMBRANCE said:

Wow, yes, compassionate communication is so important! I appreciate you discussing this! I really like your scalloped shorts and lace-up flats. So cute together! This was my first time linking up and visiting and I followed you on Instagram.
4.27.16
Dana Ivy said:

Adore those scalloped shorts! Communication is huge and I really enjoyed reading your post about it! My husband and I are pretty communicative but I guess there’s always room for improvement! Hope you’re having a great week!

Xox Dana Ivy // http://www.iadorewhatilove.com
4.27.16
Traci Hart said:

Great tips! Eye contact is so important. You look great in green!
Traci
waltzmetoheaven.com
4.27.16
Mica said:

First, love that green ruffled top on you, what a nice colour!

Second, I agree, communication is so important, especially non-verbal like eye contact.

Thank you for the link up!

Away From The Blue Blog
4.27.16
Laura said:

Since I work with student to improve their communication skills, I definitely agree with all these tips! Some people don’t think about things like body language or eye contact, but 80% of communication is nonverbal! Your body language is important! Love that beautiful top and pretty shorts on you! The scalloped and ruffle details are gorgeous!
4.27.16
Rachel Rinderknecht said:

First of all, you look so cute! I love your whole outfit. And I love these tips as well. I definitely think that eye contact and body language are so important, as well as thinking about what you are saying before you just blurt it out. I am the worst at that sometimes. :/

Rachel
Simply Rachel Nicole
4.27.16
Alice Shiya said:

Dead on about non verbal communications, love these tips! And love your outfit; the green flutter sleeve top is gorgeous.

xo, alice / T Y P E N U
4.27.16
Lanae Bond said:

Your outfit is very cute! I love your pretty green top. You made some very important points especially about thinking before you speak because it saves you and the person you are talking to from awkward moments.
4.27.16
Stefanie Meier said:

such a lovely green

Stefanie | Casualllyawkward | Bloglovin’
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks for reading!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

🙂 thanks Carrie!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks girl!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

You are so sweet!! A lemonade would be the perfect compliment!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks so much Marta!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Love this top!! I want the pink too!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks so much Jill!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks Carrie!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

So true Sheela!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks Carylee!!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks Cherie! I agree that eye contact is so important!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

I was horrible at it!! 🙂
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks Tatiana!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thank Rebecca! You too!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks Amy!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Woo!!! I love girly things!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Love that Jodie!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

I’m always working on that too Amy!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thank you Shauancey!!! 😀
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

You’re an awesome mom!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

So true!! Cut to point!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thank you Elise!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

We sure will Ada!! I struggled a lot with eye contact at first but then it just became second nature!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks Rachael!! I’m working on that too and not letting my mind wander during a conversation haha!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks Rachel! You’re so sweet I can’t see you doing any damage 🙂
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

It can be so awkward! I used to be terrible at it.
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

That tip is the most true with my husband and I, I always want him to just know what I mean or what I want, but it’s always so much better if I just come out and tell him!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thank you so much!! I will be visiting your blog too!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

That’s awesome!! Strong relationships have the best communication. 🙂
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thank you Traci!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thank you Mica!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

You have such an important job! I wish someone had helped me with my communication skills earlier in life.
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks Rachel! I’ve done that a time or two myself and always felt bad when it hurt someone’s feelings :-/
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thank you Alice!
4.27.16
Brooke & Erica said:

So true!! Thank Lanae!
4.27.16
Sheree said:

Your blog is always so insightful and this post about communication skills is spot on. As for your outfit, it is so fresh and clean, and you absolutely look beautiful in green Brooke!

xo Sheree
http://poshclassymom.com
IG: @poshclassymom
4.27.16
birdieshoots said:

Great tips, eye contact is so important! On another note I’m loving those scalloped shorts, so cute!

xo,

Kelly

I hope to see you at this weeks link up: bit.ly/1U84fHc
4.27.16
Lauren Blair . said:

Great list! I agree with all of these points! XO
Lauren-Blair
http://www.prefertobedemure.com
4.28.16
Lana L. said:

Great tips! I’m going to share them with my sons. You look great in green and blue!
4.28.16
Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side said:

These are such great tips! Really great especially for new grads! Those pictures of you Brooke are STUNNING!!!!! Love the scalloped shorts, green top and the background, gorgeous!
4.28.16
Danielle Tsuji said:

Great tips. Communication is becoming a huge issue. Hope you have an excellent weekend!!!
Danielle
http://www.blushblossom.com
4.28.16
Roxanne said:

Fantastic post! It is nice to have a reminder now and again. Thanks for hosting!
–Roxanne
Glass of Glam
4.28.16
Rachel said:

These are some great tips! I feel like I’m always rushing in everything I do and sometimes need to filter what I say before actually saying it! I totally agree, it’s super important in communication!!

xo, Rachel
A Blonde’s Moment
4.28.16
Nicole Mölders said:

Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style
4.29.16
Cielo Fronteras said:

These are really awesome tips! By the way, I love those pretty scalloped shorts! =)

– Cielo

Mermaid in Heels
4.30.16
Dressed2dNines.Com said:

This is the cutest outfit. Love the scalloped shorts! Great advice. Communication skills are so vital in every aspect of life from work to relationships.

http://www.dressed2dnines.com
4.30.16
Bash Harry said:

Great tips that I wished Young Me knew, I was soo awkward when I was younger. Love the shorts, it’s so cute! <3

xx Bash | go say H E Y B A S H
4.30.16
Elizabeth Swain said:

Fantastic tips
Where were you 5 years ago when my younger awkward self needed to hear this!
xx

Lizzie | Garland Girl
4.30.16
Faye Fearon said:

Lovely post, dear! .x

http://www.fayeisabella.co.uk
4.30.16
The Wardrobe Stylist said:

All very essential points for amazing communication. It’s also important to point out that what it in your head or what your background is not necessarily always properly interpreted by the other party. It’s not good to assume. =Would love if you can link up to http://the-wardrobe-stylist.com/2016/04/24/mothers-day-rings/
4.30.16
Malin Rouge said:

Oh I love the frills look and the bright green colour 🙂 When I’m trying hard to watch my body language I completely miss what the other person is saying most of the time because I spend all my energy on looking interested instead of actually being interested haha!

Malin | Spark&Bark

xx
5.1.16
Ambi said:

These are all such a nice tips 🙂 lovely look dear ! x
http://www.ambiinwonderland.com
5.1.16
KaSonndra Leigh said:

Communication is the key in every aspect of our lives. Once you’ve mastered the way to do it right then everything else falls into place. These are fabulously perfect tips you’ve shared. And thanks so much for being such a great host.

Have a beautiful day
KaSonndra
http://livewellbefabulous.com
5.1.16
Dajana said:

Great post! Thanks for sharing this.
Have a great day ! 🙂

https://dajanaerd.wordpress.com
5.1.16
Vera Sawicki said:

This is such a great post & I am loving that green top.

Blonde in Cashmere
5.1.16
Art ThisIsArt said:

Thanks a lot for sharing these tips with us, this was a great post!

Ilona
http://www.artthisisart.com
5.2.16
Kashmir & Silk said:

Great tips !! 🙂 Xx

http://kashmirandsilk.com/
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thank you so much Sheree!! 🙂
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks so much Kelly! We will be sure to stop by your link up!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks Lauren!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Aw that’s sweet! Thank you!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

You are too sweet Sarah!! Thank you!!!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

So true Danielle! I hope I can teach my boys how to do it right!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks Roxanne!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

I’ve done the same thing many times!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks for hosting!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks:-D
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks Daphnee!!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

I was so awkward too!!! I think that’s why people thought I was stuck up in high school, but really I was just terrible at communication!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Haha being totally awkward right along with you!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks so much!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Great point!!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Haha!! I’m totally guilty of that, I’ll be thinking, am I making eye contact and then oh wait what did you say?
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

You are so right!!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks for visiting!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thanks so much Vera!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Aw thank you!
5.2.16
Brooke & Erica said:

Thank you!
5.10.16
Katya Bychkova | StyleSprinter said:

Love the look! That top is so pretty!

http://stylesprinter.com/

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5 Tips For Better Communication & Oh, Hey Girl! Link-Up

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