What impact does self-awareness have on your communication style?

1 Benefits of self-awareness

Self-awareness can help you communicate better in several ways. First, it can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses as a communicator, and work on improving them. For example, you might realize that you tend to interrupt others, or that you avoid giving feedback, or that you struggle to listen actively. By being aware of these habits, you can take steps to change them and become a more effective communicator. Second, self-awareness can help you understand your emotions and how they influence your communication. For example, you might notice that you get defensive when you receive criticism, or that you become impatient when you have to explain something multiple times, or that you feel anxious when you have to speak in public. By being aware of these emotions, you can learn to regulate them and prevent them from interfering with your communication. Third, self-awareness can help you appreciate the diversity and perspectives of others, and communicate with them accordingly. For example, you might recognize that different people have different communication styles, preferences, and needs, and that you need to adapt your communication to suit them. By being aware of these differences, you can learn to communicate with more empathy, respect, and openness.

2 How to assess your self-awareness

To improve your self-awareness, you need to assess your current level of self-awareness and identify the areas that need improvement. You can do this by taking online self-assessment tests, such as the Emotional Intelligence Test or the Communication Style Quiz, to gain some insights into your emotional intelligence and communication style. Asking for feedback from others, such as colleagues and family, can also provide honest and constructive feedback on your communication skills and behaviors. Additionally, reflecting on your communication experiences and analyzing what went well and what went wrong can help you identify patterns and areas of improvement. Keeping a journal to write down your thoughts, feelings, and actions related to your communication is also beneficial for self-reflection.

3 How to improve your self-awareness

Once you have assessed your self-awareness, it is time to take action to improve it. Strategies such as setting specific and realistic goals for communication improvement, practicing mindfulness, seeking feedback and coaching, and learning from others can be very helpful. For instance, tracking your progress and achievements will help you become more aware of your emotions and how they affect your communication. Additionally, mentors, coaches, peers, role models, leaders, and experts can provide valuable feedback and advice on communication skills and behaviors. Furthermore, observing and imitating effective and emotionally intelligent communication can inspire you to learn new techniques.

4 How to apply your self-awareness

Applying self-awareness to communication is key for effective and emotionally intelligent communication. This can be done by preparing for your communication, such as anticipating emotions, expectations, and needs of yourself and others, and planning accordingly. Additionally, communicating with intention is important; make sure you are clear about your purpose, message, and audience. Finally, evaluate your communication by reviewing outcomes, reactions, and feedback to learn from successes and failures. With improved self-awareness, you can communicate more clearly, authentically, and respectfully while building better relationships with yourself and others.