Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Enhance Communication (Part 1)

“I” vs. “YOU” Statements

Definition: Using the pronoun “I” to take responsibility and to promote cooperation and understanding when making statements to others. This is in contrast to using the pronoun “you” when addressing another person.

Benefits of Using “I” vs. “YOU”:
· Allows you to take 100% responsibility and ownership of ideas and feelings
· Promotes cooperation and understanding.
· Less threatening

Negatives associated with using “YOU” statements:
· Sounds accusatory
· Sounds judgmental
· Sounds threatening


Write down this sentence: I feel ____________ (place in your feeling word) when you __________________(behavior that you want to discuss), I would prefer you to ________________(the behavior you would prefer). Practice writing your thoughts down..to get used to using "I" statements.

Example: I feel sad and lonely when you forget to call for my birthday, I would prefer a phone call or card on or before my birthday.
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2 comments:

Lily said...

Thanks Lisa! Great tips! I am enjoying your blog very much.

Lily :-)

Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching said...

Thank you, keep checking out our skills and tools.. If there is ever a topic you or anyone would like us to write about, please let us know. Lisa, Amanda, and Jeff PTC