An Effective Communication Skill:
Staying True to Your Word
The most effective communication skill you could probably ever learn is, the value of staying true to your word. What do I mean by this?
People learn how to trust others through words and actions. So, if you have promised something to someone and you don't follow through with your promise, you can bet that your word will not be as trusted the next time around.
Keeping your word means you value the other person's time and well-being. If you fail to keep your word, that means that your time and well-being is more important to you than the other person's time.
Of course, it's important to respect yourself and your time, but once you have involved another person, it's important to respect yourself and the other. In fact, respecting their time and well-being is an act of respecting yourself. Why?
Because what you're saying to this person is, "Hey, I know how it would feel if you promised me something and you didn't stay true to your word. So, I'm owning up to my promise!" In other words, "Treat people how you would like to be treated."
Staying true to your word is an effective communication skill because you gain trust and respect from others, which is a very valuable when it comes to needing someone to talk too. If you're known for not keeping your word, others will be less willing to offer their listening ear.
So, keep in mind the next time you have given someone your word, stay true to what you have offered. Your word is very valuable to others, whether you are aware of it or not. Do not take this for granted.
Once you have learned the importance of keeping your word, you'll gain the respect, value, and confidence you desire.
If you are the person who has failed to stay true to their word, don't beat yourself up about it. Just learn from your mistakes and try better next time.
And another thing to keep in mind is, if you're unsure of whether or not you can keep your word, don't promise someone something. In other words, be honest and upfront with that person right away and don't give them "false hope."
Related Articles:
What is Integrity?
Are you trying to please everyone else?
Accepting your flaws for what they are.
Return from Effective Communication Skill to Definition of Communication

|