| No. |
Do's |
Dont's |
1 |
Listen more than you speak |
Interrupt or plan your response while they’re still talking |
| 2 |
Keep your message simple & clear |
Over-explain or use vague words that confuse |
| 3 |
Use “I” statements (“I feel… I need…”) |
Use “You always…” or “You never…” which triggers defensiveness |
| 4 |
Pay attention to body language |
Cross arms, avoid eye contact, or check your phone mid-chat |
| 5 |
Ask open-ended questions |
Shut the conversation down with yes/no questions only |
| 6 |
Validate feelings (“I hear you… That makes sense…”) |
Dismiss with “Calm down” or “It’s not a big deal" |
| 7 |
Stay calm and breathe |
Raise your voice, rush, or let fatigue drive your tone |
| 8 |
Adapt to the moment (friend, partner, stranger) |
Use a one-size-fits-all approach |
| 9 |
Speak honestly, with kindness |
Sugarcoat important truths or be brutally blunt |
| 10 |
Reflect & learn from conversations |
Repeat the same communication mistakes without self-awareness |
