Better Conversations, Better Connections: Lessons from The Communication Code
James Gilman
I’m a 6’8” dad and husband who thinks the office supply industry is awesome. Host of "Pushing the Envelope", a podcast that discusses business wins and challenges, leadership, teamwork, and industry innovation.
Have you ever had a conversation where you felt truly heard? Or one where things went wrong because of a misunderstanding?
Communication is at the heart of all relationships—at work, with family, or with friends. Jeremie Kubicek - Speaker/Best Selling Author ’s book, The Communication Code, offers simple but powerful tools to make our conversations more meaningful and effective.
The Best Communication Strategies
Kubicek shares three big ideas that can help anyone communicate better:
Before you share your thoughts, take time to acknowledge the other person’s perspective. A simple “I hear what you’re saying” or “That makes sense” can help them feel valued and more open to the conversation.
Many of us listen while already thinking of what we’ll say next. Kubicek encourages us to pause and really hear what the other person is saying.
Ask questions like, “Can you tell me more about that?” to dig deeper.
One approach the book suggests is starting with something positive before discussing challenges.
For example, in a work setting, you might say, “I really appreciate your effort on this project” before bringing up areas that need improvement.
These strategies may seem small, but they can make a huge difference in how people feel during a conversation.
How These Strategies Can Help
When we communicate with intention, our interactions improve in big ways:
Think about this: If you start every tough conversation with a positive, how much easier would it be to handle challenges?
What I’ll Do Differently
After reading this book, I realized I need to work on a few things:
I’m often quick to offer advice or solutions. Instead, I’ll take a moment to let others know I understand their perspective.
I want to get better at asking, “What do you mean by that?” or “Can you explain more?” to truly understand.
Whether at work or at home, beginning with something good can set the right tone for a conversation.
Your Next Step
If you want to improve your communication, I recommend reading The Communication Code. It’s full of simple tools that can help you connect better with others.
Great advice! Thanks for sharing!!