Expressing your Needs: Scripts for Effective Communication

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Expressing Your Needs Effectively [Scripts] Course for me?

  Expressing our needs is key in all interpersonal relationships. However, most of us have never learned how to do it properly. In this course, you'll not only learn the exact scripts for communicating your needs – but also how to convey them for the best results. There's a whole module on nonverbal communication and active listening that will help you make the message land. You'll learn to master different nonverbal communication types and sharpen your listening skills. You'll also learn the nonverbal cues to communicate effectively around your needs. Improving your listening skills will help you avoid conflict- and when it happens, de-escalate it and have the ability to respond without letting your emotions take over.

• What is nonverbal communication?

  Nonverbal communication is communication that happens beyond spoken words. Research suggests that only 7% of communication is verbal – the rest is nonverbal. Nonverbal communication skills are thus essential to master to communicate effectively. The different nonverbal communication types involve: Facial expressions Eye contact Body language Tone of voice Physical movement Personal space And more. In the course, we'll cover each of these aspects on a deeper level. By mastering nonverbal communication, you can convey meaning much more efficiently. You become a better communicator. When you communicate nonverbally, you also avoid misunderstandings. You can easier reach mutual understanding even if your words aren't The same words can be received very differently depending on the nonverbal communication associated with them! For example, standing tall signals more confidence than hunching. Body language is something all of us use all the time and that we subconsciously decode to determine whether a person is trustworthy. Learning how to use your body language to your advantage can tremendously impact on how people perceive you and thus the opportunities you get in life. Part of nonverbal communication is affected by cultural background, social status, and upbringing. Many things in our daily life fall into nonverbal communication – for example, to shake hands.

• What is active listening?

  Effective communicators know that the secret to becoming a better communicator is becoming a better listener. Active listening is a way of validating the person you're speaking with and making them feel seen and heard. Using your active listening skills helps you forge better relationships. It's a part of good communication skills, and thus one of the most important skills to master for better relationships. In short, active listening means that you give your partner your undivided attention and provide feedback. Avoid looking at your phone or taking telephone calls. Stand face to face with the person you're speaking with. There are a couple of active listening techniques you can use. One is to use an open body language. You can also nod occasionally, use affirmative sounds and small verbal comments like "uh-huh", and stay focused on the message your partner is trying to convey. Repeat what they just told you in your own words to provide feedback and show that you make a conscious effort to listen. People naturally enjoy when we engage in active listening, since it shows that we fully understand them. Active listening also involves reading nonverbal cues and deciphering what the other person is talking about beyond words. The importance of active listening in becoming effective communication can't be underestimated! Other advantages are that active listening techniques can help avoid conflict, improve the conversation partner's emotional state, and show respect and understanding.

• What is the role of body language in nonverbal communication?

  Body language is important since it is something we all use all the time, and it speaks directly to the subconscious mind. Since verbal communication only constitutes 7% of the message when we exchange information in a conversation, it is key to develop the ability to use body language in your favor. Reading someone's body language starts the moment we first perceive them, before they have started speaking. Our body language is often instinctual. If we make a conscious effort to develop our body language, we will take our nonverbal communication to the next level. Some people include micro-expressions in body language. Micro-expressions are a form of nonverbal cues that often shows up as facial expressions with a very short duration – for example, frowning for just a fraction of a second to express dislike, or pupils dilating as a sign of attraction. It can be challenging to learn to control these nonverbal communication types as they are often more subconscious than for example eye contact, but it can really help you drive home certain points and contribute to increased understanding when speaking.

• Can I take the Expressing Your Needs Effectively [Scripts] Course as a single course?

  Yes, this course is designed to give you the tools to express your needs – both as a verbal message and through nonverbal signals. The results-oriented modules give you nonverbal communication strategies and active listening techniques that effective communicators use to get their message through more effectively. The nonverbal communication skills you'll develop in this course will help you in all life situations – in negotiations, speeches, and more. You'll learn a solid communication process that you can use for more than expressing your needs!

• How can nonverbal communication, such as eye contact and facial expressions, strengthen my verbal message?

  Good communication skills go way beyond the words we speak. The subconscious mind has the ability to speak in imagery and emotions, so nonverbal communication goes straight into the subconscious mind of the listener, thus bypassing the filter of the conscious mind. Nonverbal signals can convey messages more efficiently thanks to this "shortcut". If we align our spoken words with nonverbal communication, such as tone of voice and facial expressions, the message is delivered with its full potential. Nonverbal communication can more efficiently affect the feelings and emotional state of the listener.

• I’m not sure if I have the time for this…

  We understand that signing up for a course is a time commitment. However, imagine the time and energy you'll save by learning to communicate effectively! This course gives you more than just the scripts to express your needs – you'll learn how to master nonverbal communication and hack nonverbal signals in your favor. When you master your body language, facial expressions, and eye contact, the message of your verbal communication will land so much better.

• Is the All-Access Pass worth it?

  With the All-Access Pass, you get unlimited access to all our courses. Learn how to de-escalate conflict, set boundaries, create better relationships, and much more. On top of that, you'll get to join our weekly webinars and Q&As with Thais Gibson. You also get to participate in our weekly routines helping you to solidify your new, empowering habits. What many of our students love the most about the All-Access Pass is the supportive community you'll become a part of. Get support and understanding, make new friends, and feel the relief of not being alone on your journey. You can participate as little or as much as you want in the All-Access Pass. No matter how much you choose, it will give you the tools and support for profound transformations and positive shifts in all areas of your life!

• Can I cancel my membership?

  Yes. You can cancel anytime, no questions asked.