Communication isn't just about speaking, it's about connecting.

After dinner today, I watched a podcast featuring Mel Robbins and Jefferson Fisher, and I walked away with some powerful new perspectives on communication that I plan to apply in both my life and business:

Arguments are 'Knots', not 'Battles'. We often think an argument is something we have to win. However, Jefferson explained that an argument is actually like a knot. If both sides pull hard, the knot only gets tighter. The goal shouldn't be to win, but to "unravel" the knot together.

Replace "Why" with "What." When we ask someone, "Why did you do that?", it immediately puts them on the defensive. It sounds like an accusation. A better approach is to ask: "What did you hear?" or "What was going through your mind?" "Why" signals judgment; "What" signals curiosity.

Your First Word Should Be a 'Breath' When we are stressed or rushing to respond, we often speak without thinking. The best advice is to let your breath be the very first word you say. Take a pause. That silence allows you to respond with intention rather than just reacting.

Directness is the Truest Form of Kindness. We often try to "sandwich" bad news or talk around an issue because we are afraid the other person can't handle the truth. But hiding the truth is actually disrespectful. Real respect is being direct and saying: "I'm telling you this directly because I know you are strong enough to handle it." .