Saturday Real Talk

Kindness and Patience Go a Long Way

We live in a world that is a melting pot of people.

Different cultures.
Different languages.
Different education levels.
Different communication styles.
Different life experiences.
Different ways of understanding the same conversation.

When you really think about it, it’s no wonder miscommunication happens.

Through the years, I’ve learned the importance of truly listening. I pay attention to whether someone understands what I’m saying. If they don’t, I adjust. Maybe I use fewer words. Maybe I explain it a different way. I quickly learn what someone is picking up on and what they’re not.

I’m also pretty good at understanding people with strong accents. I don’t focus on how they sound. I focus on what they’re trying to tell me.

One communication skill I strongly believe in is the teach-back method. I use it every day at work. I want to make sure my patients can tell me what they understood, and I repeat back what I heard from them to make sure I understand their needs correctly.

It isn’t about proving who’s right.

It’s about making sure we truly understand one another.

I’ve also learned that tone matters. For some people, a calm, caring voice can help de-escalate a very emotional conversation. It allows them to feel heard, respected, and supported in that moment.

For others, the words themselves matter more than the tone.

Either way, kindness and patience make a difference.

Have you ever felt misunderstood during a conversation?

Or have you realized that you and the other person simply weren’t connecting?

How did it make you feel?

What did you do about it?

Kindness and patience can change the outcome of conversations with:

• Your spouse or partner.
• Family.
• Friends.
• Coworkers and supervisors.
• Customer service representatives.
• Healthcare professionals.
• People you meet while shopping.
• Really… anyone you connect with throughout your day.

We all want to be understood.

Sometimes slowing down, listening a little longer, and showing a little more kindness is all it takes to build that bridge.

It’s something to think about. 🤔

Real Talk with Lady Flava ❤️