When it comes to communicating, all of us could do a better job.

Do you ever find yourself saying to others, “you need” or “you should?”

Do you “assume” that people know what you want or need without telling them?

Are you short in your communication and therefore leave people with more questions?

We really don’t know what other people need or should do, nor can people read our minds or accurately guess what we want. They also can’t get the full picture with one-word answers, especially if what is at stake is important.

Here’s a simple strategy to improve your communication skills - Ask questions!

• Instead of telling someone, “You need to read this book.  Ask them, “Would you be interested in a book recommendation?
• Instead of assuming that people know what you need or want, pose a question like, “Do you understand what I need from you in this situation?”
• And instead of being short in your communication, perhaps you can inquire, “Have I fully answered your question?”

By asking questions, we can become more efficient and effective in our communication, and therefore improve our relationships with all the people in our personal and professional lives.