# Communication Skills
Confidence: high
Last verified: 2026-05-22
Generation: ai_assisted


## TL;DR

Effective communication is the #1 skill for career and relationship success. Key elements: clarity (be specific), active listening (hear before responding), non-verbal awareness (body language is 55% of communication — Mehrabian), empathy, and adapting to audience. 'I' statements: 'I feel X when Y because Z' — less accusatory than 'You always...'

## Core Explanation

7-38-55 rule (Mehrabian): words 7%, tone 38%, body language 55% — but only for emotional/attitudinal communication. Nonviolent Communication (Rosenberg): observations without judgment, feelings, needs, requests. 'Yes, and...' rule from improv: accept and build. Ask open questions (what, how) instead of yes/no. Silence: powerful tool — let others fill it.

## Further Reading

- [Crucial Conversations (Patterson et al.)](https://www.mheducation.com/highered/product/crucial-conversations-tools-talking-when-stakes-high-2nd-edition-patterson-grenny/M9780071771320.html)