The Communication Tip of All Communication Tips: Put it in a Sandwich!

A few things to begin:
1.In an effort to remain consistent and keep it real, the quality of this video is not so great. That is intentional. I had some dental work and my face is swollen and green. I'm trying to protect your small children from being frightened and you from being distracted. You're welcome.
2. I pronounce sandwich as sanGwich. I know how to really pronounce it if I take the time and think it through. I choose not to take it that serious. So, get used to it.
3. This is a technique that I use more and more often but not 100% of the time. Sometimes, and please pray for me, I come right out my mouth. That's real. I'm working on it and getting better every day.

Okay, now that the intro is out the way, start with the question "What is my intent?" Before you open your mouth to respond, tell someone about themselves or correct them, ask yourself that question. You might find that your answer makes your need to speak up unnecessary. Or you might find that you need to teach this person how to treat you, correct or build up.
Everyone hears and speaks from their own place and although we can't know how everyone communicates, this technique works with everyone and makes any feedback digestible.

Here is the Sandwich Technique:
1. The Top Bread: Compliment or Appreciation Statements
2. The Meat & Messy Stuff: The 'negative' or constructive feedback, framed appropriately, including what you need and why. Be clear. People are not mind readers and context helps it stick.
3. The Bottom Bread: Reiterate the compliments or appreciation, add new ones, and include a call to action like 'how can we get better at this?'

If you have a top communication tip please share it.
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When we get better at communicating, expressing ourselves without frustration and making sure that we are heard and our needs are met, well, you already know, super sparkly everything!

You are blessed and a blessing.
With love and appreciation, Maria