Public speaking expert explains how to use non-violent communication to preserve bonds and maintain emotional health
The holidays usually bring entire families together around the same table. It is a moment marked by affection, but also by questions that cross personal boundaries, involving career, relationships, children, appearance or life choices.
To deal with these situations without generating friction, public speaking and strategic communication specialist Jackline Georgia points out practical paths based on non-violent communication and emotional intelligence. Check it out!
1. Breathe before responding
The immediate reaction usually comes charged with emotion. Jackline Georgia advises you to pause for a few seconds before speaking. This short break helps to organize your thoughts and avoid impulsive responses that can generate conflicts.
2. Use short and neutral answers
There is no need to justify personal decisions. Simple, direct and respectful sentences close the subject elegantly. According to the expert, the longer the explanation, the greater the chance of new questions arising.
3. Speak from yourself
Expressions such as “I prefer”, “I feel more comfortable this way” or “I am focused on other priorities” help to establish limits without sounding aggressive. “When a person speaks from their own feelings, the conversation tends to lose the tone of judgment”, explains Jackline Georgia.
4. Redirect the conversation
An effective technique is to change focus right after responding. Bringing up a light or collective topic, such as plans for next year or something related to the family, helps to dissipate tension and avoid insistence.
Imagem: Krakenimages.com | ShutterstockHumor can be a powerful ally, as long as it is not loaded with irony. A relaxed response can disarm excessive curiosity and keep the mood pleasant.
When the question goes beyond what is acceptable, it is legitimate to signal this. Jackline Georgia reinforces that impose limits It’s not a lack of education. “It’s possible to say that you don’t want to talk about a certain topic without creating a hostile environment,” he says.
7. Accept that you don’t have to please all the time
Not every answer will be perfect, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to preserve emotional balance and not force yourself to meet other people’s expectations. “Healthy communication begins with respect for yourself”, concludes the expert.
In a period in which most people spend more time with their family and report high levels of stress, learning to communicate with clarity and empathy becomes an essential tool for getting through the holidays more lightly.
By Sarah Monteiro
