Communication under stress can be very difficult for some people. For some it takes a large amount of practice and repetition in order to communicate in a stressful environment. There are three major ways we can effectively communicate under stress. The first way to communicate under stress is to speak carefully. The second is to listen attentively. The final way to communicate under stress is to respond accurately. All three of the examples above are key components in order to work under pressure and in a stressful situation.

The first way to speak and communicate under stress is by speaking carefully and thinking about what you are going to say before you open your mouth and let words out. An example of someone who is in a very stressful situation and is asked to communicate is at the Golden West Police Academy, recruits are expected to communicate under stress when the RTOs ask a question while on the spot. When asked a specific question while getting yelled, one reaction is nervousness causing the first words that come to your mind to come out. Most of the time the first words that come to mind are wrong or not the exact words you wanted to say because there was no thought put into them. So, by thinking about what you are going to say before you say it, makes communicating under stress easier. In order to quickly know what to say a recruit must have studied certain material and be prepared.

After thinking about what you are going to say before you say it, you also need to be specific in what you are saying also. The person that you are speaking to is not a mind reader so it is unlikely that others will know what you are wanting or feeling if you leave them guessing. Stay focused and only discuss what was asked of you. Stay on track and do not bring up old issues because this might be confusing for the listener. Furthermore, do not say things you do not mean and promise things you will not or can not carry out.

Also, when communicating under stress try speaking less because silence is helpful when your emotions are strong, when you are stressed and especially tired. Most of the time during these conditions we say things we do not mean and also tend to exaggerate or escalate the situation to a degree that is not real. When communicating, speak with tact and try keeping comments explanatory rather than critical. Also when speaking under stress, state facts and always avoid untrue statements.

The second way to help communicate under stress is to listen attentively and to listen with empathy. Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and trying to understand their perspective will help you understand what to say. It is not necessary to agree with the other point of view to understand or empathize with it. Additionally, listening without interrupting helps you understand and hear all the words being said. Concentrate on all the words being said and pay careful attention to what is being asked.

By receiving criticism positively you are able to concentrate at the task at hand, such as, communicating under stress. Furthermore, accept what is said without giving an opinion, even during times we believe the speaker is incorrect and would it would feel so good to correct them. Timing is important when speaking back to give correction or advice. Listen to what the person is talking about before offering any kind of information.

The final way to help communicate under stress is to respond accurately by listening to all the facts. Listen carefully until you understand what is being said. If you do not understand the speaker ask the speaker to clarify anything that you do not understand. However, do not ask too many questions, as that can be distracting to both the listener and the person speaking. The main goal of communication is to understand. If the listeners understand what the speaker