2. Clarify. Ask if you are ever unsure about something. If you want to improve communication with family and friends you have to make sure that you are not afraid to ask if you are not sure about something. So, clarification means if you make plans, and you want to make sure you keep them. So, call and make sure that you have the right time, the right place, etc. Always check up, and you will never have to worry that wires have been crossed. With the technology we have today, cell phones, email, websites, texting, etc. there is a good chance that you will never have a problem getting a hold of someone, or clarifying with someone if you need to. If they say something you do not understand, or you are not sure if they meant something you think they may have meant.ASK!

3. Learn what drives others. Part of our communication is formed by the things that drive us, our motivators, our past experiences, our choices. If you want to communicate better with others, you have to understand their driving forces. So, for example, a person who grew up being ridiculed and criticized is probably insecure, and your communication with them should not include jokes that might be taken the wrong way. You have to understand people so that you can communicate with them on their level, and so they can communicate with you on yours.

4. Think intention, not necessarily words or actions. If you want to improve communication then you have to think the best of others. The fact is that when you want to have good communication, you can't always base what you take out of a conversation on the words said. You have to think about what was intended. Sometimes we say things like, "That shirt is not your best." When someone hears that they might take it as "You look bad in that shirt." When it was intended to be, "You look so great in that shirt, but you have other shirts that look better." So, think about what the person should really intends for you.

Improving communication with your family and friends is not as difficult as many think. So, try starting with the above four steps, then work on other areas where you may need improvement. For example, if you struggle with keeping things straight, you could improve your communication by taking notes so that there is no room for mistake. Evaluate yourself and you will be far more likely to improve communication. It takes two to communicate, but you can communicate best if you start with yourself. So, start with your own issues with communication, and work on them before you address the issues the person you are trying to communicate with has.