Communication that Cultivates
Just like a garden needs water and sun, relationships need care and attention to grow, and communication is the lifeblood that makes it all happen. Whether you’re leading a team, having a tough conversation, or simply trying to connect more meaningfully, small shifts in how you communicate can create a big impact.
This month, we’re sharing three practical tips to help your communication bloom. Think of them as small seeds you can plant—simple actions that lead to stronger, healthier connections.
Tip #1: Just Zip It. The Power of Silence
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is… nothing at all.
In our rush to fill every pause, we often miss the power of a well-placed silence. Whether you’re in a tough conversation or just finished asking a question, holding space can do more than any quick reply. It shows confidence, invites reflection, and creates room for deeper connection.
Silence is not awkward—it’s intentional. It gives others the opportunity to process, speak, and be heard. So the next time you’re tempted to jump in, try this:
- Pause after asking a question
- Count to five in your head before responding
- Let the other person be the one to break the silence
You might be surprised at what happens when you say less.
Tip #2: Reframe: Ask More Questions
You don’t need to have all the answers—you just need better questions.
Questions are the heart of great communication. They shift the energy from telling to discovering, and they invite collaboration instead of defensiveness. When you reframe a statement into a question, it opens up the conversation and helps people feel seen and heard.
Try this simple reframe:
- Instead of “We need to do it this way,” ask, “What options haven’t we considered yet?”
- Instead of “Why didn’t this get done?” ask, “What got in the way?”
- Instead of “That won’t work,” ask, “What would make this idea stronger?
Asking more questions doesn’t make you less of a leader—it makes you a better one.
Tip #3: Why Three Is the Magic Number
Reading, writing, arithmetic. Lights, camera, action. Peace, love, and happiness.
Notice a pattern? Yep—it’s all about threes.
The Rule of Three is a simple idea: things that come in threes are easier to remember, more satisfying, and more impactful. It shows up everywhere—stories (The Three Little Pigs), slogans (Just do it), and speeches (I have a dream).
Why? Our brains love patterns, and three is the smallest number needed to create one. It gives a nice rhythm and feels complete, like a beginning, middle, and end.
So, when you’re giving a presentation or writing something important, try this:
- Focus on the three main points
- Use three short phrases to make something stick
- Share three quick stories to bring your message to life
It works because it’s simple, memorable, and just feels right. Remember: good things come in threes!
