Realspeaking

Realspeaking is a communication style that emphasizes clarity, honesty, and directness in conversation. It was popularized by the American author and speaker, Patrick King, who advocates for a more straightforward approach to communication. The core principles of realspeaking include avoiding ambiguity, using simple and direct language, and being open and honest about one's thoughts and feelings.

The term "realspeaking" was coined by Patrick King in his 1993 book of the same name. King argues that many people are afraid to speak their minds because they fear the consequences of being honest. He believes that this fear is a major obstacle to effective communication and that realspeaking can help people overcome it.

Realspeaking involves several key techniques. First, it encourages speakers to avoid using vague or ambiguous language. Instead, they are advised to use clear and precise words to convey their message. Second, realspeaking promotes the use of "I" statements to express feelings and needs, rather than blaming or accusing others. For example, instead of saying "You always forget to do your share of the work," a realspeaker might say "I feel overwhelmed when I have to do all the work myself."

Realspeaking also emphasizes the importance of active listening. Listeners are encouraged to paraphrase what they have heard to ensure understanding and to show that they are engaged in the conversation. This helps to build trust and rapport between speakers and listeners.

In summary, realspeaking is a communication style that focuses on clarity, honesty, and directness. It encourages speakers to avoid ambiguity, use simple and direct language, and be open about their thoughts and feelings. By promoting active listening and the use of "I" statements, realspeaking aims to improve communication and build stronger relationships.