Can you please tell me elements of effective communication?

Step 1 = LISTEN: According to an old saying, we have 2 ears and 1 mouth for good reason. :-) it's essential to hear what the other person is really saying before we respond. This will improve communication 100%! while the other person is speaking, we humans are often thinking of our own next comment -- so we miss the real message. As we answer, it helps to speak from a place of compassion and centeredness.