6 keys to improving communication6 keys to improving communication
The Debbie Chavez Show » Podcasts
Debbie Chavez and Sarah share six Bible-based keys for healthier communication in marriages, families, and other important relationships. They highlight how words, timing, tone, and listening can either crush someone’s spirit or help them feel loved and valued.
29:38•12 Jun 2026
Six Simple Keys That Can Transform How You Talk to the People You Love
Episode Overview
- Assume the best about the other person and ask clarifying questions instead of jumping to negative conclusions.
- Bide your time by pausing when upset and choosing a moment when neither person is hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.
- Connect emotionally first, paying attention to how respected, heard, or discouraged the other person might feel.
- Be direct and specific rather than hinting, and keep requests clear and focused on one main point.
- Encourage far more than you criticise, using gracious words that build identity instead of crushing someone’s spirit.
“Your words can crush that person or your words can build them up so they become an even better man or woman.”
What are the common struggles and victories in addiction recovery, family life, and marriage? This conversation between Debbie Chavez and Sarah zooms in on one big piece of the puzzle: communication. Aimed especially at Christian women dealing with tense marriages, tricky parenting moments, or strained family ties, the chat blends Bible teaching with very down-to-earth examples and a bit of gentle humour.
Debbie and Sarah start by naming seven unhealthy communication styles – from constant complaining and criticism to shutting down, hinting, or barking demands. They link these habits to verses like Luke 6:45 and Proverbs 18:21, explaining how words reveal what’s in the heart and can either "crush" someone’s soul or help them feel valued and cherished.
From there, they walk through six easy-to-remember keys, built around A–F: assume the best, bide your time, connect emotionally, be direct, encourage more than you criticise, and focus on truly listening. Expect very practical examples, such as how to phrase questions to a husband who’s coming home late, or how to talk to a teen who’s broken curfew without instantly assuming the worst.
A running theme is personal responsibility: even if a husband, child, or co-worker is part of the problem, change can start with one person choosing different words, a kinder tone, and better timing. They also highlight non-verbal signals – like facial expressions of disgust – and how those can shape someone’s identity just as much as spoken words.
With a warm, faith-filled tone, frequent Bible references, and honest stories from their own lives, the episode offers a clear message: "Your words can crush that person or your words can build them up." It leaves you asking yourself: what are your words building today?
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