Knowing Yourself to Connect with Others: The Psychology of Self-Awareness in Communication

In a fast-paced world where information overload and immediacy often shape our relationships, taking the time to look inward can seem like a revolutionary act. However, numerous scientific studies have shown that self-knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for improving our communication skills and strengthening our personal and professional relationships.

Self-knowledge is the ability to identify and understand our own thoughts, emotions, motivations, and behaviors. According to psychologists Duval and Wicklund (1972), self-awareness—a specific type of self-knowledge—is the act of directing attention inward, toward oneself as an object. When we are aware of what’s happening in our internal world, we are better able to manage our responses and communicate more clearly, empathetically, and effectively.

Contemporary psychology has emphasized that effective communication requires more than just knowing how to speak or write: it requires the ability to regulate our emotions, understand our intentions, and recognize how others perceive us. Studies from Harvard University (Goleman, 1995) on emotional intelligence have shown that individuals with high levels of emotional self-awareness are better equipped to engage in difficult conversations, resolve conflicts, and lead teams with empathy. This is because knowing our emotional responses allows us to express ourselves more authentically and clearly, making it easier for others to understand and open up to us.

We must not forget that the body is a crucial channel of communication. Our posture, tone of voice, gestures, or eye contact constantly transmit messages, even when we’re not speaking. Albert Mehrabian’s research (1971) found that in emotional communication, only 7% of the message is conveyed through words, while 93% is communicated through body language and tone of voice.
Therefore, knowing our body—understanding how it reacts when we are nervous, happy, or in disagreement—and learning to regulate it makes us more conscious and effective communicators. Self-knowledge is not a destination, but a continuous journey.

In educational and professional contexts like those offered by the Crescendo project, communication training goes hand in hand with internal work involving observation, reflection, and practice. Activities based on theatre, body expression, meditation, or experiential learning allow participants to listen to themselves, recognize their strengths and areas for improvement, and express themselves from a more authentic place.

Only when we understand how our mind and body work can we build real connections with those around us. Communication is not just about delivering a message—it’s about sharing a part of ourselves. And in order to share ourselves honestly, we must first know who we are.

Crescendo embraces this holistic view: empowering individuals not only to learn how to speak in public but also to listen inwardly. Because only from there can authentic relationships and more human communities be built.