how can you improve your communication skills essay

8 Ways You Can Improve Your Communication Skills

Your guide to establishing better communication habits for success in the workplace.

Mary Sharp Emerson

A leader’s ability to communicate clearly and effectively with employees, within teams, and across the organization is one of the foundations of a successful business.

And in today’s complex and quickly evolving business environment, with hundreds of different communication tools, fully or partially remote teams, and even multicultural teams spanning multiple time zones, effective communication has never been more important — or more challenging.

Thus, the ability to communicate might be a manager’s most critical skill. 

The good news is that these skills can be learned and even mastered. 

These eight tips can help you maximize your communication skills for the success of your organization and your career.

1. Be clear and concise

Communication is primarily about word choice. And when it comes to word choice, less is more.

The key to powerful and persuasive communication — whether written or spoken — is clarity and, when possible, brevity. 

Before engaging in any form of communication, define your goals and your audience. 

Outlining carefully and explicitly what you want to convey and why will help ensure that you include all necessary information. It will also help you eliminate irrelevant details. 

Avoid unnecessary words and overly flowery language, which can distract from your message.

And while repetition may be necessary in some cases, be sure to use it carefully and sparingly. Repeating your message can ensure that your audience receives it, but too much repetition can cause them to tune you out entirely. 

2. Prepare ahead of time

Know what you are going to say and how you are going to say before you begin any type of communication.

However, being prepared means more than just practicing a presentation. 

Preparation also involves thinking about the entirety of the communication, from start to finish. Research the information you may need to support your message. Consider how you will respond to questions and criticisms. Try to anticipate the unexpected.

Before a performance review, for instance, prepare a list of concrete examples of your employee’s behavior to support your evaluation.

Before engaging in a salary or promotion negotiation, know exactly what you want. Be ready to discuss ranges and potential compromises; know what you are willing to accept and what you aren’t. And have on hand specific details to support your case, such as relevant salaries for your position and your location (but be sure that your research is based on publicly available information, not company gossip or anecdotal evidence). 

Before entering into any conversation, brainstorm potential questions, requests for additional information or clarification, and disagreements so you are ready to address them calmly and clearly.

3. Be mindful of nonverbal communication

Our facial expressions, gestures, and body language can, and often do, say more than our words. 

Nonverbal cues can have between 65 and 93 percent more impact than the spoken word. And we are more likely to believe the nonverbal signals over spoken words if the two are in disagreement. 

Leaders must be especially adept at reading nonverbal cues. 

Employees who may be unwilling to voice disagreements or concerns, for instance, may show their discomfort through crossed arms or an unwillingness to make eye contact. If you are aware of others’ body language, you may be able to adjust your communication tactics appropriately.

At the same time, leaders must also be able to control their own nonverbal communications. 

Your nonverbal cues must, at all times, support your message. At best, conflicting verbal and nonverbal communication can cause confusion. At worst, it can undermine your message and your team’s confidence in you, your organization, and even in themselves. 

4. Watch your tone

How you say something can be just as important as what you say. As with other nonverbal cues, your tone can add power and emphasis to your message, or it can undermine it entirely.

Tone can be an especially important factor in workplace disagreements and conflict. A well-chosen word with a positive connotation creates good will and trust. A poorly chosen word with unclear or negative connotations can quickly lead to misunderstanding. 

When speaking, tone includes volume, projection, and intonation as well as word choice. In real time, it can be challenging to control tone to ensure that it matches your intent. But being mindful of your tone will enable you to alter it appropriately if a communication seems to be going in the wrong direction.

Tone can be easier to control when writing. Be sure to read your communication once, even twice, while thinking about tone as well as message. You may even want to read it out loud or ask a trusted colleague to read it over, if doing so does not breach confidentiality. 

And when engaging in a heated dialogue over email or other written medium, don’t be too hasty in your replies. 

If at all possible, write out your response but then wait for a day or two to send it. In many cases, re-reading your message after your emotions have cooled allows you to moderate your tone in a way that is less likely to escalate the conflict.

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5. Practice active listening

Communication nearly always involves two or more individuals.

Therefore, listening is just as important as speaking when it comes to communicating successfully. But listening can be more challenging than we realize. 

In her blog post Mastering the Basics of Communication , communication expert Marjorie North notes that we only hear about half of what the other person says during any given conversation. 

The goal of active listening is to ensure that you hear not just the words the person is saying, but the entire message. Some tips for active listening include:

• Giving the speaker your full and undivided attention
• Clearing your mind of distractions, judgements, and counter-arguments. 
• Avoiding the temptation to interrupt with your own thoughts.
• Showing open, positive body language to keep your mind focused and to show the speaker that you are really listening
• Rephrase or paraphrase what you’ve heard when making your reply
• Ask open ended questions designed to elicit additional information

6. Build your emotional intelligence

Communication is built upon a foundation of emotional intelligence. Simply put, you cannot communicate effectively with others until you can assess and understand your own feelings. 

“If you’re aware of your own emotions and the behaviors they trigger, you can begin to manage these emotions and behaviors,” says Margaret Andrews in her post, How to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence .

Leaders with a high level of emotional intelligence will naturally find it easier to engage in active listening, maintain appropriate tone, and use positive body language, for example.  

Understanding and managing your own emotions is only part of emotional intelligence. The other part — equally important for effective communication — is empathy for others.

Empathizing with an employee can, for example, make a difficult conversation easier. 

You may still have to deliver bad news, but (actively) listening to their perspective and showing that you understand their feelings can go a long way toward smoothing hurt feelings or avoiding misunderstandings.

7. Develop a workplace communication strategy

Today’s workplace is a constant flow of information across a wide variety of formats. Every single communication must be understood in the context of that larger flow of information.

Even the most effective communicator may find it difficult to get their message across without a workplace communication strategy.

A communication strategy is the framework within which your business conveys and receives information. It can — and should — outline how and what you communicate to customers and clients, stakeholders, and managers and employees. 

Starting most broadly, your strategy should incorporate who gets what message and when. This ensures that everyone receives the correct information at the right time. 

It can be as detailed as how you communicate, including defining the type of tools you use for which information. For example, you may define when it’s appropriate to use a group chat for the entire team or organization or when a meeting should have been summarized in an email instead. 

Creating basic guidelines like this can streamline the flow of information. It will help ensure that everyone gets the details they need and that important knowledge isn’t overwhelmed by extraneous minutia. 

8. Create a positive organizational culture

The corporate culture in which you are communicating also plays a vital role in effective communication. 

In a positive work environment — one founded on transparency, trust, empathy, and open dialogue — communication in general will be easier and more effective. 

Employees will be more receptive to hearing their manager’s message if they trust that manager. And managers will find it easier to create buy-in and even offer constructive criticism if they encourage their employees to speak up, offer suggestions, and even offer constructive criticisms of their own. 

“The most dangerous organization is a silent one,” says Lorne Rubis in a blog post, Six Tips for Building a Better Workplace Culture . Communication, in both directions, can only be effective in a culture that is built on trust and a foundation of psychological safety.

Authoritative managers who refuse to share information, aren’t open to suggestions, and refuse to admit mistakes and accept criticism are likely to find their suggestions and criticisms met with defensiveness or even ignored altogether. 

Without that foundation of trust and transparency, even the smallest communication can be misconstrued and lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict.

Communicating with co-workers and employees is always going to present challenges. There will always be misunderstandings and miscommunications that must be resolved and unfortunately, corporate messages aren’t always what we want to hear, especially during difficult times.

But building and mastering effective communication skills will make your job easier as a leader, even during difficult conversations. Taking the time to build these skills will certainly be time well-spent. 

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About the Author

Digital Content Producer

Emerson is a Digital Content Producer at Harvard DCE. She is a graduate of Brandeis University and Yale University and started her career as an international affairs analyst. She is an avid triathlete and has completed three Ironman triathlons, as well as the Boston Marathon.

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How to Improve Your Communication Skills to Be Successful in Life

Have you ever really thought about how important it is to have effective communication skills?

We live in a social and interactive world. Our success in life depends on our ability to communicate and interact with each other – at home, at school, at work, everywhere.

• ❗ Importance of communication
• ❓ What is communication?
• 🔧 Functions of communication
• 💬 Types of communication

🆎 Poor vs successful communication

• ✏ Communication tips

👣 Steps to improve your communication skills

📊 the 7 cs of successful communication, 📚 books on communication skills, 😉 traits of successful communication.

Think of how often you communicate with different people, whether they are your friends, your parents, your neighbors, your colleagues, or complete strangers. Especially at colleges and universities, we have to face many different people, and we have to adapt our communication styles effectively to make a good impression or achieve the results we are looking for. We write emails, facilitate meetings, participate in conference calls, write papers and reports, give presentations, debate with friends and classmates, and so much more.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• Why communication is important.
• Tips to use when speaking to other people.
• Strategies for leading a conversation.

+As a bonus, you’ll get recommendations on professional literature.

If you think about it, you spend almost your entire day communicating!

❗Importance of communication

That means that you should make sure to communicate in the most effective way you can. Strong communication skills can boost your productivity , help you succeed in your career, and make you a leader among your peers. It’s common knowledge that the best leaders are excellent and highly effective communicators .

So, the question is…

How can you improve your communicative skills to have more influence, build a happy and successful career, and form better relationships with your friends and family?

Let’s break this down in detail.

❓What is communication?

Communication is the act of conveying meaning to another person using mutually understood signs and semiotic rules.

The communication process consists of several components:

• The sender is the person who sends the message.
• The message is the information to be conveyed.
• The channel of communication is the manner in which the message is sent: speaking, writing, video, audio, emails, text messages, body language, etc.
• The receiver is the person who receives the message and sends a reply.

There are always two parts to the process of communication: sending and receiving.

The process of communication can be either verbal or non-verbal depending on communicational channels. Verbal communication can be oral or written, while non-verbal communication uses facial expressions, body language, visuals diagrams, or pictures.

🔧Functions of communication

There are four main functions of communication:

• Control (concerning specific spheres of relations between the sender and receiver)
• Motivation (encouraging both sides)
• Emotional expression (exchanging emotions and interacting)
• Information (sharing specific information)

Knowing these functions is extremely important. But to achieve successful results in communication, we have to consider the various types of communication.

💬Types of communication

Language communication can be classified into two common and popular types: interpersonal and business-related.

Interpersonal communication

Interpersonal communication is the exchange of words, signs, and body language signals between people. It can be done in several ways:

• One sender – one receiver (a private talk between two people, the sender and the receiver)
• One sender – many receivers (the average university lecture or a meeting with one speaker who is the sender)
• Many senders – one receiver (a seminar or an examination where each student has a word)
• Many senders – many receivers (a conference where students and teachers are both senders and receivers, all sharing their findings on a topic)

Business communication

The parties exchanging information in business communication may include customers, employees, bosses, companies, and departments.

Keep in mind that in business communication, the parties (the sender and the receiver) often use their own type of shared language called jargon. For this reason, business communication may not be as authentic as other types of interpersonal communication.

Want to know a bit more about effective communication? Keep reading!

Here’s an interesting fact:

In a normal conversation, most people only take in about 25% of what they are told, regardless of the means of communication. So if you want to be sure that people understand your meaning, it is absolutely crucial to develop effective communication skills.

How can you make your meaning clearer and help the receiver better understand your information? You should be attentive and concentrate on the topic of your message. Try to remove distractions. It is useful to write the information down. Always ask clarifying questions if you are unsure. Do not interrupt unless necessary.

If you want to learn more about effective communication skills for your resume and workplace, you can do so on this Zety page .

You already know what communication is. Now you might be thinking…

How can I achieve effective communication ? What is it like?

These are vital questions.

So let’s compare poor and effective communication styles. What should we do to achieve positive results in any conversation?

✏️ Communication tips

Use these simple techniques for effective communication .

• Be authentic.

It is never a good idea to pretend to be a person who you are not. Try to be genuine in business and personal life, and people will like you. Showing your true values, preferences, and thoughts encourages effective communication. Think for a minute, what’s special about you? What details should a person know to get you? Then, use this knowledge to make relationships stronger.

• Be positive or neutral towards the receiver.

The sender should not attack the receiver. Often, even when you don’t mean anything negative toward your opponent, they may feel uncomfortable during the discussion. Especially if you discuss a topic that is important to them. What makes a good communicator? Empathy and the ability to use it. So, don’t miss your chance. Analyze your opponent’s feelings and behavior when speaking and learn to use neutral phrases. Express your feelings more. Instead of attacking the subject with accusations, describe what makes you sad or angry. However, if your tempers don’t allow you to build a calm conversation, change the subject by using the phrase “Let’s take a break until…” The last part could be anything from “…we get some coffee” to “…we get the book from that zoologist so I can prove to you a rhino horn isn’t bone but hair.”

As the receiver, listen carefully to the sender. Remember one phrase: “So, what you’re saying is…” It not only shows your interpretation of the speaking partner’s thoughts but is also a sign of a good listener. Be curious about other people, their ideas, and ways to find out their stories. This isn’t a strategy but a significant feature of interpersonal communication. Don’t judge people or the things they like. On the contrary, try to love the stuff they’re sharing with you. When you learn that different points of view, no matter how strange they are, can all be fantastic, you become kinder to people.

• Pay attention to the conversation.

Don’t be distracted either as the sender or the receiver. Even if you believe in the benefits of multi-tasking, don’t let yourself use a smartphone or write e-mails while communicating with others. Practice eye contact to better understand your partner and show them you’re interested in the conversation. While developing verbal skills, don’t forget to pay attention to non-verbal ones. For example, you should sit or stand straight, keep hands out of your pockets, smile, nod your head, and so on.

• Make your message clear and direct .

Garbled or ambiguous messages make your communication rather poor. Enhance your structuring skills—try to express your thoughts as briefly as possible and only when your message is perfectly clear, add details if you need some. When you strengthen your critical thinking abilities, you become a powerful opponent in a dispute and an excellent teacher who knows how to explain and prove facts. A lack of concentration never leads to successful communication. Focus on one idea at a time to gain the attention of the person you’re talking to.

• Tell the receiver directly what you want out of the conversation.

Avoid any hidden persuasion or attempts to control the receiver. Unless you’re some kind of hypnosis master, your manipulative tricks can be easily discovered. And being an unpleasant person who plays with people’s emotions isn’t the best development plan for good communication skills. If you need someone’s help, don’t start the conversation with ambiguous notes or a detailed speech on how many times you gave them a hand when they were in trouble. Just ask them.

• Keep your mind clear and open to other points of view.

Don’t be distracted either as the sender or the receiver. There is no successful method to improve a dispute where no one is open to new thoughts. Unless one of you becomes ready for a change, communication will not be successful.

• Be emotional, but not over-emotional.

Have control over your actions, words, and even thoughts. When adding emotions, whether at your workplace or with friends, you become more genuine and people start trusting you. But your social life becomes worse if you become too angry or depressing, or, even, too happy.

• Provide an opportunity for suggestions and criticism.

Always give time for the receiver to reply to your message. Communication goals vary strongly, but it’s important to get feedback. Without replies, the conversation turns into a monologue. And why would you learn communication strategies, if you’re going to give a speech rather than have a conversation?

In effective communication, you need to express your ideas and points of view clearly and confidently. You should adapt your content and style to your audience.

To improve your communication skills at work , you should take the following three steps.

• Make other people feel valued. Don’t talk about yourself. Ask questions and listen to their replies. That will make other people feel special.
• Make your communication relevant. Do you want other people to listen to you? Add value to what you say. The main thing is to give your audience a reason to listen to your message. So, explain the benefit, ask some questions, or tell a story. You may also visit an essay database to see samples of how people communicate their thoughts and ideas.
• Make other people feel human. Speak in casual, non-formal words if you want to sound authentic. Use your natural voice.

To get the whole picture of the communication process, let’s take a look at poor, non-effective communication. What does poor communication look like?

• The received message is ambiguous or unclear, is difficult to understand, and can lead to confusion.
• The information is over the top or excessive. The listener loses concentration.

What are the consequences of poor communication? Frustration, squandered time, eroding loyalty, and even loss of hope for the success of the conversation. Non-effective communication leads to conflicts, mistakes, and poor relations between employees. No one wants to waste time and effort.

Effective communication is an absolutely crucial skill, so learning how to improve your communication skills will benefit you in many ways.

So, how can you avoid communication failure in speech and in writing and significantly improve your productivity?

Fortunately, this isn’t as hard as you might think!

Let me explain…

You have to make sure that your communication is clear and effective. In other words, you should be certain that your audience understands the meaning of your message.

Remember the 7 Cs of Communication ! Using the 7 Cs, you can be absolutely sure that your audience gets your message.

According to the 7 Cs, communication should be:

Let’s take a look at a more detailed description of each C.

Being clear about your goal or message while writing or speaking means understanding the purpose of communication. If the sender is not sure, the receiver won’t be sure either. In order to be clear, the number of ideas in each logical unit should be minimal. The receiver should not have to read between the lines or make assumptions to understand your message.

Being concise means sticking to the point and keeping the message brief. Long talks without pauses will tire the receiver. You should avoid unnecessary phrases and sentences. If you keep repeating the same thing several times and in different ways, you won’t make good conversation either.

Being concrete in your speech or writing means sending the receiver a clear picture of the message so that he or she gets all details and facts. Such a laser-like focus will bring you closer to successful communication

Correct communication is error-free. Be sure that your message fits the audience, especially their level of education. Don’t use tricky, rare, outdated, or overly formal or technical words that do not fit your audience. In written communication, be sure there are no misprints, spelling mistakes, or grammatical errors.

Being coherent means being logical. Your ideas should be relevant to your topic. Always prove your ideas with necessary details and appropriate examples.

To be complete, send the receiver everything he or she needs at once. The audience should get only the most relevant information, such as names, dates, times, and locations. Give your audience all the information they need to take action if necessary.

Being courteous means communicating in an honest, open, and friendly manner without hidden insults or aggressive tones. Keep in mind the receiver’s point of view. You should also be empathetic to his or her needs

Other variations of the 7 Cs of Communication include such attributes as credibility and creativity.

To manage social communication better, you’re encouraged to learn from books. There are not only those that are made “for dummies.” So feel free to choose one even if you’re an experienced speaker.

1. Improve Your Social Skills by Daniel Wendler

This book is useful for professional communication, cementing relationships with friends, or dating. Learn how to behave in everyday connections at work and learn many tips for couples.

2. How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships by Leil Lowndes

Does your small talk sound like a set of interview questions? Can’t charm anyone with your smile? Want to discover how to know more about your new acquaintance without revealing too much about yourself?

If you want to know the answer, this book is a perfect choice. The author explains significant topics on how to use your body language, answer and ask questions, make friends, and so on.

3. Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo

If you’re looking for a perfect example of giving a speech, you must watch at least one TED talk. This book can serve as training material for everyone who’s going to give a presentation on the job, at a seminar, or any event.

Learn nine important tips and become a better speaker.

4. How to Deliver a Great TED Talk: Presentation Secrets of the World’s Best Speakers by Akash Karia

Another book on how to practice presentations and improve your performance in speaking. Learn to make simple but powerful plans, provoke curiosity, and create a WOW-effect.

Watch TED on YouTube, investigate this handbook, and train on new communication techniques.

5. Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion, Updated Edition by George Thompson

Become a perfect speaking partner with the help of empathy and social interaction tips. Understanding your weaknesses, taboos during small talks, and active listening, you improve your communication skills a lot.

6. Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone

This book covers the knowledge on how to develop a strong relationship through empathy and understanding. Learn psychological aspects that block positive feedback and how to beat them. Use your positive qualities and temperament to make people like you without any manipulative actions.

7. What Every BODY is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Speed-Reading People by Joe Navarro

The author of this book is sure of one thing: actions speak louder than words. To demonstrate this idea, he provides facts and statistics on various aspects of body language.

When you finish this book, you’ll know the strengths of the human body. That makes conversations and disputes much easier.

8. Movie Quotes for All Occasions: Unforgettable Lines for Life’s Biggest Moments by James Sheibli

Tired of psychological theory? Then, try out something fun.

In this book, you’ll see quotes for any occasion—weddings, graduation, work, activism, and so on.

Of course, we don’t advise you to use them every time. But reading the quotes can inspire you when writing your own speech.

We all communicate every day. The better we organize the communication process, the more credibility we’ll have with our classmates, our teachers, and the surrounding world. Always keep in mind the traits of successful communication: clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, and courteous.

The ability to communicate effectively is a must if you want to succeed in your education, work, and relationships. I hope that these tips will help you to develop more effective communication skills.

Conversation is a skill and just like any skill, there is value to learning it. Improving your communication skills will help you build better contacts, friendships, and romantic relationships.

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18 effective strategies to improve your communication skills

Communication skills are some of the most utilized and the most sought after in the workplace. They’re essential for leaders and individual contributors to hone. Looking at our largely remot and hybrid work environments, great communication skills make the difference between connected, agile teams, and teams who fail to collaborate, stay aligned, and achieve common goals. 

The good news is that improving communication skills is easier than you might imagine. Here are some basic principles worth following in order to communicate better.

5 types of communication to develop

You and members of your team may have been working remotely for some time now. Whether you are in an office daily, at home managing from afar, or in a hybrid workplace between the two, you’ve likely leveraged more than one communication type.

For businesses to thrive long-term, it is important to develop communication skills that span each type. Here are the five most common communication types to focus on improving.

• Oral communication: Thoughts are shared through speech. Examples include presentations, one-on-one meetings, and virtual calls.
• Written communication: Thoughts and ideas are shared via the written word. This can be with emails, hand-written notes, or signage.
• Non-verbal communication : Information is shared without the use of written or spoken words. Examples include facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, and gestures.
• Active listening: Unlike the examples above, active listening is about receiving information. When someone is listening actively, they might ask questions to understand the information better, but refrain from focusing on their response so much that they fail to hear the speaker.
• Contextual communication: Information i s s hared with mutual, potentially un s poken, under s t anding s of variou s factor s s uch a s interper s onal relation s hip s and the environment.

What is effective communication?

The most effective communicators clearly inform others and actively listen to them at the same time. They can accept input – both verbal and non-verbal – while also expressing their thoughts and opinions in an inclusive way.

Regardless of the communication style , effective communication involves a connection with others. It is a dance with a partner that moves, at times, in ways we did not predict. This means the most powerful skill you can leverage is being in sync with your audience. It involves understanding and speaking to its needs, and then responding to real-time feedback. It means having the conversation that your audience wants to have.

But achieving all of that can take some practice.

Below are some effective communication strategies to help you listen and communicate better.

How to improve communication skills

The best messages are often simple.

There’s no value in delivering any kind of communication, whether written, verbal, formal, or casual, if the message doesn’t come across clearly.

Communicating concisely — while maintaining interest and including everything your team needs to know — is a high-level communication skill.

Here are some ways to communicate better.

1. Keep your audience in mind

Your audience will naturally be more interested and engaged when you tailor your communications to their interests. Piquing their interest by speaking directly to what matters to them will naturally engage their desire to understand and interact with the information.

2. Don’t use 10 words when one will do

Even the most engaged and committed audience will eventually get bored. Keeping your message simple and concise will make it easier to understand and retain. Remember, you already know what you’re going to say, but they’re hearing it for the first time. Keep it simple.

3. Consider the best method to deliver your message

If the information you’re conveying isn’t urgent, consider sending an email or a memo. This is especially important when communicating expectations . Written communication will give your audience more time to review it, think it over, and follow up with questions. It will also give them a handy record to refer back to.

4. Get them involved

If you’ve ever worked as an instructor, manager, trainer, or coach, you’ll know that there are few better ways to learn new information than to teach it. Ask them for their input or to take a role in explaining new concepts and policies to their colleagues.  

5. Leverage face-to-face communication when possible

Communicating face-to-face adds multiple layers of information to an exchange, whether between two people or two hundred. Often, there’s a synergy created with in-person communication that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere. Here are some tips to make the most of face time with your team:

6. Make eye contact

If you’re wondering whether or not your message is getting across, few metrics provide as much feedback as eye contact . You can easily tell if the person you’re speaking to is understanding you, is distracted, worried, or confused — much of which is lost in digital communication.

7. Ask for feedback 

Not sure they got it? Ask! A powerful technique is to ask people to repeat back their version of what you just said. Often, this can improve retention, immediate understanding, and minimize misunderstandings later on. You can also ask them to reach out to you with helpful ways that you can improve your delivery in presentations and other forms of communication.

8. Read non-verbal cues

There are various types of nonverbal-cues . Yawns, fidgeting, and looking around the room are usually clear signs that your audience is thinking about something other than what you’re trying to convey. If you notice this, don’t take it personally. Try asking them to share what’s on their mind, recap previous points they may have missed, or adjourn for a later time.

9. Minimize distractions

If you’re chatting with someone (or a group) face-to-face, keep distractions at bay by leaving unnecessary electronic devices out of the space. Keep the attendance limited to just those who need to be there, and avoid scheduling at a time when people are likely to focus on something else (like just before the end of the day or right before lunch).

How to improve online communication:

Online communication is rapidly replacing office spaces as the primary location of doing business. Especially if you’re used to working with in-person teams, it may be challenging to adjust to having meetings, conversations, and even people that collaborate with you or report to you digitally . Since online communication presents a unique way to interact, here are some things to keep in mind: 

1. Stick to a time limit

Online meetings can be even more difficult to focus on, since they incorporate the distractions of a nearly-unlimited number of settings. Keep the meetings short and to the point, and be especially vigilant about minimizing (potentially) marathon Q&A sessions. If needed, follow up through asynchronous communication methods to protect everyone's time.

2. Be mindful of the other person

Generally, the person presenting is the only one who can give the meeting their full attention. Especially when working from home, assume that participants have multiple demands for their attention and structure the content accordingly.

3. Recap important details

A lot of nonverbal and interpersonal cues can be lost over a digital connection. Ensure understanding by recapping the key points. You can either do a quick review in an online meeting or a brief summary at the end of a lengthy email.

4. Don’t forget to respond

Be sure to respond to each communication with a quick acknowledgment, even if it’s an informal one. Although you may have received the message, it’s likely that the person on the other end will have no way of knowing unless you let them know. A couple words or even a “like” will usually do the trick.

5 extra tips to sharpen your communication skills

In general, if you’re looking to strengthen your communication skills , the following tips will help you succeed no matter the situation you find yourself in (or the audience you find yourself with):

• Be approachable. If your teammates feel intimidated or worried that you may not respond well, they’re less likely to come to you with information.
• Be patient. Not everyone communicates the same way. Taking the time to be sure you’ve understood the other person and communicated clearly can pay dividends.
• Be self-aware. It’s okay if you’re still developing your communication skills, nervous, or having a bad day. It takes time — and practice — to become a skilled communicator.
• Check for understanding. Don’t be afraid to invite feedback or ask questions to ensure that everyone’s on the same page.
• Switch out the messenger. Allow other team members or leaders to develop their communication skills by empowering them to lead discussions and meetings.

How to be a better active listener

There is much talk about the beauty of active listening , but many people aren’t sure how it translates into actual behaviors. One of the main challenges to active listening is the preoccupation with a response. Many people are busy formulating a perfect answer, which leaves no bandwidth to engage with the input. To get out of this habit, which is not really in service of the speaker, consider the following steps.

Rethink how to add value

You may think that adding value to an exchange is mostly about what you say. But that is not always how others perceive it. Most of us value responses that help us think through our own ideas, that clarify our assumptions or point out possible blind spots. We often don’t need a listener to be brilliant or impress us with their own data. Instead, we may value most how they helped us sharpen our thoughts.

Paraphrase without judgment

If you find yourself preoccupied with responding, try changing the focus of your response. Instead of aiming to add your own thoughts, task yourself with giving a summary that withholds your opinion or judgment. As you listen, make it your goal to give a concise summary, perhaps clarifying the speaker’s initial language.

Bonus points for repeating sticky language that the speaker recognizes as their own (“so you were frustrated with the project because the deadline was an uncomfortable high ?”)

Ask questions that help speakers think

The next step from paraphrasing is to ask questions that move the needle. Much like the way a coach listens, these questions push speakers to go deeper into their own thinking, to clarify their expression or consider possible concerns. You can play devil’s advocate by pointing out inconsistencies or language that seems unclear. All of these are true gifts to a speaker and help you stay focused on listening.

Interrupt politely

Active listening isn’t mindless indulgence, and not all interruption is rude. Sometimes speakers get lost in the weeds, providing depths of detail you don’t need. Interruption can help them stay relevant – and be rewarded with more engagement.

Most speakers don’t mind being cut off by a question that lets them keep talking. Much harder, especially for introverts, is to interrupt someone in a meeting and end their floor time. Be sure to:

• Validate the speaker (“Thank you for bringing that up.”)
• Use a warm and polite tone. Get feedback from others on how you sound and come across.
• Refer to shared interest (“I’d just like to make sure we get to hear from everyone about the project.”)

Tips to keep audiences engaged when you speak

Be relevant.

As we are flooded with information, many audiences will not be impressed by data. In fact, the desire to cover all bases or anticipate all possible questions is a common reason for wordiness.

To keep listeners engaged, especially in virtual meetings, you should carefully curate content for relevance. Ask yourself: How does this information affect my audience? How may it help them with their work? Is this level of detail helpful to understand my main message?

If you have no clear answers to these questions, consider cutting the content.

A hallmark of executive presence, concision is the ability to express your ideas in as few words as possible. Listeners appreciate this, as it shows your preparation and respect for your listeners’ time. In addition, concision signals confidence: the confidence to do less, to say something once, and trust that it lands.

Especially in virtual meetings, where the feedback loop can be flat, many speakers struggle with being concise. They may repeat themselves “just to make sure” or use more examples to make a point clear. But this kind of “more” can often be less, as audiences disengage, having gotten the point the first time.

Concision is a leap of faith. The faith in your own preparation and that your delivery is clear. In virtual meetings with cameras turned off, it becomes harder to keep this faith. For your own self-care as a speaker, you may want to ask your audience to be fully present and turn cameras on — and then reward them with your confident delivery.

Leave spaces for the audience to fill

One way to slow yourself down and check in with audiences is to pause after making a point. Not just a second to catch your breath, but an actual space for silence. Both virtual and in-person, it leaves an opening for your listeners to fill, providing you with real-time feedback as to what they need next. How granular do they want you to get? Do they actually have the questions you were going to answer? Or are they taking your ideas in a whole new direction?

We often feel wary about silence, as if it means that something is wrong. But things happen in silence, and you may be surprised what your listeners offer when given the chance to jump in. However they fill the space, you may get valuable hints as to how to sync and proceed. And that is when communication becomes dancing.

Treat pushback as openings, not obstacles

You may believe that by making a compelling case, you should be rewarded with instant buy-in. Which of course, almost never happens. As your proposals are challenged you get frustrated, perhaps even defensive, as you try to explain why you are right. Soon lines are drawn and both sides double down, and you find yourself stuck in a rut.

To avoid such a shutdown of your ideas, you may want to rethink how you experience pushback. Most new ideas aren’t embraced the way they are initially proposed, and your audience may not need you to have ready-made answers to all their questions. Try to view your pitch as an opening volley, and the pushback as guidance to have the talk that you need to have. Instead of reflexive defense, ask follow-questions to validate and explore the concern.

Final thoughts on effective communication strategies

As a leader and manager, you have tremendous power to set the tone for how your team communicates. While it can be easy to fall into bad communication habits, especially when transitioning to an increasingly digital interface, a shift in the way one individual communicates can open the doors for a radical shift throughout an entire workplace. Building effective communication skills takes time, but the effects are worth the effort at every level of your organization.

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How to Improve Communication Skills for Better Interaction

Did you know that a staggering 93% of communication is non-verbal? Yes, you read that right. While words are undeniably important, the way we say them, our body language, and even the tone of our voice play a crucial role in conveying our thoughts and emotions. In a world where effective communication can make or break personal and professional relationships, mastering this skill is paramount. Whether you're looking to excel in your career, strengthen your connections, or simply become a more persuasive communicator, this article is your gateway to practical strategies and tips on how to improve your communication skills.

How to Improve Communication Skills: Short Description

In this article, you'll explore why are communication skills important and their pivotal role in our lives. From unraveling the importance of effective communication to breaking down the core components of these skills, this article is your comprehensive guide. Discover practical strategies, fascinating facts, and essential book recommendations to enhance your ability to connect, persuade, and succeed!

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Exploring What Are Communication Skills

Communication skills are the foundation upon which our ability to interact with others is built. At its core, communication is the process of exchanging information, thoughts, ideas, and emotions with clarity and understanding. But what makes up these essential skills?

• Verbal Communication: This is the most obvious aspect involving the words we choose, the tone we use, and the way we structure our sentences. Effective verbal communication ensures that our message is clear, concise, and easily comprehensible.
• Non-Verbal Communication: Often underestimated, non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures play a significant role in conveying our feelings and intentions. They can either complement or contradict our verbal communication, making them a crucial aspect of overall communication skills.
• Listening Skills: Communication is a two-way street, and active listening is a vital part of it. It involves not just hearing words but understanding the speaker's perspective, asking questions, and showing empathy. Effective listeners can provide thoughtful responses and foster meaningful conversations.
• Written Communication: In our digital age, written communication is more prevalent than ever. This includes emails, text messages, reports, and even social media posts. Effective written communication requires clarity, proper grammar, and an understanding of the recipient's expectations.
• Interpersonal Skills: These skills encompass our ability to interact with others, build rapport, and maintain healthy relationships. Empathy, conflict resolution, and negotiation fall under this category, as they are crucial for navigating social interactions successfully.
• Presentation Skills: For professionals, being able to convey information persuasively and engagingly is vital. Presentation skills involve structuring content effectively, using visual aids, and delivering information with confidence.

Why Good Communication Skills Matter

Effective communication skills are far from being mere soft skills; they are the lifeblood of our personal and professional lives. According to our experts, here's why they matter:

• Career Advancement: In the workplace, the ability to communicate effectively can be a game-changer. Whether you're giving a presentation, collaborating on a project, or resolving conflicts with colleagues, strong interaction abilities are essential. They can lead to promotions, better job opportunities, and increased job satisfaction.
• Building Relationships: Communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship, be it with family, friends, or romantic partners. Good communication fosters trust, understanding, and empathy. It helps resolve conflicts and ensures that everyone's needs and feelings are heard and respected.
• Conflict Resolution: Disagreements and conflicts are inevitable in any human interaction. However, those with strong interaction skills can navigate these situations with grace and effectiveness. They can defuse tension, find common ground, and reach mutually beneficial solutions.
• Personal Growth: Mastering effective communication skills can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. When you can express your thoughts and feelings more clearly, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your needs. This self-awareness can lead to increased self-confidence and improved mental well-being.
• Influence and Persuasion: Whether you're a salesperson trying to close a deal or a leader inspiring your team, the power of persuasion is rooted in effective communication. The ability to articulate your ideas persuasively achieved through understanding how to improve your communication skills, can have a significant impact on your success in various aspects of life.

How to Improve Communication Skills: Strategies for Success

Discover the concrete strategies you need to improve communication skills. This guide provides actionable tips, from refining your listening skills to improving your verbal and non-verbal communication. By the end, you'll be equipped with the tools to become a more influential and empathetic communicator, setting yourself up for success in both personal and professional spheres.

Engage as an Attentive Listener

Listening is more than just hearing words; it's about understanding the speaker's message, emotions, and perspective. Being an attentive listener is a skill that can significantly improve your communication:

• Give Your Full Attention: When someone is speaking, put aside distractions and focus on them. Make eye contact and give them your undivided attention. This simple act shows respect and genuine interest in what they're saying.
• Avoid Interruptions: Resist the urge to interrupt or finish the speaker's sentences. Let them express themselves fully before you respond. Interruptions can be frustrating and can hinder effective communication.
• Ask Clarifying Questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions for clarification. If something is unclear, seek more information with open-ended questions like, 'Could you explain that further?' or 'Can you give me an example?'

Strive for Clarity and Brevity

• Use Simple Language: Avoid jargon and complex vocabulary, especially when communicating with a diverse audience. Simplicity often leads to better understanding. For instance, instead of saying, 'I'll optimize the process,' you can say, 'I'll make the process more efficient.'
• Organize Your Thoughts: Before communicating, take a moment to organize your ideas. Structure your message logically, starting with the most important points. This makes it easier for others to follow your thoughts.
• Consider Your Audience: Tailor your message to your audience's level of expertise and familiarity with the topic. Adjust the level of detail accordingly. For instance, when explaining a complex concept to a non-expert, provide a simple analogy or real-life example to enhance understanding.

Plan and Get Ready in Advance

Improving communication skills often involves some level of preparation. Whether you're giving a presentation, having a difficult conversation, or even participating in a casual discussion, planning in advance can boost your confidence and ensure your message is well-received:

• Outline Your Key Points: Before any important conversation or communication event, create a simple outline of the key points you want to convey. This can help you stay on track and ensure you cover all the essential information.
• Anticipate Questions: Think about potential questions or concerns your audience might have. Preparing answers in advance not only demonstrates your expertise but also helps you respond confidently during the conversation.
• Practice if Necessary: For significant presentations or speeches, practicing your message is essential. It's one of the effective time management tips to allocate time for rehearsal. This helps you refine your delivery and reduce nervousness, making your communication more effective. If you find yourself short on time or need additional assistance, consider seeking support from professionals who offer services where you can pay for essay .

Monitor Your Tone

Your tone of voice and body language can convey as much, if not more, than your words. Being aware of your tone is crucial for effective communication:

• Be Mindful of Your Tone: Pay attention to the tone of your voice. Is it friendly, neutral, or confrontational? Adjust your tone to match the message and the situation. For example, when giving feedback, a constructive and empathetic tone is usually more effective than a critical one.
• Watch Your Body Language: Your body language, including gestures, posture, and facial expressions, can either support or contradict your words. If you're saying one thing, but your body language says another, it can create confusion or mistrust.
• Consider Cultural Differences: Different cultures may interpret tone and body language differently. Be aware of cultural nuances, especially in cross-cultural communication. What is seen as friendly in one culture might be seen as intrusive in another.

Pay Attention to Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal cues often speak louder than words. Your body language, facial expressions, and gestures can convey a wealth of information to those you're communicating with. Here's how to leverage nonverbal communication effectively:

• Maintain Eye Contact : When engaged in a conversation, maintaining appropriate eye contact is a hallmark of good communication skills. It demonstrates attentiveness and shows that you are actively participating in the interaction.
• Use Open and Inviting Body Language: Your posture can communicate whether you are open to conversation or closed off. Keep your arms uncrossed, stand or sit with an open stance, and use friendly gestures to show your receptiveness.
• Match Your Nonverbal Cues with Your Message: Ensure that your nonverbal cues align with what you're saying. For example, if you're delivering good news, your facial expressions and body language should reflect positivity and enthusiasm.

Articulate Clearly and Minimize Ambiguity

Clear and unambiguous communication is essential to prevent misunderstandings. Ambiguity can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Here's how to articulate your message clearly:

• Be Specific: Instead of vague statements, provide concrete details. For example, rather than saying, 'We should meet sometime next week,' say, 'Let's meet on Tuesday at 3 PM.'
• Summarize and Recap: After conveying important information, summarize the key points. This reinforces the message and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
• Ask for Clarification: If you're unsure whether your message has been understood, encourage others to ask questions or provide feedback. This proactive approach can prevent misunderstandings.

Cultivate Your Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) plays a significant role in effective communication, which can also be an engaging topic for narrative essay topics . It involves recognizing, understanding, and managing your own emotions, as well as empathizing with the emotions of others. Here's how to cultivate your EQ for better communication:

• Self-awareness: Take time to understand your own emotions and how they influence your communication. Recognize your triggers and biases.
• Empathy: Put yourself in the other person's shoes. Try to understand their emotions, perspectives, and needs. Show empathy by acknowledging their feelings.
• Emotion Regulation: Learn to manage your emotions during conversations. Avoid reacting impulsively when faced with challenging or emotional situations.
• Conflict Resolution: Use your emotional intelligence communication to navigate conflicts constructively. Focus on finding mutually beneficial solutions rather than escalating disputes.

Establish Eye Contact

Eye contact is a powerful nonverbal communication tool that can convey confidence, attentiveness, and trustworthiness. When used appropriately, it enhances the quality of your interactions. Here's how to establish effective eye contact:

• Balance Engagement: When engaging in a conversation, strike a balance with eye contact. Avoid staring intensely, which can be uncomfortable, and also refrain from completely avoiding eye contact, which may signal disinterest.
• Maintain Natural Intervals: It's natural to break eye contact occasionally, especially during moments of reflection or when transitioning between thoughts. These brief breaks help maintain a comfortable and natural flow of conversation.

Remove Filler Words and Avoid Hedging Language

Filler words (such as 'um,' 'uh,' 'like,' and 'you know') and hedging language (phrases like 'I think,' 'sort of,' and 'maybe') can weaken the impact of your message and make you appear less confident. Here's how to eliminate them while also understanding how to improve communication skills overall:

• Record Yourself: To become aware of your use of filler words and hedging phrases, record your conversations or speeches. Listening to these recordings will help you pinpoint instances where you rely on these verbal crutches. This practice not only aids in reducing their use but also enhances your overall communication skills.
• Pause Instead: Instead of resorting to filler words when you need a moment to gather your thoughts, embrace the power of well-placed pauses. Pauses not only eliminate the need for filler words but also make you appear more thoughtful and composed in your speech. This can also improve your grasp of idiom figurative language and the nuances of effective communication.

Project Confidence

Confidence in communication can inspire trust and credibility. It's not just about what you say but how you say it. Here are some ways that will not only help you project confidence in your communication but also teach you how to be confident in school :

• Maintain Good Posture: Stand or sit up straight with your shoulders back. Good posture not only makes you appear more confident but also helps with breath control for clear articulation.
• Use Gestures Purposefully: Gestures can enhance your message, but use them purposefully and naturally. Avoid excessive or distracting movements, which can undermine your confidence.
• Practice Positive Self-Talk: Believe in yourself and your message. Replace negative self-talk with affirmations that boost your self-confidence.

Communication Skills: Intriguing Facts and Stats

Communication is a universal aspect of human existence, but it's also a fascinating field of study filled with surprising facts and statistics. Here are some intriguing insights into the world of communication:

• Words Convey Only a Fraction: While words are essential for communication, research suggests that they only make up about 7% of our message's impact. The tone of voice and nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, account for the remaining 93%. This underscores the importance of the way we say things.
• The 7-38-55 Rule: Communication researcher Albert Mehrabian proposed a rule stating that in conveying feelings and attitudes, 7% comes from words, 38% from tone of voice, and 55% from body language. While this rule is often debated and may not apply universally, it highlights the multifaceted nature of communication.
• Listening Is Challenging: People generally remember only about 25-50% of what they hear, according to research by Edgar Dale. This statistic emphasizes the importance of active listening skills for effective communication.
• Texting vs. Talking: In the digital age, similar to the digital transformation in higher education , texting has emerged as a predominant mode of communication. Surprisingly, a study by the Pew Research Center found that adults aged 18-29 send and receive an average of 88 text messages per day, compared to just 17 phone calls. This shift in communication methods highlights the evolving landscape of human interaction.
• The Power of First Impressions: Studies have indicated that people form first impressions within just 7-17 seconds of meeting someone. This quick judgment underscores the significance of nonverbal cues and initial interactions in communication.

Books on Communication Skills​

If you're eager to further enhance your skills and delve deeper into the art of effective interaction, there is a wealth of valuable books on communication skills available. Here's a selection of recommended reads:

• 'Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High' by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan: This book offers practical strategies for navigating high-stakes conversations with confidence, focusing on maintaining dialogue and achieving mutual understanding.
• 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie: A classic in the realm of interpersonal communication, this book provides timeless advice on building positive relationships, influencing others, and becoming a more effective communicator.
• 'Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life' by Marshall B. Rosenberg: Dr. Rosenberg presents a compassionate and empathetic approach to communication, emphasizing the importance of connecting with others on a deeper level through mindful dialogue.
• 'Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds' by Carmine Gallo: Drawing from TED Talks, this book uncovers the techniques used by some of the world's most engaging speakers, offering practical advice for improving your public-speaking skills.
• 'The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism' by Olivia Fox Cabane: Charisma is a valuable asset in communication, and this book explores how to develop and exude charisma to enhance your interactions with others.

Where to Enhance These Skills

Understanding how to improve communication skills can be greatly facilitated through online educational platforms that offer courses, workshops, and resources. Here are some reputable platforms where you can hone your skills:

• Toastmasters International: Toastmasters is a renowned organization that focuses on improving public speaking and leadership skills. They offer in-person and online meetings, providing a supportive environment for practicing and enhancing your communication abilities.
• Dale Carnegie Training: The Dale Carnegie programs offer comprehensive training in interpersonal skills, public speaking, and effective communication strategies.
• Skillshare: Skillshare features an array of classes in communication-related topics, including storytelling, effective email communication, and interpersonal skills.
• MasterClass: MasterClass provides access to lessons taught by renowned experts in various fields. You can find courses on communication by experts such as Chris Voss, a negotiation expert and former FBI hostage negotiator.
• TED Talks: While not a traditional educational platform, TED Talks offer a treasure trove of inspiring and informative talks on communication-related topics. These talks can provide valuable insights and ideas for enhancing your skills.

Additionally, if you're specifically interested in Harvard free online courses , you might want to explore its offerings, which often include communication-related subjects among their diverse range of offerings.

Concluding Remarks

By applying the strategies and insights discussed here and exploring educational resources, you can become a more confident, empathetic, and impactful communicator. With practice and dedication, the journey to enhancing your communication skills is well within reach, offering the potential for greater success, meaningful relationships, and personal growth. Additionally, expanding your social circle in an academic environment can further refine your interpersonal skills, so be sure to check out our article on how to make friends at college .

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20 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills

“Communication” is a buzzword these days.

You’ve probably seen magazine articles about communication skills with your partner, or self-help business gurus talk about the importance of communication skills in the workplace.

We hear about communication constantly. With good reason – it really is a huge deal when it comes to having a smooth and enjoyable personal and professional life .

But hearing about it isn’t enough to absorb all that knowledge and be able to apply it to your own unique situation. This is especially true for those who might feel like they’re struggling a bit with effective communication skills.

We can’t all have a natural gift, after all.

If you’re curious what everyone keeps talking about, or how to improve your own communication skills, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’re going to look at the three main types of communication skills, some examples, and loads of actionable tips you can start using today to help strengthen those skills. 

Here’s how I’m going to break down this mini communication skills training. We’ll go over:

• The three main types of communication skills: verbal, non-verbal, and written
• General tips to improve your communication across all types
• A section dedicated to each of the three types specifically

Let’s do this.

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Three Different Types of Communication Skills

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Communication is considered one of the most important interpersonal skills , or how we interact with and relate to other people. There are three main types of communication skills: verbal, non-verbal, and written.

Verbal. Verbal communication is when you’re talking to other people, whether it’s face-to-face, on a video call, or over the phone. Your choice of words matter (a lot), but so do smaller details like the tone of your voice and the timing of when you say things.

Non-verbal. Non-verbal communication, also referred to as body language, is what people see when they’re looking at you during a conversation, either face-to-face or on video. It’s your facial expressions, eye contact, and the positions of your body. You might not realize that your body language is saying, “I don’t want to be talking to you right now,” even if it’s an important conversation.

Written. These days, written communication mostly show up in emails and chat messages, including an email to your partner or a customer service email for work. This can also include chats on platforms like Facebook Messenger or Slack . If you’re managing a remote team , it’s important for your written communication skills to be on-point.

How to Improve Communication Skills: All Three Types

For business communication skills as well as personal communication skills, the key is how you’re approaching your interactions. You can even call it a strategy.

Here are some strategic tips for building communication skills.

1. Be an “active listener”

Even if you’re a great listener, I guarantee there’s still some areas where you can improve. A great way to find your weak spots is to look at the active listening model.

The concept of active listening means that you’re involved and engaged in what the other person is saying, as opposed to being passive and letting the conversation pass you by.

There’s no single model, but your research will turn up the same ideas, including:

• Pay attention when someone else has something to say
• Ask them open-ended questions so that you can get an idea of what they want
• Ask probing questions if there are specific things you’d like to learn about
• Request clarification on anything you’re uncertain about
• Paraphrase what they said and repeat it back to them, so you can be sure you understood them correctly
• Be attuned to their feelings and your own, to make sure everyone’s needs are being met
• Summarize at the end of your interaction so everyone has the same takeaways and next steps

2. Speak up about your thoughts and ideas

Just like it’s important to understand what others are seeking, make sure that you’re expressing your own needs. Nobody will ever know if you don’t tell them, right?

This communication skill is especially important if you’re a leader, because what you say is setting the stage for your team to follow. If you’re an open and honest communicator, you’re setting an example for everyone else to do the same. 

They’ll be more willing to collaborate with others, to compromise when it’s necessary, and to face difficult situations with an open mind and confidence that things will work out in the end.

3. Try not to make assumptions

It can be easy to assume that you know what someone else wants. But this is a huge cause of misunderstandings – and a reason that misunderstandings can escalate into conflict.

That’s where the active listening model can save the day. Part of great communication skills means having empathy: trying to understand what’s going on in the other person’s head.

This is important because what we say isn’t always a completely accurate representation of what we really want. Especially in a complicated situation, or one where it’s easy to get overwhelmed or embarrassed, it’s common that we try to disguise or hide our real needs.

When you ask questions, listen closely to the answers, and repeat back what you think they want, you’re playing a big role in minimizing misunderstandings and lowering the risk of conflict.

It’s like that famous George Bernard Shaw quote: “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

4. Practice self-awareness, especially during tough conversations

People with advanced communication skills have a solid grasp on their own emotions. They know how to control them when they’re upset or over-excited, and they don’t let them take over the conversation or cause unnecessary drama.

It’s important to stay level-headed when you’re reacting to something you don’t like. If you feel your heart start to thump, or your face start to get hot, take a break. Try to find some alone time where you can calm yourself down.

Another key part of self-awareness is being able to admit when you’re wrong. It might feel like a huge blow to your ego, but trust me – you’ll likely find that by admitting your mistakes and trying your best to prevent them moving forward, you’ll build respect and integrity in the eyes of your loved ones and colleagues.

5. Don’t be accusatory when raising an issue

Tough situations are bound to happen. Even if you feel like someone did something that was completely wrong, keep your cool when you have the discussion.

If you start the conversation with an accusation that something is their fault, it’s practically an invitation for a fight. Our natural reaction to accusation is to get defensive… and nothing good comes from that conversation.

For example, avoid saying they “always” or “never” do something when it’s only been a few times. Instead, state only the facts, use empathy, and reframe the focus to how you can fix it.

Instead of telling your team member, “You’re always late for meetings,” try something like, “I see on the attendance sheet that you’ve been late two times this week. Is everything okay?”

This opens the door for you to see what might be wrong and how you can help make sure it doesn’t keep happening.

How to Improve Communication Skills: Verbal

• Be brief and clear

Have you ever sat through a coworker’s long and winding story when you have a lot of work to finish? It’s rough. Try to get to the main points quickly so that you’re not that person.

• Don’t be afraid of silence every now and then

It can seem like silence is unbearable, but it’s not always a bad thing. Don’t start blabbering just for the sake of eliminating silence. (It’s hard, but fight the urge.) Your partner and colleagues will thank you when you have a grasp of when it’s okay to be quiet.

• Find a “bridge” if you need to change the subject

Changing the subject tactfully is an art. Try looking for a “bridge” that can connect where the conversation is now and where you want it to be. Use connecting phrases like, “The important thing is…” or “I agree with you, but…” or “Here’s what I do know…”

• Get rid of those “um’s” and “uh’s”

This feels like common sense, but the average person uses fillers way more than they think they do. Try recording yourself in a presentation and listen back for how often you say them. Then moving forward, stay mindful of the fillers and speak more slowly so that you have time to think ahead.

• Plan and practice what you’ll say

Of course, there are a lot of impromptu conversations where you don’t have the opportunity to plan and practice. But when you have the chance, take even 30 seconds to go over your key points. This can work wonders for your communication skills.

How to Improve Communication Skills: Non-verbal

• Make eye contact while someone is talking

This is the number one tip for showing someone that you’re paying attention to what they have to say. Hold firm eye contact, but don’t get creepy. There’s a fine line here.

• Avoid fidgeting or distracting movements

Don’t readjust in your chair seven times. Don’t click your pen open and closed over and over. Don’t shuffle through your papers during a board meeting, or click through your browser tabs during a Zoom call.

• Keep good posture

Another one of those tips that seems obvious, but is surprisingly easy to overlook. When I was working on mastering this non-verbal communication skill, I set an alarm to go off every 30 minutes that said “POSTURE!” Most of the time, I was slouching.

• Don’t cross your arms

Some people think this is a “power pose.” This might be true in some situations, but in others, it makes you look blocked off from the other person. It can give the impression that you can’t wait to get out of there, which isn’t helpful for a good conversation.

• Pay attention to the same cues from others

Non-verbal cues might be unintentional, but they’re often intentional too. If your coworker isn’t making eye contact or constantly fidgeting, ask yourself if it might be a reaction to you telling a story that’s too long or bugging them when they’re busy.

How to Improve Communication Skills: Written

• Never respond to messages when you’re upset

Have you ever sent an email when you’re mad, then later came back to it and thought, “Damn it. Why did I say that?” I’ve been there. If you get a message that upsets you, take a five or ten minute break to cool down before you respond. This can work wonders for your relationships.

• Write descriptive titles and email subject lines

How annoying is it to get an email that says “(no subject)?” Title your emails as succinctly and specifically as possible. Tell them exactly what it contains. Instead of “Meeting,” try a subject line like, “Request to reschedule our 2pm meeting to 3pm.”

• Use active voice

You might remember hearing this tip a lot in school. Instead of saying “The paperwork was filed,” say “I filed the paperwork.” This helps to get rid of any confusion about how things are getting done. In addition to being more clear, active voice is more engaging for your message recipients.

• Keep your words and sentences simple

A general rule is that your sentences shouldn’t be longer than two lines long. Look for opportunities to cut them in half or make them shorter. You should also try to avoid over-complicating your writing with big words that some people might not understand.

• Keep it short and sweet

Similarly to not telling a long and winding story face-to-face, a long and winding email isn’t the most enjoyable experience either. In addition to making others feel like you’re wasting their time, it also boosts the chances that they’ll miss important details because they skimmed over them or flat-out didn’t read them.

How Good Are Your Communication Skills?

As you read through this article, what tips and points stuck out to you as room for improvement? And what did you give yourself a pat on the back for?

Like I mentioned earlier: even if you were born with a natural gift for engaging with other people smoothly and easily, there’s always room for improvement. Strong communication skills grow and evolve just as your personal and professional relationships grow and evolve.

There are plenty of handbooks to help you, but the best communication skills are learned through experience. 

Start with self-awareness – stay in-tune with how you’re communicating now and how that aligns with your communication goals. Then shift into awareness of others – make sure you’re on the same page and you’re reading the right cues.

And remember: if this feels like a big undertaking, there’s no shame in asking for help through a mentor , coach, or class.

Want to Learn More?

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How can you improve your communication skills?

Jonathan S.

Checked : Eric H. , Hengpanhaleap L.

Latest Update 26 Jan, 2024

Table of content

Accept Your Failures and Be Humble

Avoid useless chitchat, communication in a continuous process, listening is just as important, never assume anything, closure is important.

Most of you might already know this, but for those who don’t, Communication is the key when it comes to dealing with everything in your life effectively. Now people come up with many techniques and hacks to make themselves better at communicating, but the fact remains that it is a very natural process. So you cannot always evaluate or predict the outcome from the other parties in the conversation. Today we will list a few ways that you can incorporate in your daily conversations and feel how they contribute towards making your conversations improved and clear.

Now we know this may sound odd at first, but a lot of people are not aware of things like their expressions, body language, gestures, etc. while being engrossed in a conversation. This lack of awareness can really steer the conversation into an altogether different field only. So, our advice would be that always remember whom you are talking to first. That will help you set the tone of the communication. It can be formal, informal, or semi-formal. Then try to incorporate some positive expressions and hand gestures in your routine as well. Give it a try, and you’ll see what we meant very clearly.

There are times in our life when we are too stubborn to apologize for wrongdoing or remember to remain humble. It’s not exactly the end of the world if you make a mistake while communicating with someone. But the most important thing is that you need to apologize for it instantly. That will always portray you as a responsible person who is not ashamed to be held accountable for your actions. That being said, it’s also important to be humble when it comes to your achievements as well. Just casually slide it into a conversation, and people will end being impressed for sure.

Now, this is a two-fold process. As you know, casual banter is always welcomed in communication, but there is a fine line that you have to walk. First, you assess the tone you have to set with the person. If it’s some that you can talk to in an informal way, then you carry on. But if it is someone that you have to talk to on a formal level, then the second part comes in play. You can slide a few casual questions in the conversations, but try avoiding talking about something completely out of context.

We know it can be pretty daunting to hold a conversation sometimes. A lot of factors can weigh in when you are communicating with someone. There is one thing though that can make you stand out in a crowd but not in an appropriate manner. Being rigid is something that will always be visible to the other party, and you will stick out like a sore thumb. Try not to dwell too much on the conversation and try to go with the flow. Even if it is a formal setting, just remember to be yourself. The more freely you’ll portray yourself, the more people will be able to see the real you.

We want all of you to remember that Communication is something that happens on a daily level. So, that means you cannot become a pro overnight by memorizing all the rules, tips, or tricks you read. As we mentioned above, it is a very natural process, so don’t start worrying if you don’t get the hang of it. Just keep practicing all the things we have listed in the article and make your own notes along the way as well. After all, self-evaluation is a good way of improving yourself in the future.

Now, most of us sometimes forget that communication is a two-way street. That means you cannot just carry on about yourself and focus on your conversational needs only. Listening is just as an important part of communication as talking is. What makes you a good listener, though? Well, patience and acceptance is always the way to go. Be patient and wait for the person to finish with their part before you can carry on with your own as well. Always try to keep positive or neutral expressions on your face while listening to others. That will always make the other parties comfortable while holding communications with you.

Communication has greatly changed over the past decade. Social media websites, texting, and emails have all taken a toll on communicating better. In fact, most people get into uncalled for fights about how a message came across rude or crossed when it didn’t mean to be with knowing how to improve vocabulary. Just by typing in all caps can make someone assume you’re angry when perhaps you just enjoy typing that way.

Never assume that someone was trying to be rude without getting the facts straight. If you’re unsure about what someone was trying to say or whether or not they are upset, talking it out with them first. If you wonder how to improve better communication, this is always a great place to start.

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When you have a physical conversation with someone, it is often obvious that a conversation is finished from your end. However, when dealing with people online, it can be hard to know just when the conversation is over. You don’t need to get into an endless loop of exchanging emails, but when the conversation is finished on your end, say “Thank you” or “Got the message.”

Don’t keep people wondering or on edge. If you promise to get back to someone about something, do so or let them know why you couldn’t. It is important that you hone your good communication skills in this modern-day and age.

So, that was the list guys. We know it’s hard to remember all these things while holding a conversation simultaneously. This is why we suggest taking it one step at a time. Start with the thing that seems like the easiest and then work your way up — little mold yourself in the best version of yourself. Remember, people will always see yourself as what you portray yourself as. So, dazzle them with your Communication one day at a time, and you will see the efforts paying off before your very own eyes.

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Ways To Improve Your Communication Skills

• Tips and Tricks: Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills
• Know the person you are talking to. 
• Take note of body language.
• Reread your messages before sending.
• Get to the point - say less but make your message potent. 
• Remember that people do not care as much as you think. 
• Be assertive (but keep it positive).
• With that, keep in mind that being silent is not the same as listening.
• Work on emotional awareness and management.
• Improving Your Communication Skills: A Lifelong Journey
• Custom writing service for students

Gina was the personification of shyness. Coupled with touches of anxiety and a lack of self-confidence, she could barely look at anyone. It comes as no surprise, then, that interacting with new people proves to be a challenge almost insurmountable. Gina,the shy girl that she was, has come a long way. though. While it can be difficult to improve, especially for those who are not so lucky to be gifted with incredible communication skills, Gina is living proof that it is possible to become a better communicator. You will need to put in the work, though, and a lot of it, but the results will be well worth it. Remember that better communication skills are essential to navigating through life, from living through college life and then  life after college . Think of it as the basic ingredient to any endeavor. 

Below are tips given by Gina herself, an esteemed colleague of ours here at CustomEssayMeister, to help you improve your communication skills. The list below is a culmination of years of experience, brought about by both speaking and listening, and everything in between.

Know the person you are talking to. 

One of the essential tips we can give you as you look for ways to improve your communication skills is to know the person you are talking to. Decipher who they are, from their personality down to their emotional temperament. What many do not know is that these things matter, as it affects how you communicate with someone, more so than anything. The language you need to use will vary, along with the kind of stories to put under your sleeve to get a point across. For instance,  talking to a teacher would, of course, be entirely different to when you talk to a friend. If it is someone you are meeting for the first time, gather everything you can during the conversation and tuck it away for later use. Every bit of information can go a long way, especially as you try to figure out how to improve your communication skills.

The body language is another key to improving your communication skills. For the most part, body language is an automatic response to stimuli, and then immediately transmits our emotions without any filters. However, body language can sometimes work against you, as it communicates your feelings, even at times emotions we try hard to not let others know - like your lack of confidence. 

Good news is, however, is that you can learn how to be proactive in influencing your own body language. For instance, sit up straight instead of hunching over, or widen your shoulders instead of slouching. By doing this seemingly small gestures, you will not only improve your communication skills, but actually find the confidence to adopt a more powerful body language. Maintaining eye contact is also a good way to improve your communication skills, as this unconsciously lets the other person know that you are, in fact, listening.

The digital world is vital to our communication processes, which makes it an essential part of the communication skills you need to improve. This tip is one of the easiest on this list, but its benefits are bountiful. When communicating digitally in a professional environment, your typos make a really bad impression. Typos are only natural, of course, and even the best writers commit the very same mistake. Luckily, avoiding it is also easy - a quick guide to proofreading will do the trick, whether it involves writing an email, a resume, or even designing a PowerPoint presentation .

Get to the point - say less but make your message potent. 

We have observed that people with well-developed communication skills tend to listen more and speak less. When they speak, their messages always come across more clearly as opposed to that of a less developed communicator, who at most times, tend to rant endlessly. To avoid being the latter, think before you respond. Visualize what you wish to communicate, its essence, and the person you are talking to. This skill is hard to master, yes, but practice fuels improvement, and developing this skill will definitely improve your communication skills by a huge margin. 

Record or watch yourself speaking.

Professionals have also observed that another great way to improve your communication skills is actually seeing and hearing yourself talk. A good way to do this is recording yourself talk, or even watching yourself in front of the mirror. When you watch or listen to yourself, determining which areas you still need to improve on will become easier. For instance, analyze how you explain instructions; were they easy to understand? How do you answer questions? Do you answer to give meaningful answers, or did you answer for the sake of answering. Watching your performance will allow you to easily identify mistakes.

Remember that people do not care as much as you think. 

We tend to think that communicating entails a ton of judgement from the other person. This, unfortunately, affects the process of communication. Reality check: most of us are just too self-absorbed to actually care, in the most natural sense of being a human being (we are scientifically claimed to be naturally self-centered creatures). Keep in mind that the person you are talking to might be going through the same thing, too worried about you judging them as you converse. And if they are too caught up with this, they naturally do not care as much to judge you the way you have convinced yourself that they actually are judging you. In other words, be kinder to yourself. Keep this in mind so that you can relax, which will then help you communicate more effectively and confidently. 

Your directness and assertiveness can help you communicate clearly, as well as help boost your confidence and decision-making skills. We need to define assertive properly here, though: being assertive means expressing your ideas, feelings, needs, and other thoughts in an honest and open manner, while respecting others. Being assertive is not a free pass to being demanding, hostile, and aggressive - that is not healthy. Remember that effective communication is essentially about understanding the other person- it is not a competition.

Listening is the most important aspect of communication. Even though communication is defined as the process of transmitting messages and interacting with people, a good communicator does not merely focus on being a good talker. A good communicator should also know how to listen well, and this one of the most important ways to improve your communication skills. To some, though, listening is an innate quality that arises as soon as someone figures out how to refine their communication skills. Others, however, need intentional effort to listen. When you are communicating with another person, ground yourself in the moment. Listen closely to what they mean to say, and not just the words their mouths are forming.

This one is often overlooked, but emotions play a vital role in communication processes. Awareness of our own, along with other people’s emotions, is one of the best ways to improve your communication skills. It is easy to fall into the trap of approaching everything in a logical manner, and leaving no room for emotions. The truth is, none of us can simply just put our emotions in a box to be kept away, nor should we attempt to do so. This does not mean you should always go on an emotional purge - that will do more harm than good. It is important, however, to become more aware of emotions and how to better manage them, which can help improve your communication skills. 

For most, looking for ways to improve communication skills is an ongoing process. It is likely that it is a journey that never ends, as no one can attest that they are true masters now and have never had any conversation that turned into chaos. Our colleague Gina certainly is not claiming that, as although she has improved front that shy little girl, her communication skills still need refinement now, just as she had tried to figure out questions her interviewer wants to hear , and then later on when she had to do a presentation in front of her boss. This, however, does not mean that we should never try improving our communication skills. 

Your communication skills are one of the most important things you should learn, so invest in improving your ability to communicate effectively. This will not only help your improve how you present yourself to the world, but also how your relationships work - both personally and professionally. We hope that these quick tips can help you get going, and hopefully in time, you will be able to reap the benefits of finally becoming an effective communicator.

Some people are naturally born with good communication skills, while some are left to work a little bit harder. This also applies to the art of writing, as some are innately good at writing, while others struggle to complete even an essay for school. Luckily, as with the abundance of speech coaches that can help you improve your speaking skills, there are professional writers that can help you write your essays. CustomEssayMeister is one of them, and our writers may be just what you are looking for! Should you need custom essays, thesis papers, research papers, and even those complex dissertations, do not hesitate to give us a call!

more in Writing Guides / Speech

• Example of An Effective Speech Aug 1, 2019
• ESL Tips to Master Conversational English Jan 20, 2020
• Most Memorable Graduation Speech Ideas Aug 11, 2019
• How to Write a Speech Jul 2, 2018

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Sandeep Kashyap

Why good communication skills are important for your career (with tips to develop them)

Communication is more important than you think. 

Have you been told several times to improve your communication skills but are struggling to do it? Maybe you don’t know where to start.

Don’t worry, I’ve got your back (no pun intended).

First of all, let me ask you a question. Is there a particular area of your life in which you feel the lack of good communication skills is causing challenges? 

Or perhaps, you want to improve these soft skills so that you can excel at work and be a more presentable employee? If so, great! 

You are now aware of the importance of communication in your life – something many people fail to see.

The good news is that this doesn’t mean that you have reached the ‘end of the road’ as far as improving our communication skills is concerned. It simply means that now is the time when you should start making small changes to your approach to communication.

That being said, let’s take a look at what makes up effective communication skills and how we can make them better.

What are good communication skills?

Good communication skills refer to the ability to convey information effectively and clearly both verbally and non-verbally. This includes active listening, empathy, assertiveness, and understanding various communication styles. Good communication skills help people to stand out both internally and externally to the organization. It is a must-have skill that one needs whether you are working remotely or at the office.

A person with strong communication skills can foster better relationships, resolve conflicts, and succeed in personal and professional interactions.

Top 11 good communication skills that will help you stand out in the workplace

1. Listen actively

Effective communication isn’t about talking; it’s about listening. You can be the most interesting person in the world, but if you don’t know how to listen, you’ll never build a connection with anyone else.

By listening, I don’t mean simply waiting your turn to speak. I mean practicing active listening — paying close attention to what the other person is saying and asking questions that show you’re engaged with their story. It’s not easy to do when you’re excited about talking about yourself, but it works.

When you ask the right questions and engage the other person in conversation, they’ll remember the experience of talking with you and want to talk to you again. It can improve your communication skills and impact your career with success.

2. Be assertive

Assertiveness is the ability to clearly state your opinions, needs, and wants in a way that respects the rights of other people. Assertiveness is a skill that can be learned (with practice) and it’s worth learning — being assertive can get you what you want without damaging your relationships.

When we’re feeling frustrated by someone else’s behavior, our first instinct might be to shout, avoid them, or even give them silent treatment. These strategies may feel satisfying at first, but they don’t solve anything — and they can make the other person feel angry or hurt in return. As a result, everyone ends up upset and nothing gets resolved.

When it comes to being assertive in business, there’s a fine line between being confident and aggressive. Confidence is when you’re willing and able to state your opinion without fear of repercussions. Aggressive communication is when you steamroll over everyone else so that your opinion can be heard.

Being assertive is about having a good balance of confidence and humility. Assertiveness is all about being comfortable with yourself and your place in the world. And it’s something that can help you get ahead in business.

3. Be a good storyteller

People remember stories — but not facts, figures, or piles of data. That’s why telling a story is one of the best ways to win over an audience and get your message across. It helps people relate to what you’re saying and see how it applies to their own lives. It will also help you to feel better.

If you want to persuade people of something, tell them a story about how someone else overcame a similar problem. If you want to inspire them, tell them a story about how you did something great. If you want to get people excited about something, tell them a story about what it will be like when they’re finished with it.

The best way to make a case for yourself is through storytelling — not bragging, but sharing the story of your accomplishments in a way that inspires others. In a job interview, for example, you can share stories about your previous success and explain how you will apply those skills in your new role.

4. Write down your thoughts

You might think that the person who gets ahead at work is the person who knows it all, or who works the hardest. But that isn’t necessarily true. The person who gets ahead is usually the one who can get along best with others.

A good way to develop your interpersonal and written communication skills is to keep a journal, in which you write down your thoughts and feelings. Not only will this help you to clarify your thoughts, but it will also enable you to put them into words. 

Keeping a journal teaches you how to express yourself through writing and how to organize your thoughts logically. Writing daily for five or ten minutes will build up your skills, and soon you’ll be able to express yourself clearly with an open mind.

5. Know when to vent and when to wait

You know that whole “you’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression” thing? That’s probably the most important piece of advice you can ever receive.

But it doesn’t end with your first impression. Every word you say and every action you take can either help your career or hurt it. You get to decide which way the pendulum swings by remembering that:

No one is perfect. You are not perfect, and neither are your coworkers, boss, and clients. They will have good days and bad days. And so will you. But when things go wrong, remember to simply keep calm and carry on. Wait until the heat of your anger or frustration passes before you do or say anything that could be interpreted the wrong way (or just plain wrong).

You should vent — but only when it’s appropriate to do so. Venting has its place in the workplace, but it should be done with discretion. Save it for a trusted associate who is going through something similar, or in an open-door meeting with a manager who is receptive to hearing what’s going on at work — even if he or she is not directly involved in the issue at hand.

You don’t need to be an expert communicator to know that venting in the wrong way or at the wrong time is a recipe for disaster. For example, while you’re upset after someone has done something you don’t like doesn’t mean you should storm into his office and let him have it. Instead, take a step back and cool off before confronting him — especially if you’re angry and emotional.

6. Ask questions

It’s easy to make a bad impression when you’re talking to someone. You may not be aware of it, but you might be communicating in ways that come across as abrasive and condescending.

When you’re meeting with someone new, the most effective way to get things done is to ask questions.

Salespeople are trained to use questions as a selling tool: They know that asking open-ended questions plants the seed for a purchase, which makes it easier for them to close the deal. But even when you’re just trying to understand what’s going on a good question can go a long way toward making the other person feel more comfortable and less threatened.

7. Use humor appropriate and effectively

Humor is a tricky thing and can get you in trouble if you don’t use it right. However, when you do use humor appropriately, it can be the most powerful tool in your communication arsenal.

Humor breaks down barriers, reduces stress and tension, and builds rapport between people.

Humor can be a great way to get attention, keep attention, and make people like you.

The other great thing about humor is that it’s one of the few ways to show your personality at work without being cliche or unprofessional. Humor is also a rare tool that lets you emphasize a point without sounding overly aggressive or arrogant.

Use self-deprecating humor. When you poke fun at yourself, it establishes a connection with others and helps them feel comfortable around you. Don’t take yourself too seriously; if you do, your audience probably will too.

Use it to calm tense situations. Humor can help diffuse difficult or awkward circumstances. For example, if your boss calls you into their office for a meeting, and you’re pretty sure they’ll have something critical to say, try starting with something like “I know this isn’t going to be good news.” It immediately breaks the tension and puts both of you on more equal footing.

Stay positive. There’s nothing wrong with poking fun at yourself or your company as long as it doesn’t undermine trust or send negative messages about the quality of your work product. Make sure that your humor is positive — not sarcastic or condescending.

8. Work on nonverbal communication

Once you recognize that face-to-face communication is so much more than words on a page (or screen), you’ll realize that getting your message across means being in tune with many different communication channels.

“Only 7 percent of our communication is verbal,” says Kevin Kermes, director of communications for the National Institute for Healthcare Management. “The rest is nonverbal communication.”

When you are communicating with someone, be it in a meeting or on the phone, pay attention to their body language. Are they leaning forward or backward? Are they making eye contact or looking away? This can give you some insight into how well your message is being received and whether you need to make some adjustments. 

Communicating with people openly, rather than with crossed arms or a scowl on your face, will help you get ahead. It’s difficult to convince someone of something if they feel you’re being closed off or untrustworthy.

You may also find yourself in a meeting with people who don’t speak English as their primary language; communicating with these people nonverbally can help you get your point across.

Also read: A Guide to Sharpening Your Nonverbal Communication Skills

9. Show empathy and compassion

Whether you’re trying to work with a difficult client, a passive-aggressive co-worker, or your best friend who’s going through a rough time, it helps to know how to communicate effectively with other people.

Being able to understand other people’s perspectives and approach problems from their point of view is an important part of communicating well. Empathy is the key.

Empathy — or the ability to understand and share someone else’s emotions — is really important in communication. If you can’t see things from someone else’s perspective, it’s hard to relate to them or help them solve problems.

That’s why having good interpersonal communication skills is so important. It helps us in both our relationships and our professional lives.

When we’re communicating with people, empathy makes us better at listening and understanding what the person we’re talking with is trying to say. This can make us more open-minded and willing to consider others’ opinions, even if they differ from our own.

Ultimately, having empathy leads to more positive outcomes because it shows that you care about the other person and what they have to say

10. Use inclusive language

Don’t assume that everyone understands industry jargon or abbreviations, or even the context of what you’re saying. If you’re talking to a group, don’t assume that everyone shares common ground. 

You may have heard the term “diversity” used in many contexts in business, but it’s not just about gender or race; it also applies to age, experience, education, cultural differences, and so on. It’s important to be mindful of these differences when communicating.

You can avoid alienating people by using inclusive language — language that doesn’t assume too much background knowledge, and which doesn’t make assumptions based on gender or other factors. For example: “It is a fact that” instead of “Everyone knows that”; “salesperson” instead of “salesman”; “chairperson” instead of “chairman.”

Another benefit of using inclusive language is that it can help foster a more creative workplace. When people feel included in workplace communication, they feel like their opinions matter too. This means that everyone will be more likely to share their ideas and opinions without fear of judgment or discrimination.

11. Be mindful of your tone and volume

The tone and the volume of your voice play a crucial role in setting the right atmosphere for a productive conversation. The tone of your message has a major impact on the impression that it’s going to make on the audience. Generally, a calm and consistent tone of voice is preferred to connect better with your audience.

However, the tone can differ based on the situation. For instance, you need to talk calmly with a customer, whereas you have to make your tone more strict and authoritative when you are delegating important tasks to your team members. 

Apart from the tone, the volume or the loudness of your voice also matters a lot. If your voice level is too dull, people will have difficulty in understanding what you’re saying. On the contrary, a loud voice sounds aggressive and tends to annoy the audience.

You must balance both the tone and volume of your voice to make people more comfortable communicating with you.

Also Read: 9 Effective Communication Strategies to Connect Better with Your Team

What is the importance of good communication skills?

Effective communication skills allow us to interact with people effectively and let us make our presence felt by the people present in a discussion or a meeting.

In a team, being able to communicate effectively with your colleagues will help build trust, strengthen your professional relationships, boost teamwork, develop a sense of belongingness, and help you to become more productive.

For every professional, it’s imperative to put effort into improving their communication skills. This will help them to perform better at the job and advance in their career.

When one can express their thoughts and feelings nicely then it also contributes positively to employee engagement.

What are the 7C’s of communication?

To ensure that whatever information you are sharing with others is understandable and creates the desired impact, you need to adhere to the 7 C’s of communication . It doesn’t matter whether you are engaging in verbal or written communication, it is possible to communicate effectively by focusing on all 7 major aspects of communication.

Barriers to effective communication

Developing strong communication skills will likely bring positive results and help you succeed in your professional life . However, mere skills are not enough to ensure that each of your communication sessions proceeds smoothly.

There are always some sort of barriers that hinder the effectiveness of communication. You must be aware of such communication barriers so that it becomes easier for you to identify them and do your best to eliminate them.

Here are the most common communication barriers that you will come across as a professional:

1. Cultural & language differences

This barrier is common in organizations where people from different backgrounds and cultures work together. Also, there are likely to be language differences among people which is likely to widen the communication gap.

The best way to overcome this barrier is to respect the culture of other people and try to find common grounds for making the interaction possible.

2. Judging others

Being judgemental is never good when you expect positive results from a conversation. When you judge a person while communicating, you are focusing more on criticizing them and reaching for their weaknesses instead of trying to understand what he/she is saying.

When you are discussing something important with an individual, you need to keep your differences aside and give your best to get on the same page. Judging others is only going to derail your communication and it will lead to nothing but a waste of time and energy.

3. Lack of enthusiasm

Communication can never be effective if you do not believe in the information that you are sharing. Showing a lack of energy while interacting with someone can hurt them. Delivering your messages in a dull tone with no variation in facial expressions will disengage the people you are interacting with.

You can eradicate this communication barrier by developing an interest in the information that you want to share. Also, you need to be more confident and ensure that your voice tone doesn’t sound uninspiring. 

4. Physical barriers

The physical environment also has a major impact on the effectiveness of communication. Noisy background, bad hearing, speech impairments, etc. can affect the delivery of information and cause not a good experience.

While most physical barriers like background noise can be mitigated easily, other issues such as speech impairments, etc. demand special attention.

Having good communication skills is important in any job. They can help you do your work more effectively, and they can help you work well with your coworkers.

As you go through your career and start making a name for yourself, people will pay attention to the way you speak. 

If you’re poised and professional, they’ll like that. If you’re nervous or unclear, they won’t. It’s that simple.

So, as we mentioned above, working on this is essential if you want to get ahead in your career. Without good communication skills, it’s very difficult to succeed professionally—no matter what area of work you’re in.

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Communication skills are all around us, from the day we are born until the rest of our lives. How many times have you seen communication skills required for a job in the classifieds and wonder what it actually means. A communication skill is some type of skill used in communication, From talking, body language to even listening. Many things can effect the way one can convey his or her communication skills to others. All of these skills are very personnel to one another. Everyone has different ways of expressing some kind of communication skill within them. One communication skill is speaking, by far one of the most important skill we posses. To be a good speaker one must be able to convey ideas clearly and briefly. One must also have a clear and pleasant tone to his or her voice. This makes the person you are talking to more attentive, thus, more interested. The speaker must also be aware of his environment and the people he is speaking to. Environment plays a lot with what you say and try to convey to people. If you hear a bird chirping, you might incorporate it to what you where just about to say. This makes the person you’re talking to even more comfortable with what you are trying to convey with your thoughts and ideas. This is how different things can effect one’s communication skill, speaking. A second communication skill is body language, a very personal way of expressing yourself without words. One’s body language can carry a whole conversation without even saying a word. Sign language is an excellent example of this, one can spend there whole life communicating only with there body. Still one can be able to understand exactly how a person is trying to express themselves. Speaking and body language goes hand to hand, without gestures when talking one cannot truly explain certain things to someone. Also there is no visual effect for the person listening. When there is sound as well as some kind of visual movement one is more interested in what someone is trying to say. Through body language one can tell if a person is sad or happy, glad or mad. Body language conveys a lot of expression to are inner feelings and thoughts. Body language can show many things about you and the way you think. It can also show the way a person reacts to what you try to convey to them. If the listener isn’t responding one must try and change the topic without losing the listeners focus. One can only know this threw the listener’s body language. Body language is essential to a good way of showing and conveying ones’ ideas. A third and final major communication skill is listening, one of the most useful communication skills. A good listener is someone who can concentrate and not loose focus on a subject. When someone listens to someone sometimes they might start daydreaming or think of something else and loose focus on a speaker’s subject. Listening is what connects people together. One “cannot speak if no one is listening,” without a listener there would be no need for a speaker. Listening is a skill that takes a long time to develop and to really understand how to listen. One can hear but are they really listening to what is said?. One way to make a listener’s job easier is to have a speaker who is clear and brief. This way the listener won’t drift away and the speaker has stated his or her point. This way the listener has understood what has been said and can make his or her own interpretations. An active listener is a listener who is involved with what the speaker is trying to say. He or She for example may nod, lean forward or make eye contact and Also may take notes. This shows that the speaker has done his job successfully and the listener is responding and being active to what has been said. A listener can be biased and not even listen this does not effect the speaker cause he or she maybe responding to others. These effects show how important listening is to everyone and what an important communication skill it really is. Communication skills will be around us forever and will continue to thrive and develop as time goes by. These effects on communication skills showed that one can interpret different things through one’s communication skills. As one improves their communication skills it shows us how to talk, listen and communicate better with one another. As the world progresses we will see more people taking more time to develop this skill to there fullest. One will understand to control the effect’s communication skills causes and how to handle them.

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How to Improve Written Communication Skills?

Learn effective communication with our comprehensive blog on How to Improve Written Communication Skills. Discover valuable tips and techniques to enhance your writing, from grammar and clarity to audience engagement. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply aiming to communicate better, our insights will empower you to convey your message with precision.

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According to Project. co , more than 62% of businesses use email as their primary form of communication to interact with customers and clients. When you are writing an email, drafting a report, or crafting a social media post, your writing serves as a first impression. In this blog, you will learn How to Improve Your Written Communication Skills to increase efficiency in both personal and professional settings.   

Table of Contents  

1)  Importance of improving Written Communication Skills 

2)  How do you improve Written Communication Skills in general? 

3)  How can you improve Written Communication Skills in the workplace? 

4)  Enhancing Written Communication Skills in English 

5)  Conclusion 

Importance of improving Written Communication Skill s  

Written Communication Skills are essential in every field and almost every aspect of daily life. In this section, you are going to learn why enhancing one's Written Communication Skills is crucial:  

1) Professional credibility: In the professional sphere, the quality of your Written Communication often dictates the impression you make. Well-composed emails, reports, or proposals not only convey the intended message but also reflect a sense of dedication, attention to detail, and competence. Sloppy writing with grammatical errors or unclear directives, on the other hand, can detract from one’s reputation and perceived capability. 

2)  Practical expression of ideas: Written Communication can be reviewed, refined, and edited until the communicator feels the message is just right. A honed skill in writing ensures that complex ideas are conveyed with clarity, eliminating ambiguities that could lead to misunderstandings. 

3)   Strengthened professional relationships: Clear and effective Written Communication reduces the chances of misinterpretation, which is a common issue in the workplace. When teams, partners, or collaborators understand directives and feedback clearly, it creates an environment of trust and mutual respect. Improved Written Communication can be a catalyst in building professional relationships. 

4)  Global outreach: B usinesses and individuals frequently interact with peers from different parts of the world. Written Communication, especially in a widely recognised language like English, bridges the geographical divide. Strong writing skills ensure that even in the absence of face-to-face interactions, collaborations happen seamlessly, and ideas transcend borders. 

5)  Empowerment in the digital age: The rise of social media platforms, blogs, and online forums has given a voice to millions. What distinguishes one voice from another in this vast sea of digital content is often the quality of Written Communication. Those who articulate their thoughts coherently and persuasively find themselves better heard, their ideas gaining more traction. 

6)   Personal growth and reflection: Beyond the professional domain, writing is a tool for introspection. Journaling, a practice embraced by many, aids in processing emotions, experiences, and ideas. Improved written skills make this process more rewarding, enabling more precise thought structures and a deeper understanding of oneself.  

7)  Learning and knowledge retention : Documenting, a significant component of learning, requires adept Written Communication. Whether it's making notes during a lecture, writing essays, or composing research papers, the ability to articulate thoughts on paper enhances comprehension and retention. Moreover, well-written pieces serve as valuable resources for revision and future reference. 

8)  Boost in confidence: With enhanced writing skills, the hesitation to put one's ideas forward, be it in the form of emails, reports, or even creative expressions, diminishes. This increase in self-assurance can lead people to tackle challenges they previously avoided.  

Unlock effective communication today with our Communication Skill s Training !  

How do you improve Written Communication Skill s in general?  

Written Communication Skills are about more than just stringing words together. It involves crafting meaningful messages that resonate with the reader. Here's how one can elevate their Written Communication Skills: 

1) Regular practice : The more you write, the better you get. It's essential to make writing a daily habit, be it through maintaining a journal, drafting articles, or even indulging in creative writing. This consistent practice helps in refining language skills and finding one's unique voice. 

2)  Diverse reading: Exposure to various writing styles and genres, such as novels, newspapers, academic journals, and blogs, can enrich vocabulary, help you grasp effective writing techniques, and understand language nuances.  

3)  Seek constructive feedback: Writing, while a personal endeavour, can benefit immensely from external perspectives. Sharing your work with peers, mentors, or writing groups can provide invaluable feedback. Constructive criticism highlights areas of improvement, offers diverse viewpoints and sometimes reveals overlooked mistakes. 

4)   Edit and revise: Good writing often involves reworking, editing, and refining. This process helps in eliminating redundancy, correcting errors, and enhancing the flow of thoughts. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can assist in polishing your work. 

5)   Expand vocabulary: A rich language allows for more precise expression. However, expanding vocabulary is about more than using difficult words; it is understanding the subtle differences between similar terms and employing them aptly. Tools like thesauruses or apps like 'Word of the Day' can aid in this endeavour.  

6)  Master the basics: Before delving into sophisticated writing techniques, it's imperative to have a solid grasp of grammar, punctuation, and basic writing conventions. These foundational elements ensure clarity and coherence in Written Communication. 

7)    Structured writing: Organi sed content enhances readability. It's essential to structure your writing, beginning with a clear introduction, followed by the main content, and concluding with a summary or final thoughts. Using bullet points, subheadings, and short paragraphs can make the content more scannable and digestible. 

8)   Empathy in writing: Understanding the reader's perspective is a hallmark of effective Communication. When writing, consider the reader's knowledge level, cultural context, and expectations. This empathetic approach ensures that the message is tailored to the audience, increasing its impact. 

9)  Limit distractions: In our multi-tasking era, distractions can hinder the writing process. Designate specific times for writing, free from interruptions. Applications that block distracting websites or promote the 'Pomodoro Technique' can help maintain focus. 

10)  Continuous learning : Engaging in writing workshops, online courses, or writer’s retreats can offer fresh perspectives, introduce new techniques, and nurture growth as a writer.  

How can you improve Written Communication Skills in the workplace?  

Honing one’s Written Communication Skills is vital for success in the professional realm. Here's how to improve Written Communication Skills in the workplace:  

1) Understand your audience : Every piece of Communication, whether an email, report, or memo, has an intended audience. Recognising this audience, understanding their expectations, and tailoring your message to suit their needs is crucial. A message meant for a colleague may differ significantly from one intended for a stakeholder or client. 

2) Clarity is key:   Your Communication should be straightforward, concise, and devoid of jargon, even if it's industry-specific and widely understood. Clear Communication minimises the risk of misinterpretation. 

3) Use structured formats: Especially in reports or longer emails, a structure can significantly enhance comprehensibility. Using bullet points, numbered lists, headings, and subheadings breaks the content into digestible chunks, making it easier for the reader to grasp key points. 

4) Active over passive : Using active voice often results in more precise, more direct statements. For example, "The team completed the project" (active) is more straightforward than "The project was completed by the team" (passive). 

5) Proofreading : Before hitting the send button or printing a document, always proofread. Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or typos can detract from your message and appear unprofessional. Tools like Grammarly can help, but a personal review is indispensable. 

6) Feedback culture: Cultivate a culture where team members can give and receive feedback on their Communication. Constructive feedback can shed light on areas of improvement, ensuring continual growth. 

7) Stay updated with technology: Leverage technology to improve your writing. There are numerous tools and apps, like Hemingway Editor or Microsoft Editor, which can refine your writing by identifying passive voice, adverb overuse, or complex sentences. 

8) Professional development: Attend workshops or seminars focused on business writing or Written Communication. These sessions can offer insights into modern communication standards, expectations, and best practices. 

9) Tone matters : Written Communication doesn't have the advantage of vocal inflexions, making it essential to ensure the manner is appropriate. Depending on the content and recipient, adapt your tone to be formal, friendly, authoritative, or inquisitive. Always be respectful. 

10) Consistency : Whether it's the format of reports, the tone of emails, or the structure of memos, maintaining consistency in Written Communication sets a professional standard. Consider creating templates or guidelines to ensure uniformity in team Communications. 

11) Practice empathy: Understand that only some people in the workplace may have the same cultural background or language proficiency. Write with heart, considering the diverse backgrounds of your readers. This inclusivity can prevent misunderstandings and foster better workplace relationships. 

12) Continual learning: Languages evolve, and so do workplace dynamics. Stay updated with new terminologies, industry jargon, or evolving language norms. Continuous learning ensures your Communication remains relevant and effective.  

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Enhancing Written Communication Skills in English  

For non-native speakers and even for some native speakers, refining Written Communication Skills in English can open doors to broader audiences, clearer expression, and heightened opportunities. Here’s how to improve Written Communication Skills in English: 

1) Invest your time into reading: Immerse yourself in diverse English literature. From classics to contemporary novels, newspapers to academic journals, expose yourself to varied styles and tones. This not only helps in vocabulary acquisition but also familiarises you with different constructs of the language. 

2) Strong hold on grammar: English grammar can be intricate. Tools like Grammarly, online courses, and grammar workbooks can assist in mastering tenses, prepositions, and other grammar intricacies. Regular practice and feedback are essential. 

3) Engage in writing exercises: Consider dedicated writing exercises, like summarising articles, penning short stories, or even writing and rewriting paragraphs in different tones. This iterative process solidifies learning and improves adaptability in writing. 

4) Join English writing forums: Platforms like English Stack Exchange or various writing subreddits offer a space for writers to seek feedback, ask questions, and engage with a community of English writers, both native and non-native. 

5) Expand vocabulary: Utilise 'Word of the Day' applications or flashcards to incorporate new words into your vocabulary. Remember, it's essential to use new words in context to understand their nuances and appropriate usage. 

6) Write regularly: Much like any skill, consistency is key. Maintain a journal, start a blog, or write articles on platforms like Medium. The more you write, the more comfortable and skilled you become. 

7) Seek constructive criticism: Share your writings with peers, teachers, or mentors proficient in English. Their feedback can offer invaluable insights and pinpoint areas for improvement. 

8) Engage in English writing courses : Numerous online platforms offer courses tailored to English writing. These structured modules provide foundational knowledge, techniques, and peer interactions. 

9) Understand cultural nuances: English, though universal, carries regional flavours, idioms, and expressions. Whether it's American, British, Australian, or Indian English, being aware of these differences ensures that your writing resonates with your intended audience. 

10) Practice translation: For non-native speakers, translating thoughts from their mother tongue to English can be beneficial. It forces the brain to think critically about language constructs, fostering a deeper understanding. 

11) Listen and observe: Written Communication Skills in English can also be honed by listening. Engage with English podcasts, movies, or talk shows. It can be helpful to pay attention to the structure of sentences and the way ideas are expressed, as this can offer valuable insights. 

12) Stay updated: As with all languages, English evolves. New words get added, while some become archaic. Regular engagement with contemporary writings, news, or academic literature ensures that your knowledge remains current. 

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Conclusion  

In this blog, you learned How to Improve Your Written Communication Skills for your workplace as well as in your personal life. Maintaining standards and good communication clears all misunderstandings and creates impactful messages. By investing in these skills, you can ensure effective expression and better understanding.  

Gain an understanding of – Verbal Communication – Register now for our Nonverbal Communication Training .  

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Essay on Importance of Communication for Students and Children

500+ words essay on importance of communication:.

Communication is one of the important tools that aid us to connect with people. Either you are a student or a working professional, good communication is something that will connect you far ahead. Proper communication can help you to solve a number of issues and resolve problems. This is the reason that one must know how to communicate well. The skills of communication essential to be developed so that you are able to interact with people. And able to share your thoughts and reach out to them. All this needs the correct guidance and self-analysis as well.

Meaning of Communication

The word communication is basically a process of interaction with the people and their environment . Through such type of interactions, two or more individuals influence the ideas, beliefs, and attitudes of each other.

Such interactions happen through the exchange of information through words, gestures, signs, symbols, and expressions. In organizations, communication is an endless process of giving and receiving information and to build social relationships.

Importance of Communication

Communication is not merely essential but the need of the hour. It allows you to get the trust of the people and at the same time carry better opportunities before you. Some important points are as follows –

Help to Build Relationships 

No matter either you are studying or working, communication can aid you to build a relationship with the people. If you are studying you communicate with classmates and teachers to build a relationship with them. Likewise in offices and organizations too, you make relationships with the staff, your boss and other people around.

Improve the Working Environment 

There are a number of issues which can be handled through the right and effective communication. Even planning needs communication both written as well as verbal. Hence it is essential to be good in them so as to fill in the communication gap.

Foster strong team

Communication helps to build a strong team environment in the office and other places. Any work which requires to be done in a team. It is only possible if the head communicates everything well and in the right direction.

Find the right solutions

Through communication, anyone can find solutions to even serious problems. When we talk, we get ideas from people that aid us to solve the issues. This is where communication comes into play. Powerful communication is the strength of any organization and can help it in many ways.

Earns more respect

If your communication skills are admirable, people will love and give you respect. If there is any problem, you will be the first person to be contacted. Thus it will increase your importance. Hence you can say that communications skills can make a big change to your reputation in society.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Don’t Go Overboard With Your Point

The conversation is about to express your thoughts. And to let the other person know what you feel. It is not mean to prove that your point is correct and the other person is wrong. Don’t Overboard other With Your Point.

Watch Your Words

Before you say something to Watch Your Words. At times, out of anger or anxiousness, we say somethings that we must not say. Whenever you are in a professional meeting or in some formal place, where there is a necessity of communicating about your product or work then it is advised to practice the same beforehand

Communication is the greatest importance. It is important to sharing out one’s thoughts and feelings to live a fuller and happier life. The more we communicate the less we suffer and the better we feel about everything around. However, it is all the more necessary to learn the art of effective communication to put across ones point well.

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• Arts & Humanities

How to Improve Your Communication Skills

17 Sep 2022

• Arts & Humanities

Format: APA

Academic level: College

Paper type: Essay (Any Type)

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We all communicate with each other on a daily basis. The amount of communicating we engage in and the fact that we do with lots of diverse people can make our communication difficulty and complicated, hence ending up creating barriers in one’s interpersonal communications. It is thus important to note that effective communication is a vital perquisite for the attainable of any great relationship. No business or group can flourish without good communication. My experience at D&S Community Services program made me understand better on the subject matter. 

Working with the community has always been one of my passions since I was young. Last summer I had the opportunity to work with D&S Community Services program. This was my first volunteer experience with the agency. For me working with the community helped me to improve all aspects of my life . Through my services, I had the opportunity to develop my communication proficiency not just theoretically but also practically, encountering real life experiences with the clients. I had a lot of contact with the clients with various needs, who needed my assistance and guidance. 

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My volunteer experience made me realize the importance of having effective communication skills which are crucial in the delivery of services in a diverse community. I found that sometimes clients can be frustrated and inpatient when you do not understand what they really want and I was sure that with the diverse community, I would come across clients with strong accents that will make it difficult for me to understand their message clearly. Furthermore, some clients were not able to communicate freely with me. Therefore, to identify what they want, I had to be able to read both the verbal and non-verbal communication. This aspect was essential as it helped me build a rapport with the community members. 

From my experience, I also learned that effective communication creates a stronger relationship between the community and the workers. The experiences were also a good boost to my mental health, not to mention the good rapport that I created with the community members. It feels great when one is able to communicate their intentions and thoughts effectively ( Babatunde, 2015) . My working at the agency helped me build my confidence in communicating my thoughts and intentions effectively without fear or doubt. As a result, I have a better hope of getting a good job that will lead to a successful career. Since my passion is working with the community, communication will help me express myself more freely and eloquently. 

Communication helps one build stronger and lasting relationship with people. At D&S Community Services program, I met interesting people whom we have become great friends since then. With constant communication, we have been able to keep in touch with each other despite the long distance ( Upchurch , 2018) . People have a tendency to grow accustomed to one type of lifestyle. Effective communication has helped me to find a balance between celebrating or discriminating a particular individuality in life. I am able to uniquely express what I want as well as understand what others need. Therefore, thanks to effective communication, I am able to understand and relate to other people better than before. 

Working the agency also granted me an opportunity to interact with key stakeholders and donors at the agency. Through effective communication, I was able to share my ideas with them. On the same note, I was able to persuade the community to adopt my ideas of seeking alternative ways of tackling their arising problems. With constant communication through community meetings, we came up with tailor-made solutions to the identified community issues such as expensive housing among others. 

. Conflicts can arise from small actions and cause a great destruction among the community. Notably, effective communication is essential for conflict resolution Working with the community has helped me manage conflict through creating a communication bridge between the two conflicting bridge. From my experience, I believe conflict arises as a result of poor communication or better still misunderstanding, which can be resolved through effective communication. Thus as a person, I no longer run away or dread conflicts or arguments anymore, I simply work them out through effective communication. 

Babatunde (2015) explains that communication has vital effect on the workgroups that are in the organization as it is a channel where information, policies and even resources flow. At D&S, I realized that the workers were able to work better and faster. This observation was brought about by the fact that we were given clear information that prevented any chances of miscommunication or misinterpretation of the information provided. Due to the provision of clear details, we were able to prioritize our work in order to deliver work that is as per the expectations of the community and the organization. With the help of effective communication, we were able to minimize misunderstandings that can be time-wasting. 

We are in an era where people are digitalized and thus, can easily get lost in their own world provided they have a screen to facilitate working towards our personal goals ( Upchurch , 2018). Due to digitization, people have resigned to working through their devices than working directly with other people. As a result, social skills have reduced. I experienced this challenge when I first started working with the community. However, I learned how to create pleasant relationships with my colleagues at work through effective communication. I became more comfortable and able to communicate clearly with the other people I was working with which in turn boosted my social interaction skills. At the workplace, people were easier to work with and our supervisors were more understanding because we were able to express our concerns clearly. As a result, I was able to overcome all the communication barriers I previously had. 

Our work involved working with diverse people in terms of gender, race, faiths and ethnicities. Therefore, the relationship formed was delicate as it was easy to offend another person unintentionally because of the words and phrases one used. However, I came to understand that the ability to communicate effectively reduces these instances, as we were able to identify and understand the variations that exist in the diverse community we were working with. 

Effective communication helped promote motivation and enthusiasm among the employees in D&S Community Service organization. Doucette (2018) explains that effective communication strategies foster a sense of identification between the employees and the organization. This statement is true as we were all motivated to work with the organization and nurture its beliefs and vision. We all worked hard to achieve the mission and future of D&S Community Service organization. Personally, I made sure that I presented myself in a way that communicated the image of the organization 

All in all, with the digital revolution becoming an integrated aspect of our lives, we need to identify and relate with the human aspect of our professional lives. Factors such as empathy, creativity as well as how we communicate with others are important when working with the community. These factors can be brought out fully through effective communication between the the employees and the community. Despite being beneficial in the smooth running of the organization, effective communication is essential in understanding and relating to the community. At D&S, the employees had improved sense of motivation and worked efficiently due to receiving clear information that helped us to prioritize our work as well we as identify the goals. As for the community, effective communication helped them to express their concerns in a way that we were able to understand and effectively address the concerns. Personally, effective communication helped me to build stronger and lasting relationship with people, conflict resolution as well as persuasion techniques. My passion for working with the community has been heightened due to the development of effective communication skills such as being a keener listener and being observant of non-verbal cues. 

References 

Babatunde, O. (2015). Importance of Effective Communication in Public Organisations. Issues in Social Science , 3 (2), 78. doi:10.5296/iss.v3i2.8596 

Doucette, C. (2018, October 25). Advantages of Effective Communication at the Workplace. Retrieved from https://bizfluent.com/info-10041931-advantages-effective-communication-workplace.html 

Upchurch, D. (2018, February 8). How to better communicate with your community. Retrieved from https://www.trainingjournal.com/articles/features/how-better-communicate-your-community 

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How to Improve Your Communication Skills?

Introduction.

Improvement in Communication Skills is one of the most sought after question, especially among youths. It is also debatable to some extent considering the explosion on the internet with all kinds of articles, videos trying to answer this with no congruency among them at all. It is easy to get confused as what is actually required to improve the communication skill.

To make things more clear let’s begin by defining “communication skills” and organizing it into its individual components.

“Communication is simply a way to exchange information and thoughts. So all such attributes that facilitate sharing of knowledge and thoughts effectively comes under communication skills”

Essential attributes for effective communication:

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that listening skill is the most important skill in order to be a good communicator. Being a good listener helps you comprehend what the other person is trying to say. Nobody likes talking to people who only care about putting forth their own point of view. A person who listens patiently and actively tries to get other’s point of view is automatically liked by people and is considered more social.

Non-verbal communication:

  This is especially important if you are preparing for interviews or public speaking. As humans, we convey a lot more with our body language and gestures than we ever could by words and speech. The tone of voice, eye-contact (not the creepy stare), hand gestures and body language are all very important. Having open stance and relaxed and friendly tone makes you more approachable. Also, it helps others form a basic level of trust with you.

Paying attention to non-verbal signals of the other person is also something you should look out for while you are talking as it tells you how they are feeling.

Example: If the other person is not maintaining eye-contact, he/she might be feeling uncomfortable.

When it comes to communication, clarity is important. Always try to put forth your point in a clear and concise manner. Saying too much or too little will most likely confuse the listener and reduce their attentiveness. This is true whether you are having a one-on-one conversation or via telephone or even email. This is especially important for public speakers.

Confidence:

This is a very important skill in general and even more so when it comes to communication. You should actually believe in what you are saying in order to make an impact on the listener. The confidence is reflected not only in your tone of voice but also in your body language and gestures and people pick it up instantly. Developing confidence is a prerequisite for anyone in general and even more so for leaders, managers and public speakers.

Another upside of having confidence is it helps enhance your non-verbal communication skills.

Being strong in the medium of communication and having knowledge about the subject of discussion will help you put your perspective with more confidence. Know that confidence is a skill and like any other skill, it can be developed.

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Empathy and respect:

It is necessary to be empathetic and respectful towards other people. In fact, it is so important that it dictates the kind of interaction you have with your subordinates, peers and your superiors and yet it is often ignored. Being polite yet assertive is a powerful combination. It makes you a better leader. Being open-minded and seeing things from different perspectives helps you connect with your audience better.

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