They say “Communication is key”. When you have good communication skills, you will know the difference it makes, when you try to get your point across, solve a sinking relationship, and deliver that big presentation at work. Yet, most of us don’t pay attention to this. So, let’s dive into how we can polish our communication skills.
Why do you need communication skills?
Communication skills are not just the name of talking or writing. It’s about making connections with others, delivering your thoughts in a way that would make sense whether it’s in the form of words or body language. It is about understanding what others need. This leads to several valuable outcomes. Some are as follows;
- Build confidence
- Build leadership qualities
- Build trust
- Resolve issues
- Create meaningful relationships
- Improves productivity
You can say that developing good communication skills can be the base of every interaction you make. But the question is, how to be good at it?
Active listening
Most of the time, we are so focused on thinking about a response that we forget to listen. Effective communication skills require active listening. Active listening is not only about hearing the words but also about understanding them as well.
Tips for practicing active listening
- Stay present
Pay attention to the person speaking to you at the moment. Avoid all distractions.
- Be empathetic
To show empathy with the speaker, use phrases like “I know how you feel” or “That must have been really tough for you”.
- Ask clear questions
Instead of making assumptions, ask questions like “Can you explain that further?”, “I would like to know more”. It shows your concern, curiosity, and want to understand.
Non-verbal signs
Believe it or not, most of our communication is words that we don’t say. This includes your body language, facial expressions, and the tone of your voice. These nonverbal signals are quite impactful and play a crucial role in enhancing your communication skills.
How to have effective non-verbal communication
- Maintain good eye contact
When talking keep your eye contact with the speaker, this shows your interest and engagement.
- Open body language
Don’t cross your arms, this makes you seem defensive or guarded.
- Smile and nod
These small gestures will make you more approachable and following.
Keep these in mind for non-verbal communication next time.
Be clear, be precise
To avoid any misunderstandings, be clear and concise whether you are writing an email or giving feedback. Be straightforward about your points to have effective results.
Concise Communication tips
- Simple words
Be simple with your words. So that the other person understands you well.
- Clean-cut instructions
Don’t give vague instructions. Instead of saying “Can you finish this soon?”, try “Can you complete this by tomorrow at 5 PM?”
- Stay organized
For the convenience of the other person and the efficiency of the task, keep your points organized. Structure them logically whether it’s speaking or writing. In this way, others will be able to follow you easily.
Be empathetic
The most important thing for seeing others’ perspectives and understanding their communication is being empathetic towards them. It’s about assuming yourself in other’s shoes and understanding their feelings.
Tips to be empathetic
- Affirmation
When someone is upset, accept it and don’t try to make them feel bad about it.
- Sharing something similar
Sharing some similar experiences with others will actually make them feel understood and supported.
Flexibility in communication
There are different ways in which a person communicates. Some do it through emails, while some give priority to face-to-face conversations. It’s about changing your communication style to have your desired outcomes.
How to be flexible
- Understand the energy
Be attentive to the atmosphere around you. Read the signs that people give off. Are they busy? Be brief. Are they upset over something? Be more sensitive while you approach them.
- Different mediums
Imagine, if someone’s not responding to you, try calling them. Being flexible in your communication ensures your message gets through.
Feedback
Expressing your thoughts is not the only goal of the communication but it’s also to receive feedback from the other side. It can be a compliment or constructive criticism or it might as well be a piece of advice. But the crucial step is to receive all of this with an open mind.
How to give feedback
- Be specific with your words
Instead of “Good job”, try saying “I appreciate your efforts to handle the difficult client”.
- Be constructive
Let’s say you need to offer criticism. In this case, don’t just criticize, focus on the solution too. For example, “We should use X to improve the quality.”
Tips for receiving feedback
- Active listening
Without interrupting or getting defensive, hear the feedback with full attention.
- Ask questions
If you have any doubts, clear them by asking questions.
- Thank the person
Sometimes, it may be tough to hear the feedback, but it is valuable for growth.
Mastering your communication skills
You can’t improve your communication skills overnight. You will have to be mindful and open about feedback. You will have to practice. But with the right approach, you will not only be speaking and listening more effectively but will also have deeper connections with others.
It’s your key to improve every area of your life. So, why not start today?
