Although communication is considered a “soft” skill, it is still a valuable one. Communication skills are essential for success in the workplace. They must be able to communicate effectively using both logic and language to achieve their professional goals.
Good communication is not only beneficial for work but also benefits personal relationships. It is essential to know what words to use to communicate with a friend or family member and when to say them. Conversations can be used to support another person, resolve conflicts, or learn new things about them.
Some people are better communicators than others. Some people may be able to communicate well in certain situations but struggle in others.
Don’t worry if you feel like your communication skills need some work. You can become a more articulate, empathic, and effective communicator with little practice.
These five communication tips can be used in many situations. For example, they can draft an email for work, settle an argument with friends, or find encouraging words for someone in rehabilitation. These tips can have a positive impact on your communication style.
1. DO COMMUNICATION FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE
A lot of people make the mistake of entering conversations without having a clear purpose. It can lead to them forgetting what they are trying to accomplish, stumbling on the words, or dragging the conversation along for too long.
However, it is essential to make your point clear whenever you need to. It could mean asking the person a question or making sure that they understand your instructions. Personal situations could involve letting someone know that you are available for them or find out how you can help.
Before you start a conversation, take some deep breaths and think about what you are trying to accomplish. It will be amazing how much it can make a difference in the outcome.
2. LEARN TO ARTICULATE YOUR THOUGHTS TO YOURSELF
Are you ever flustered or jumbled up mid-sentence? While this is not a problem in casual conversation, it can become a problem when you’re presenting ideas to an audience or in meetings.
Everybody gets tongue-tied from time to time, but you can prevent this from happening in critical situations by learning how to communicate your thoughts clearly to yourself.
Consider yourself the first person you can listen to for ideas. Write down your thoughts or record yourself speaking. Then, take the time to listen to your words and decide if they sound natural and correct.
It is OK to create a brief script and practice some phrases. Doing so can make you feel more confident when you communicate and give your audience the impression you are thoughtful and well-prepared.
3. ADJUST TO THE MEDIUM FOR COMMUNICATION
It will help if you consider your tone of voice when communicating. It will vary depending on the medium you use to share with someone. While you may appear warm and friendly when speaking face-to-face with someone, your messages via email or text can come across as intimidating and standoffish.
Asking your family, friends, and colleagues how they perceive you when communicating through different channels would be a great idea.
Be authentic to yourself, but adapt your communication style to suit the medium. For example, to make your feelings known to your recipient, you can include emoticons in text messages.
4. ASK QUESTIONS AND REPEAT KEYWORDS
Remember that communication is an exchange. You can easily get caught up in your thoughts because you are passionate about them or feel the need to share your views. However, you could end up dominating the conversation or alienating those on the other side.
You must be able to listen and invite others to join in the conversation. You can help them by asking them questions and repeating what they are saying back to you.
It will help you to get an idea of when you should speak and when you should stop.
Body language is as vital in face-to-face situations as words spoken aloud. So be mindful of how you comfort others when you’re the one communicating.
To appear confident and focused, keep your head straight and make eye contact with others. It would help if you also were willing to make hand gestures and change your facial expression. It will make people feel more comfortable and friendly and give them the impression you are engaging with them.
Please pay attention to the body language of others when they interact with you. You can put more distance between you and them until they appear relaxed. Then, you can adjust your voice and your eye contact with them.
It takes practice to learn how to “read the rooms”, but it will be worth the improvement in your non-verbal communication skills.
Although not everyone is born an orator or mediator with exceptional communication skills, anyone can learn them. Practice the skills mentioned above and learn how to communicate effectively by focusing on your strengths.
Your sense of humor, intelligence, and warmth will be a part of every conversation you have with others. So make these your cornerstones of communication. It will not only help you become a great communicator, but it will also transform you into the communicator you want to be.
ASK QUESTIONS AND REPEAT KEYWORDS
Remember that communication is an exchange. You can easily get caught up in your thoughts because you are passionate about them or feel the need to share your views. However, you could end up dominating the conversation or alienating those on the other side.
You must be able to listen and invite others to join in the conversation. You can help them by asking them questions and repeating what they are saying back to you.
It will help you to get an idea of when you should speak and when you should stop.
5. GIVE ATTENTION TO BODY LANGUAGE AS WELL AS SPOKEN WORDS
Body language is as vital in face-to-face situations as words spoken aloud. So be mindful of how you comfort others when you’re the one communicating.
To appear confident and focused, keep your head straight and make eye contact with others. It would help if you also were willing to make hand gestures and change your facial expression. It will make people feel more comfortable and friendly and give them the impression you are engaging with them.
Please pay attention to the body language of others when they interact with you. You can put more distance between you and them until they appear relaxed. Then, you can adjust your voice and your eye contact with them.
It takes practice to learn how to “read the rooms”, but it will be worth the improvement in your non-verbal communication skills.
Although not everyone is born an orator or mediator with exceptional communication skills, anyone can learn them. Practice the skills mentioned above and learn how to communicate effectively by focusing on your strengths.
Your sense of humor, intelligence, and warmth will be a part of every conversation you have with others. So make these your cornerstones of communication. It will not only help you become a great communicator, but it will also transform you into the communicator you want to be.
Disclaimer. The opinions and views expressed in this article are the authors Judge Napolitano.
