10 ways to improve communication skills

Effective communication is one of the most important life skills that a person can have. Whether want to have better conversations in your personal and social life or get your ideas across better at work, there are some key things you can do to help improve your communication skills.

Knowing how to listen and talk effectively will help you express yourself in job interviews, business meetings, and your personal life.

Communication is essential, and being an effective communicator will propel you forward in life. Though not everyone is a natural communicator, there are true methods for improving your communication skills.

Here are 10 ways:-

1. Listen Well

To be an effective communicator, you must first be able to listen well. People want to know that their concerns are being addressed. Instead of composing your response, pay attention to what the other person is saying. To avoid misconceptions, request clarification. The person speaking to you should be the most important person in your life at the time. Another important concept is to hold only one discussion at a time. This means that if you're on the phone with someone, don't respond to an email or send a text at the same time. The other person will realize she does not have your complete attention.

2. Be to the Point

When there is too much unnecessary information, the bulk of miscommunication occurs. Keep your communication succinct without sacrificing its relevance. This is true for both written and spoken communication. Practice speaking only what is necessary for the dialogue in written communication, proofreading, and vocal communication.

For written and spoken communication, practice being succinct yet precise enough, so you offer enough information for the other person to grasp what you are trying to convey. And if you are responding to an email, make sure that you read the full email before composing your response. With enough experience, you will learn not to ramble, or provide much too much information.

3. Know Your Listener

You must first choose who you are interacting with and what form of communication they will comprehend. If you're speaking with a superior, for example, you shouldn't use informal language. Also, if you use acronyms, you can't expect the other person to comprehend them right away. So, get to know your audience.

4. Assertive & Active Voice

You should use assertive and active language in your communication. This type of wording immediately draws the listener's or reader's attention. They'll hang on to every word you say, and the proper message will be delivered.

5. Body Language

Body language is an excellent way to communicate without saying anything, but it still has a significant influence. Maintain positive body languages such as an open stance and eye contact during a video conference call or face-to-face meeting. The other person picks up on this and changes their body language to be more positive.

This is critical for face-to-face and video conferencing meetings. Make sure you appear approachable by using open body language. This signifies that your arms should not be crossed. Also, maintain eye contact to show that you are paying attention to the other person.

6. Always Proofread

People believe they have not made a mistake and press the submit button on their written communication. This should not be done. Before sending, proofread what you've written once or twice. One approach is to not proofread right after writing. It is more difficult to locate flaws. Take a brief pause, rest your eyes, and then proofread.

7. Take Notes

When you are being communicated to, take down important points in the communication. This is a very simple but effective method to ensure there is no miscommunication.

8. Watch Your Tones

Most misunderstanding arises because either of the individuals involved was not speaking in the proper tone. Don’t be too loud, don’t be too gentle, and don’t be disrespectful or condescending. Always interact properly and respectfully with everyone.

9. Right Frame of Mind

When you are about to communicate, be sure that you are in the right frame of mind. Tiredness, frustration, sadness, and anger, among other range of emotions, can hamper what you want to communicate. Just make sure you are positive or at least neutral.

10. Speak Directly

Communicate directly with the person you intend to contact. In many organizations, communication channels are constructed with a large number of unneeded persons relaying messages. This does not work when there are too many players, as we know from the Chinese whispers game. Simply make direct contact with the person you intend to reach.

Communication is something that has a big impact on our personal and professional life. It has to be taken seriously. And always remember some of the most successful and happy individuals in life are terrific communicators. With good communication skills, you’ll master the art of having uncomfortable conversations making your views heard, negotiating a wage increase or promotion efficiently, and creating a strong impression on everyone you meet. Improving our communication skills has a good impact on our personal and social interactions. When our messages are disseminated electronically around the world, ethical and effective communication becomes even more critical.

Communication is growing more casual a decade and a half later, with the rise of social media networking and texting, even in circumstances where more official ways of communication are required. This means that people in their twenties and thirties may not understand the importance of good communication skills in the workplace. When you look at the greatest leaders, one of the characteristics they have is the ability to communicate effectively, emphasizing the importance of communication skills.