Sometimes the simple things tend to be the most difficult. We all figure we can communicate because that is something we have done since we know how to speak, but that’s exactly where the problem lies. Not realizing the different types of communication or even acknowledge the different people we are talking to can lead us to great disappointment and, more importantly, failing in the work environment.
We all know how important communication skills are, we need them to speak appropriately with a wide variety of people, to get your ideas across and to allow us to maintain good relationships. But how can we improve these skills?
Effective communication skills are important in a work environment but also in any relationship, so here are a few tips to improve your communication:
1. Making eye contact while talking to people is important because it shows you are listening to them.
2. Not swearing and shouting because it can be intimidating (happens a lot with couples).
3. Make positive facial expressions, showing you are prone (inclined) to change and are solution-oriented, this is actually determinant if you want to climb up the ladder at work.
4. Not chewing gum while having a conversation with someone, seems pretty obvious.
5. Not texting or talking on the phone as that would be extremely rude, in any environment or culture.
6. Always try to be clear and use words that are appropriate to whom you are speaking with (child, adult, your boss, parents, friends, spouse, etc).
7. Have a relaxed body language, that conveys an easy to approach image, not an ice-wall personality.
8. Don’t speak over people, be calm and let them finish (you might learn something or realize they already know what you’re about to say).
9. Keep to the point when explaining something. There is a time for everything (at work, for instance, there’s no time for story-telling)
10. Active listening.
Active listening, can possibly be one of the most important communication skills, especially in a time when people are so self-involved and lost in technology and social media, that we forgot why we even need to listen.
How does listening impact on your job effectiveness, and on the quality of your relationships with others?
Did you know that we actually listen with a different set of purposes in a given occasion? For example, we listen:
Ø to obtain information.
Ø to understand.
Ø for enjoyment.
Ø to learn.
And it seems that we are very good listeners because, at work, most of us listen to people all day long, but we are actually not that good at it. Studies show that we only remember 25 to 50% of what we listen to. And we just hope to have gotten the most important parts. But what if we don’t? What if you missed that important task your boss asked you to do?
If you’d like a tip, know that we are not only responsible for what we say, but also for what people understand, meaning that, if you are the carrier of the message you need to make sure your recipient got it correctly. You can be sure by making questions or even paying attention to their reaction and body language.
Clearly, listening is a skill that we can all benefit from improving. By becoming a better listener, you can improve your productivity, as well as your ability to influence, persuade and negotiate. What's more, you'll avoid conflict and misunderstandings. All of these are necessary for workplace success and for good and healthy relationships.
Communication is not only verbal as we’ve seen, so pay attention to posture, changes in proximity, facial expressions and tone of voice. Maintaining good eye contact, demonstrating varied vocabulary and tailoring your language to your audience, listening effectively, presenting your ideas appropriately, writing clearly and concisely, and working well in a group are some skills that are super effective at your place of work. Effective communication can actually go a long way, it’ll help you in problem solving, decision making, consistency in the work flow, increase of productivity, building strong relationships (and everybody knows how important this is in a rising career), better control of situations and even a better response from those who are listening to you.
This is something you would benefit from researching and improving. Whether it’s for your personal or professional development, it will definitely be a game-changer.