03/01/2024
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We live in a fast-paced and pressurized world. Being able to communicate well with those around you is often critical. The more proficient your communication skills, the more successful you are likely to be within your chosen career. Companies often equate good communication with efficiency, and believe that a good communicator is likely to contribute in a positive way to the business.
If you wish to improve your own communication skills, here are 7 secrets (that are really not-so-secret) that will make your communication skills more efficient and effective:
1. Relationship Building
A good communicator will concentrate on building the basic foundations of relationships quite simply by making an effort to speak. Even a good morning and a smile speak volumes. Someone with good communication skills will not just ask a question, but will wait to hear the answer; this increases the potential to build rapport.
2. Speak Clearly and Confidently
When presenting, a speaker must be able to reach out and communicate to the audience on a wide scale. Talking in a clear and engaging manner helps. They will speak from a position of authority, and have a natural and appealing tone. Confidence is quickly recognised by an audience on a sub-conscious level. Most people feel nervous when speaking in public, and tell-tale signs include talking faster and in a higher tone. Knowing the subject matter well always helps, and you will come over as an expert; this will help to influence others too.
3. Increase Listening
Many people believe that listening comes naturally, but a good communicator will often listen than they speak themselves. A good communicator shows interest in the other person by listening and not tuning out of a conversation. This helps to break down any potential barriers and avoid misunderstandings or confusion.
4. Non-Verbal Clues
Communicating well also means listening and understanding any non-verbal clues – including body language, posture, facial expressions, and not simply the actual words that are used. A verbal message may mean one thing, but a good communicator can often pick up hidden signals through observation.
5. Breathing
Presenting or managing meetings at a high level can be daunting; nerves can very easily get in the way. A good communicator controls any nervousness by using breathing techniques that serve to calm any inner anxieties, enabling them to speak clearly and with confidence.
6. Make Eye-Contact
Many people believe that communication is all about the words we speak, but this is not so. Making eye contact increases the ability to connect by creating a bond at that moment. This connection becomes a bridge between the presenter and listener.
7. Practice
There are always skills to improve upon, but practice helps, a lot. Anyone speaking to large groups of people has to analyse their speaking style and address any areas of concern. Looking into a mirror while practicing is one way; watching other professionals to comprehend how they interact and engage is another.
To become a good communicator, adopt these tips and learn how to communicate successfully in your own way, building rapport, capturing attention and portraying any message in a professional and efficient way.
Courtesy of Shirley Taylor.
Shirley is an international bestselling author. She has established herself as a leading authority in email and business writing skills. Her international bestseller Model Business Letters, Emails & Other Business Documents 7th edition sold over half a million copies worldwide and has been translated into 17 languages. Her book Email Essentials reached #2 in the USA for publishers Marshall Cavendish International. Find out more about Shirley at shirleytaylor.com.
© 2024 Shirley TaylorThe views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.