How to improve your communication skills

How to improve your communication skills

Importance of Communication skills’ covers in detail the basics of different types of communications and their overall importance.

1. Now, communications - the ability to share and exchange ideas and thoughts - consist of a wide range of skills. For example, you cannot be a good communicator just by being a better speaker, or just by being a good listener.

2. And, if the exchange is not in your mother tongue (the first language) - such as some one from India in USA - it takes some extra efforts to be good at this. Here are some of the main areas to consider for improving your communications skills:

3. Know what you are talking about: A communications or an exchange of ideas or the conversation is hollow and empty if it has no substance. Knowledge of the topic of discussion helps with a meaningful discourse. And, if it is just a friendly ‘chat about nothing’ - the small talk - that can also be improved, just read on!

4. Be a good listener: Listening is the first and foremost part of the communication. It helps with understanding the topic of discussion (‘Know what you are talking about’ ). A good listener also earns the respect of the speaker and is always in-tune with the discussion.

5. Improve verbal communications: Along with listening skills, equally important is the ability to deliver the message - the talking part. A good command of the language, a good vocabulary and ability to effectively speak are the desired attributes for being good at verbal communication. Those with mother-tongue (the first language) is different than the communication language often struggle in this sector.

6. Make a small talk: Small talk matters. Small talk is the art of chitchat - talking about ‘nothing’. The small talk warms up the conversation; it can set up the mood of the discussion.

7. Make a good first impression:  The first impression plays a big role in setting up the tone of the conversation.

8. Body Language:The Body language, combined with small talk sits the mood and tone of the conversation. Smiling, confident hand gestures, good eye-contact (not staring)….help with making a friendly and effective discussion. In some culture -like in India - the body distance is much less; people are more touchy and feely. However, same may not apply everywhere. In most western countries, people like their pace and they like to keep a bit distance during the communication. You can also practice body language in front of a mirror -practice what you want others to see in your body language.

9. Read and write:Written communications are very important in business and work environment. Email and texting has become a key part of day-to-day life. To improve written communication skills for business or work, practice reading and writing. Double-check your writing; re-write if needed and check for spelling errors etc. For the informal written communications - e.g. emailing and texting with friends and family, - just go with the flow; use the format of informal chat.

10. Witty, current and meaningful: Dry and very formal communication is often not that effective. Given the occasion, be witty and meaningful in your comments. Add some humor if the occasion demands lightening up the mood. Also, don’t sound outdated in your written or verbal communications; be current and up-to-date. The art of small talk can also help in this area.

11. Feedback: To improve these communication skills, pay attention to the feedback from others - the listeners, friends, colleagues. It could be direct verbal feedback - comments or suggestions, - or written feedback in a formal settings. The indirect feedback may includes facial expression or body language of the listeners. Adjust the communication - enhance or tone down etc. - based on the feedback.

12. Practice, practice and practice: Yes, practice as much as possible. You can certainly improve your communication skills by making a conscious effort to practice the steps above. It always feels good when you connect with others, when they understand you and know what you are talking about!