Most people would agree that communication is one of the most important skills you can have. After all, effective communication is essential in both personal and professional relationships. But what does it mean to be an effective communicator? Can you develop these skills?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the definition of effective communication and look at some of the benefits it can offer. We’ll also examine the different types of communication skills there are and provide tips for improving your overall communication ability.
How effective is your communication?
If you want to know how practical your communication skills are, ask yourself the following questions:
-Are my messages clear and concise?
-Do my words accurately reflect my thoughts and feelings?
-Am I able to listen attentively and respond appropriately to others?
-Do my interactions with others result in positive outcomes?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it might be time to work on improving your communication ability. And for that, we have some recommendations and skills you can improve.
Remember, there is no need to be excellent in all, but when you find the ones, you can strengthen a few to be a great communicator.
Different types of communication skills
Each type of communication requires specific aptitudes that can be learned and developed over time. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important ones.
Speaking:
Speaking conveys a message verbally, including informal conversations and formal presentations. It is what we know as communication more commonly, but speaking and knowing what to say are very different things. Be willing to learn to be a better-spoken communicator, and you’ll see many improvements in your life.
A great example? Our own Keylin explaining SOLID!
Listening:
Listening is paying attention and understanding what others want and say. An effective listener can not only continue a conversation gratefully and even resolve situations through it.
Writing:
Written words can carry as much weight as spoken ones. When you feel comfortable expressing yourself correctly by writing, it helps you support any other communication ability.
Body language:
Body language is how we communicate nonverbally. Our facial expressions, posture, and gestures can all send messages besides words.
Communication as a leader
Being a leader is not always easy. In addition to making difficult decisions and delegating tasks, leaders must also be effective communicators.
This can be challenging, especially when dealing with complex or sensitive topics.
People are different, they receive information in many ways, and miscommunication can be as easy as stumbling on a little rock. That’s why knowing how to communicate is so vital for you to have a harmonious team and project.
Communication with your leader
“Communication is key” is not only a cliché; it’s the absolute truth. It can save us from misunderstandings, long unnecessary paths and even open new doors. But when it comes to communication at work, it’s not only a good personality trait but an essential thing to bring to any company or team.
At work, you will confront highly competitive and transforming environments; that’s why impeccable communication skills are most needed.
How to improve your communication
We will provide you with a few leads on becoming an incredible communicator. Whether you are part of a team, leading one, or just hoping to get better at expressing yourself, follow these recommendations to improve your skills and grow personally and as a professional.
Be assertive
Think of assertiveness as the cornerstone of communication. It’s about finding a balance between what you want to say and considering the other person’s interests and possible vulnerabilities. In other words, people who are good at assertiveness can devise respectful ways to communicate things they may not be delighted to hear. They can get the work done in the least painful way possible, and that’s always a great asset.
Take care of non-verbal communication
Your posture, gestures, and facial expressions affect how your message is received.
Do this exercise: Say something you believe deeply in and have a lot of knowledge about but with your head down, eyes low, and shoulders shrugging. Would you trust yourself if you were on the other side of the conversation?
Now do it head high, with strong posture and confidence.
Your words, body language, and tone should all match.
Be clear and concise
Using filler words like “sort of,” “right?”, “you know,” “like,” “ah,” and “um” gives the impression of insecurity. Instead, vocalizing correctly and modulating will make a significant difference.
Also, being conscious of your voice tone can achieve different effects and support your ideas, from capturing attention to persuading to calming down.
In case of presenting in front of a crowd, try to practice what you plan to say out loud.
Practice concise communication, and you’ll see how your filler words start to vanish and your confidence rise.
Active listening
Communication is a two-way street. Listening means not dominating the conversation. You give the other person room to share their ideas and show that you’re interested in what they say. If you’re unsure about something, wait until they finish speaking before asking questions.
You also enhance and demonstrate your respect and timing by improving this skill.
Improve your patience and understanding. Remember that not everyone processes information in the same way, and not everyone has the same learning path.
Eye contact
It’s common for people to feel shy or anxious when they have to make eye contact with those who are in positions of authority over them. However, not making eye contact can give the impression that you are hiding something or lack confidence. Instead, keeping eye contact will create a sense of trust and transparency. This helps the conversation flow more smoothly and even grow a bond with this person over the trust shown.
Take the shot! Ask questions
If unsure about something, clear up any potential miscommunications by asking questions. Facilitate an open and transparent dialogue by practicing expressing your concerns openly and honestly.
Be courageous
This is easier said than done; we are aware of that. But we are pledging to your desire to grow! Confidence is crucial during conversations, and your contributions won’t be significant if you cannot express your thinking.
You never know when you might have that one critical piece of the puzzle that nobody else has. And even if somebody does laugh at you, it’s better than regretting not saying anything later on down the line.
Courage is to speak your thoughts freely but consciously!
Empathy
Empathy is vital to truly understanding someone else’s point of view. This skill qualifies you to connect with your conversation partner on both a cognitive and emotional level. Additionally, empathizing with others will help you build a more persuasive argument by tailoring your speech to their perspective.
Constructive attitude
Enter a conversation with a positive approach, even if you aren’t having the best day. That’s why this recommendation has a great extra tip you might have heard: Think before speaking.
Sometimes we are all-attitude and cero-constructive, but we are human and are allowed to feel. Yet, wanting to be a good communicator and following your emotions can be positive and negative. A positive outlook and a willingness to be friendly with those you talk to will go a long way.
Remember to stay calm, be truthful without being mean, understand where the other person is coming from, and look on the bright side.
If you are feeling negative, take a deep breath and stop for a second. Suppose you can’t be entirely nice at the moment; use the recommendations we’ve given you to construct a conversation in the best way possible.
Being a top communicator
Now that you have a full idea of a high-quality communicator’s finest qualities and can apply them daily. Practice them, test them, and express yourself to your best!
At DNAMIC, we expect nothing less than these characteristics from our leaders and encourage them to be constantly educated on improving their skills.
Here are great examples of who we believe are great leaders and communicators (people who are making DNAMIC not only a top-class business but an environment that teams are proud to be in):
Check our way of working, services or contact us directly
to start building the best with DNAMIC!
