Communication expertise, tops the list of basal skills required to deliver in the workplace. People from the latest generation, may not know or properly understand the significance of effective communication expertise in the workroom. When you take a look at the remarkable champions in all fields, one of the traits they retain, is the capability to communicate effectively, which underscores the significance of communication know-how.
There are concrete tactics to follow that can enhance your communication skills.
1. Pay Attention: People wish to perceive that they’re being listened to. Closely listen to what the other person is stating, rather than formulating your response in your head then and there. Just bear in mind that input yields far better than output for you in the long run. Ask for explanations where needed, to avoid misimpressions. At that instant, the person talking to you should be the most important person in your life, or so it should at least seem to the person opposite you. Another substantial key is to have one discussion at a time. An example to explain the same would be that, suppose you are talking to someone on the phone, do not respond to any texts or mails, or be reading something else at that time. The other person will definitely have an inkling that he/she does not have your undivided attention.
2. Who you’re speaking to matters. It’s alright to utilise acronyms and informal speech when you’re discoursing with a friend, but if you’re emailing or texting your head, informal usages should not be creeping into your dialogue. You cannot expect the other person to be aware of your acronyms. Some acronyms have different meanings to different people, do you want to be mistaken? Proficient communicators target their message, on the grounds of who they’re talking to, so try to have a clear picture of the other person in your mind, when you’re attempting to get your message across.
3. Body language shouldn’t be underestimated: This is especially consequential for real life encounters, meetings, and video conferencing. Ensure that your poise emanates confidence, and that you are pleasant. This means that you shouldn’t do things such as crossing your arms, or seem lethargic during the conversation. Maintain eye contact so that the other person becomes confident of your engagement, and is positively impressed.
4. Make a thorough perusal of your message, be it of any format, before delivering it across:
Spelling and grammar correcters can be game-changers to an extent, but do not rely on them totally. Cross check what you have written, to make sure that your words are dispatching the intended message.
5. Being concise goes a long way: For written and oral communication, exercise being brief, yet specific and to the point, that you give sufficient information for the other person to grasp what you’re trying to convey. And when you have to respond to a mail or, ensure that you read the entire message thoroughly, and with understanding, before drafting your response. With time and practice, it will all come to you more easily, saving you unnecessary ramblings, or helping you refrain from giving away information that are confidential.
6. Pen them down: Take down notes while you’re having an important conversation with another person, or when you’re in a formal meeting, and do not make thr mistake of relying solely upon your memory, unless of course, you possess an outstanding one. A follow-up message soon after, ensuring that you received the message right, would also be of great aid.
7. At times, a phone call could be your go-to solution: Phone calls in some cases prove much more beneficial and convenient, than text messages which aren’t a spontaneous means of communication. The “send”, “recieve” process takes time. So, weigh your options wisely. Have to deliver a message across to a person who talks incessantly, stick to your mail. Find someone a late responder, or need the feedback instantly? Pick up that phone. Whatever suits you best, works best!
8. Always ponder upon your message, before you speak: Do not be lame enough to utter anything and everything that comes to the mind. Depending on the context, and the degree of formal and informal, choose your words wisely, and make each of them count, or of consequence. The tongue has both made and undone men. A little hesitation at times reaps more positive than negative. Hesitate only slightly. Just enough to give you thinking space, and not long enough to make the opposite person think you have faulty speech, or that your speech is sloth.
9. Give and take respect: Treat everyone equally, with respect, kindness, and humility. Do not be condescending in your speech, nor patronising. Your words speak your personality.
10. Keep up that positive vibe: A smile could do wonders. Even if you are speaking on the phone, smile, because a smile can be heard, even if not seen. These pleasant manners not only boosts your image amongst your colleagues and acquaintances, but also transforms your personality for the better. When you spread good, good comes back to you.
Communicating effectively is an imperative skill in all fields alike. Thus, nailing the same could pave the way towards success for you. With enough time, practice, and experience, you’ll find your skills enhance on their own. Do bear in mind always, that patience is an essential factor you shouldn’t be compromising upon.
