communication skills

yummy1984

Par 100 posts (V.I.P)
Good communication skills are special qualities that every human should possess. The modern world of corporate, technology and learning has laid strong emphasis on basic communication skills.

Every human has a misconception that like other qualities, even this quality is in built in human nature, something that is by birth but that’s not so. At any stage of life you can build these qualities within you.

Now, the question waves, how to develop good communication skills?

Below are some of the steps you can follow for effective communication skills :

Make Direct Eye Contact

Make direct eye contacts when you are talking to the other person. This helps you to convey interest and encourage the other person to show interest in your conversation. Even during a speech, looking into the eyes of different people present in front of you can personalize your speech and the people around take interest to hear you.

Stay In Tune with Your Body Language

Body language speaks a lot what you don’t speak, much more than the words of mouth. So, try to maintain a balance between what you say and what your body says. Be aware of what your body is saying. A simple example to this can be experienced when you are giving a speech or consoling a friend. During a speech your words may convey that you are keen to help people in all ways for but if you stand with your arms crossed, your body conveys disinterest and reluctance to communicate. Whereas, when you are consoling your friend for any loss or depression, standing with your arms free on your sides convey that you are easily accessible.

Speak Loudly

When you speak loudly, it gives a feeling of confidence. The people whom you are in conversation with have the feeling that you mean what you say. An appropriate volume, tone and confidence ensure listeners hear exactly what you are saying.

Practice

This is one such quality that can be practiced. You can daily practice these skills according to different settings from being social to professional. You can also attend some courses for developing these skills and explore new communication opportunities.
 
improving your communication style:

1. Knowing how to improve communication skills will come easier once you become aware of your own communication style.

Each person has a unique way of communicating. Listen to your own speech. What sorts of words do you use? Which sort of body language and what tone of voice are you using?

Now, think of someone who, in your opinion, is a good communicator. Compare your style to theirs. You've just taken an important first step in how to improve communication skills.

2. Now that you are aware of your own style, study the style of those around you. How do the most important people in your life converse? How do they say things? Look for approaches you can model and make your own.

3. Adjust to the other styles of communication. Don't think it is too late to change your way of conversing because it's been years. You had to learn to communicate in the first place and you can unlearn certain behaviors or change them. Sometimes we get stuck in a communication rut.

A father once was having a hard time with his teenaged daughter. She was growing and he thought she didn't tell him what was going on in her life. They were in a heated discussion when he asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Her answer was that she had, but he was too busy lecturing her to hear her. He learned that adjusting his style to his daughter would involve listening first before jumping right into solving the problem.

4. To build rapport, during a conversation try and match the other person's movements, posture and verbal style. Don't do everything they do, but mirror one or two things. For example, if the person gives mostly short answers to questions, you follow suit.

Or, maybe they talk at a slower pace than you usually do-slow your speaking speed to match theirs. This may sound simplistic but it is a very potent way to make someone feel very relaxed and comfortable in your presence.

5. The way you communicate at home may not be the same as in a different environment. Make sure you change your style to suit the different setting. Some comments you might want to tell your best friend, in private.

Other things can be shared in a group setting. Learn how to improve communication skills by altering your style for the appropriate setting. Many of us know someone who offers far too much information in a group setting.

6. Don't criticize others for communicating differently. If we all communicated in the same way, we'd soon be bored with each other.

Getting a good grasp of your communication style and finding ways to accommodate other peoples' styles, is a good way to improve your communication skills.
 
improving your communication style:

1. Knowing how to improve communication skills will come easier once you become aware of your own communication style.

Each person has a unique way of communicating. Listen to your own speech. What sorts of words do you use? Which sort of body language and what tone of voice are you using?

Now, think of someone who, in your opinion, is a good communicator. Compare your style to theirs. You've just taken an important first step in how to improve communication skills.

2. Now that you are aware of your own style, study the style of those around you. How do the most important people in your life converse? How do they say things? Look for approaches you can model and make your own.

3. Adjust to the other styles of communication. Don't think it is too late to change your way of conversing because it's been years. You had to learn to communicate in the first place and you can unlearn certain behaviors or change them. Sometimes we get stuck in a communication rut.

A father once was having a hard time with his teenaged daughter. She was growing and he thought she didn't tell him what was going on in her life. They were in a heated discussion when he asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Her answer was that she had, but he was too busy lecturing her to hear her. He learned that adjusting his style to his daughter would involve listening first before jumping right into solving the problem.

4. To build rapport, during a conversation try and match the other person's movements, posture and verbal style. Don't do everything they do, but mirror one or two things. For example, if the person gives mostly short answers to questions, you follow suit.

Or, maybe they talk at a slower pace than you usually do-slow your speaking speed to match theirs. This may sound simplistic but it is a very potent way to make someone feel very relaxed and comfortable in your presence.

5. The way you communicate at home may not be the same as in a different environment. Make sure you change your style to suit the different setting. Some comments you might want to tell your best friend, in private.

Other things can be shared in a group setting. Learn how to improve communication skills by altering your style for the appropriate setting. Many of us know someone who offers far too much information in a group setting.

6. Don't criticize others for communicating differently. If we all communicated in the same way, we'd soon be bored with each other.

Getting a good grasp of your communication style and finding ways to accommodate other peoples' styles, is a good way to improve your communication skills.
 
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