Eight Ways to Improve Communication Skills At Work

Having strong communication skills is very important in your everyday life, but more specifically in your place of work. It enables you to confidently engage anyone in your organization, whether it’s the new intern or the CEO of the company. And being confident is a very important trait to have if you work in an organisation, it also helps to speed up the growth in your career. While some people find it a lot easier to communicate and are more confident, others may be shy and lack good communication skills. It takes practice and a conscious effort to improve your communication skill.

This article discusses the importance of communication skills in the workplace and ways to improve your own communication skills.

Tips to help improve your communication skills

Communication skills refer to a collective group of skills needed to conversate effectively with another person. They make it possible to understand and be understood when talking with someone. More than that, though, conversation skills allow you to connect with people and build strong relationships. Having good communication skills will contribute to you being confident and charismatic. Which are two very important qualities to have in a place of work.

There are several forms of communication including verbal, written, non-verbal, and visual. Being able to communicate in all forms is important to getting a job and advancing in your career.

With good communication skills at work, you increase your ability to achieve success, have your success noted and get yourself those promotions.

It is important that you understand the importance of good communication skills and work to improve it. Here are some tips to help improve your communication skills at work.

Listen actively to others

To learn to talk you must learn to listen. Before you have what to contribute you need to have listened to what has been said. Listening shows that we are interested in the other person and what they have to say. Listening is as vital as speaking since a conversation should consist of sharing information. Practice active listening by paying attention, asking clarifying questions and repeating the message back to the speaker.

To have a successful conversation with someone, you need to be able to listen and respond as well as speak. Active listening is a technique where you use verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to become a better listener. Being an active Listener improves your overall communication with others.

Hold eye contact

While most people only hold eye contact approximately two-thirds of the time or less, maintaining eye contact shows you are confident and interested in what is being said. Practice attempting to hold the eye contact of the person with whom you’re speaking. Confidence emphasizes your message. Stand up straight. Use a level tone. Make eye contact. Know what you want and believe you can get it. Give the impression that you are sure of what you are saying.

Pay attention to details

This is still part of being an active listener. Which is an essential quality in having strong communication skills. Take notice of details that the average person might not notice and bring attention to those details during the conversation. For example, you may notice that the person you’re speaking with has a slight accent or is wearing an interesting ring. These are small details you could bring into your conversation to show the other party that they have your undivided attention. Try complementing these details.

Have empathy

By mpathy I meant, put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Try to see things from their point of view. Statements such as “I understand where you’re coming from” can help build trust. It is important that you show respect to the other person even if you disagree. Be polite and professional. People may forget what you say, but they will not forget how you made them feel. 

Improve non-verbal communication

Communication is not only done with the mouth, there is also non-verbal communication. Mastering non-verbal communication will help in your place of work. It will ensure there isn't misinterpretation or doubt. 

Here are things to not do when it comes to non-verbal communication

• seem closed off to the conversation by crossing your arms.
• Avoid eye contact and look around the room
• Get distracted by the objects and people around you.

Here's how to practice non-verbal communication

• maintain a comfortable level of eye contact.
• demonstrate that your team member has your undivided attention by focusing on them.
• Exhibit a friendly, welcoming demeanour.
• Align your tone with the message you’re sending.

Improve in your non-verbal communication and implement it in your place of work, and watch how your communication skills will improve. 

Get comfortable speaking extemporaneously

Speaking extemporaneously means speaking orderly. It involves writing down the different topics of what you intend to discuss and communicating it accordingly. This method makes it easy for you to cover everything you need to talk about. 

Business communicators should consider adopting an extemporaneous speaking style. It takes practice, but it will allow for more natural communication, and can help with audience engagement.

Communicate clearly and regularly

It is important that you are clear when communicating. It might mean for you to be audible or that you’re staying on topic and giving your audience all the relevant information they need to understand. Whether it is through verbal communication or written. This is especially true with technical subjects or complex issues.

Regular communication with your audience is also important. For example, send reminder emails to colleagues about upcoming meetings to ensure they know when it is and to set time aside.

Use the right words

The exact words that come out of your mouth and the tone in which it does is very important. Good communication has a lot to do with finding the right words to convey precise feelings or thoughts. Work to constantly develop your vocabulary and practice communicating as accurately as possible. By expanding your vocabulary, you will express yourself more easily.

Conclusion

Good communication skills are a must-have. It is one of the most important skills to cultivate whether as a leader in your place of work or just as a worker. It'll save you from a lot of stress, make work a lot easier and fun and make you work more effectively. Follow these tips to improve your communication skills.