Good Communication Skills - Key to Any Success
Good communication skills are key to success in life, work and relationships. Without effective communication, a message can turn into error, misunderstanding, frustration, or even disaster by being misinterpreted or poorly delivered.Communication is the process by which we exchange information between individuals or groups of people. It is a process where we try as clearly and accurately as we can, to convey our thoughts, intentions and objectives.
Communication is successful only when both the sender and the receiver understand the same information.
In today's highly informational and technological environment it has become increasingly important to have good communication skills.
While many individuals still continue to struggle, the inability to communicate effectively will hold them back not only in their careers, but in social and personal relationships.
The steps for acquiring good communication skills:
1.
Know what you want to say and why. Understand
clearly the purpose and intent of your message. Know to whom you are
communicating and why. Consider any barriers you may encounter such as cultural
differences or situational circumstances (gender, age, or economic biases). Ask
yourself what outcome you want to achieve and the impression you want to leave.
2.
How will
you say it? We're
all aware by now, that it's not always what you say, but how you say it that
counts. Begin by making eye contact. You inspire trust and confidence when you
look a person in the eyes when you speak. Second, be aware of your body
language since it can say as much, or more, than your words. By standing with
arms easily at your side you tell others that you are approachable and open to
hearing what they have to say. If instead, your arms are crossed and shoulders
hunched, it suggests disinterest or unwillingness to communicate. Good posture
and an approachable stance help make even difficult communication flow more
smoothly. Make sure you speak in a cooperative, non-adversarial tone. Be
nonjudgmental.
3.
Listen. Communication
is a two way street. After you've said what you have to say, stop, listen, and
look for feedback and clues of comprehension. While the person is responding
avoid any impulses to cut them off or listen only for the end of the sentence
so that you can blurt out more ideas or thoughts that come to your mind.
Respectfully give them your full attention. When they are finished, to ensure
that your message has been clearly and correctly understood, ask open questions
and encourage discussion. Fine-tune your message if necessary.
4.
Reach
understanding, agreement or consensus. Once you have had the opportunity
to discuss your message and the feedback to it, re-visit the purpose of the
interchange. Have you reached common ground, solved a problem, or clarified
your position? If the purpose was to teach or instruct, have you accomplished
your goal? To communicate well is to understand and beunderstood. Make sure
that your message has been received as intended and that any questions or
concerns have been alleviated. You can even agree to disagree. There are no
guarantees that your communication efforts will be meet with total compliance
and agreement. As long as you understand each other, are cordial and
respectful, you can still have a successful exchange.
More Tips for Developing Good Communication Skills
- To obtain a better command of the English language (or any other language), expand your vocabulary by reading and writing more. Look up words you're not familiar with. The better you are able to express yourself, the better your ability to communicate.
- Practice your listening skills. Be considerate of other speakers by waiting until they are done before stating your views. Process what has being said before responding.
- Learn to understand and appreciate opposing points of view by being open-minded and making an effort to see things from another's perspective. It will in turn, gain you more cooperation and understanding.
- Avoid trying to communicate when in an emotional state. You lose objectivity and may say something inappropriate or regrettable. Take time to think your position through before speaking.
- Join an organization such as Toastmasters that encourages you to develop a variety of communication skills as well as allowing you the opportunity to meet new and interesting people.
When you take the time to acquire and hone good communication skills you open yourself up to better relationships, more career opportunities, and increased self-confidence. Moreover, you reach higher levels of mutual understanding and cooperation while successfully attaining your goals.
Credit : essential life skill
