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10 Communication Skills


The ability to communicate effectively with loved ones, superiors, colleagues is essential for a happy life. Here are the top 10 communication skills that will help you in all your relationships.

1. Listening

Being a good listener is one of the best ways to be a good communicator. No one likes communicating with someone who only cares about putting in her two cents, and does not take the time to listen to the other person. If you're not a good listener, it's going to be hard to comprehend what you're being asked to do.

Take the time to practice active listening. Active listening involves paying close attention to what the other person is saying, asking clarifying questions, and rephrasing what the person says to ensure understanding ("So, what you're saying is…"). Through active listening, you can better understand what the other person is trying to say, and can respond appropriately (See blog “Active Listening Skills).

2. Nonverbal Communication

Your body language, eye contact, hand gestures, and tone all colour the message you are trying to convey. A relaxed, open stance (arms open, legs relaxed), and a friendly tone will make you appear approachable, and will encourage others to speak openly with you.

Eye contact is also important; you want to look the person in the eye to demonstrate that you are focused on the person and the conversation (however, be sure not to stare at the person, which can make him or her uncomfortable).

Also pay attention to other people's nonverbal signals while you are talking. Often, nonverbal signals convey how a person is really feeling. For example, if the person is not looking you in the eye, he or she might be uncomfortable or hiding the truth.

3. Clarity and Concision

Good communication means saying just enough - don't say too little or talk too much. Try to convey your message in as few words as possible. Say what you want clearly and directly, whether you're speaking to someone in person, on the phone, or via email. If you ramble on, your listener will either tune you out or will be unsure of exactly what you want. Think about what you want to say before you say it; this will help you to avoid talking excessively and/or confusing your audience.

4. Friendliness

Through a friendly tone, a personal question, or simply a smile, you will encourage others to engage in open and honest communication with you. It's important to be nice and polite in both face-to-face and written communication. When you can, personalize your emails particularly in the workplace - a quick "I hope you all had a good weekend" at the start of an email can personalize a message and make the recipient feel more appreciated.

5. Confidence

It is important to be confident in all of your interactions with others. Confidence ensures people that you believe in and will follow through with what you are saying. Exuding confidence can be as simple as making eye contact or using a firm but friendly tone (avoid making statements sound like questions). Of course, be careful not to sound arrogant or aggressive. Be sure you are always listening to and empathizing with the other person.

6. Empathy

Even when you disagree with someone, it is important for you to understand and respect their point of view. Make the effort to stop and consider the situation from the other’s person point of view particularly those who express a different viewpoints to yours or who you are in conflict with. Be Where are they coming from? What is their cultural background, beliefs and conditioning? What pressures, difficulties and restrictions are they living with? Using phrases as simple as "I understand where you are coming from" demonstrate that you have been listening to the other person and respect their opinions.

7. Open-Mindedness

A good communicator should enter any conversation with a flexible, open mind. Be curious and open to listening to the other person's point of view, rather than simply getting your message across. By being willing to enter into a dialogue, even with people with whom you disagree, you will be able to have more honest, productive conversations.

8. Respect

People will be more open to communicating with you if you convey respect for them and their ideas. Simple actions like using a person's name, making eye contact, and actively listening when a person speaks will make the person feel appreciated. On the phone, avoid distractions and stay focused on the conversation.

Convey respect through email by taking the time to edit your message. If you send a sloppily written, confusing email, the recipient will think you do not respect her enough to think through your communication with her.

9. Feedback

Being able to appropriately give and receive feedback is an important communication skill. Parents, teachers and work bosses should continuously look for ways to provide constructive feedback. Giving feedback involves being descriptive rather than being judgemental. Detaining exactly, firstly what the other person has done well, and secondly what areas the other needs to work on is far more effective than a broad and judgemental comment like “you need to do better” or “you did a good job”.

Similarly, you should be able to accept, and even encourage, feedback from others. Listen to the feedback you are given, ask clarifying questions if you are unsure of the issue, and make efforts to implement the feedback.

10. Picking the Right Medium

An important communication skill is to simply know what form of communication to use – in person, through the phone, on e-mail or in a letter? For example, difficult problems most of time need to be addressed with serious conversations done in person.

You should also think about the person with whom you wish to speak - if they are very busy people (such as your boss, perhaps), you might want to convey your message through email. People will appreciate your thoughtful means of communication, and will be more likely to respond positively to you.

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