Communication Skills

Communication Skills How to Talk the Talk Communication is usually taken for granted—that is, until it breaks down. Why didn't my teacher get my point? How can I get my counselor to understand what I'm saying? Why does every discussion with my mom turn into an argument?

Good communication skills help you express your ideas clearly, learn from other people, and resolve any conflicts. Most of these skills you'll pick up with life experience. Here are a few tips for improving your communication skills: Be Clear Make sure you understand what you want to say before you start. Explain the context of your point so your listener clearly understands why you're talking to them. Are you asking for a favor? Are you trying to tell an important fact? Do you want to know something? Use simple words and language to express your point. Stay Positive Phrase your ideas and suggestions in a positive, rather than critical way.

Be confident. Don't assume that what you have to say isn't worthwhile. Keep in mind that a listener's silence doesn't necessarily mean consent or disapproval. It may just mean that the person needs to think about a response before answering. Listen Actively Make sure you understand what the other person is trying to say. Try paraphrasing someone's point—"So, what you're saying is..."—and see if you got it. Don't get so preoccupied planning what you'll say next that you don't pay attention. Keep an open mind. Be flexible about compromises and alternate solutions. Make sure you understand someone's point before you react. Speak with self-control—don't just say the first response that comes to mind. Learn from Experience Review situations in which you had to communicate with different people, such as a friend, parent, or a study group. Ask yourself: How did I handle the situation? Was I able to make my point understood? Did the discussion have a positive outcome?

If not, why? What could I have done differently? Think before you speak. Plan your presentations and other addresses to groups whenever possible, especially in business. Even if you don't know everything you want to say, you should have a general idea. In more private conversations, take the time to be clear about the points you want to make before talking. Always be honest in your communication. Step2Be an active listener. Listening is often more important than speaking. To improve your communication skills, pay attention to what others are saying without getting distracted. Step3Make good eye contact. Shifty eyes make you seem less than trustworthy in business and personal life. If you are looking everywhere but in the eyes of your audience, it will arouse suspicion. This doesn't mean you should initiate a staring contest. Just make sure to put your audience at ease by holding the gaze at times. Step4Take it slow. Don't slur your words together or mumble. Enunciate. If you speak too fast, then you'll lose your audience. Use words only if you are sure of their meaning. Make yourself easily understood. Step5Use appropriate volume and tone. Of course, you should speak louder when addressing a group than you would in private conversations. Reflect emotion in your voice. A monotone approach is never appropriate in any setting. Step6Practice; it's the best way to improve your communication skills. The more you do it, the easier it will get.