Communication is a process in which one entity transfers information to another one. Communication is usually defined as “the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, ideas or information by the means of speech, writings or signs.” Communication is extremely important in todays world. It has become a necessity for a continued and healthy personal, social and business life. Some people are born good communicators. But for most of the ordinary people like us, communication skills have to be nurtured over time. Here are certain steps you can follow to improve your communication skills.
Firstly and most importantly, think before you speak. Be prepared before you address groups or individuals, especially in business. Plan your presentations before hand. Always have a general idea on what you would like to speak. Take time to clear out the point to your audience and always be honest. Wen communicating your attitude plays an important role, so don’t be rude and insensitive, always be sincere, respectful and accepting of other people.
Be a good listener. To improve your communication skill, always pay attention to what others are saying. Develop patience and good listening skills. Not only should you be able to speak efficiently but also be able to engage in interesting conversations on what the other person is speaking about. Do not listen to only the end of sentence to get an idea of what the speaker is saying, but also pay attention to whole sentences, this will help develop your communication skills.
Always make eye contact. Changing focus and looking here and there makes you seem less trustworthy in the eyes of your listeners. If you keep looking everywhere except where your audience is, it will make you look suspicious and hapless. This of course does not mean you should start a staring contest. Make sure you put your audience at ease by holding their eye gaze every once in a while. It doesn’t matter if you are speaking or listening, looking into the eyes of the person with whom you are conversing can make the whole conversation more enjoyable and fruitful. Eye contact generates interest and makes you look interested, encouraging successful social interactions.
Be slow and clear. Do not blurt out words together or mumble. Speak clearly and with a confident voice. Speaking too fast will make your audience lose interest. Do not use words whose meanings you are not sure of. Speak loudly enough to be heard but not enough to make your audience reach for cover. An appropriate tone of voice and volume will give the audience a good opinion about you and make you look like you know exactly what you want say and that what you say is worth hearing. A monotonous approach to speaking is not a good idea, be lively and active.
Practice is the best way to improve your communication skills. The more you practice the easier it gets. New skills will take time to develop and practice is essential. Be aware of your body language. Body language is as important as speaking out the words. A relaxed look with arms by your side will encourage people to converse with you, inversely crossed arms and hunched shoulders give an impression of disinterest or unwillingness to communicate. The right body language can make the most difficult of conversations a cake walk.
Have the guts to be yourself. Speak out what you say. Be confident and know that your imputes to the conversation counts. People who are hesitant to speak because they do not feel their input is worthwhile often end up not speaking or adding to a conversation which they otherwise would have shined at. This world is a big place and there are bound to be people who think like you, seek out and don’t be shy, your opinions count too, its just a matter of perspective.
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interesting article.. definitely helped in some way….