What is communication?

The definition of communication is “the process of transmitting information, ideas, or feelings between people.” In order to have successful communication, both parties need to be clear on the message they are trying to send and receive. Communication involves sending and receiving verbal and nonverbal messages.

There are a few different types of communication:

1. Verbal communication skills – This is the type of communication that uses words.

2. Nonverbal communication skills – This is the type of communication that uses body language and facial expressions to send a message.

3. Written communication skills – This is the type of communication that uses text or writing to send a message.

4. Electronic communication – This is the type of communication that uses technology to send a message, such as email, text messages, or social media.

The most effective communication occurs when both parties are able to send and receive clear messages. It is important to be aware of the different types of communication so that you can better understand the messages that are being sent to you. If you are having trouble communicating with someone, try to figure out what type of communication they are using and adapt your message to match their style.

Excellent communication skills are essential in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional interactions. By improving your communication skills, you can strengthen your relationships and achieve greater success professionally.

Verbal Communication Skills:

1. Pay attention to nonverbal signals:

– When you are speaking with someone, pay attention to their body language and facial expressions. If they seem uncomfortable or unhappy, they may not be getting your message correctly.

2. Use clear and concise language:

– Be sure to use simple, easy-to-understand language when speaking with someone. Don’t use big words or complex terminology unless you are sure that the other person understands them.

3. Be aware of your tone of voice:

– Your tone of voice can be just as important as your words when communicating with someone. Be sure to speak in a calm, positive tone to convey your message effectively.

4. Use verbal cues:

– Verbal cues can be helpful in conveying your message to the other person. For example, you can use facial expressions, hand gestures, and pauses to help them understand what you are saying.

5. Be patient and listen carefully:

– When the other person is speaking, make sure to give them your full attention and don’t interrupt them. Be patient and wait for them to finish before you respond. Then, listen carefully to their response to make sure you are understanding them correctly.

Non verbal Communication Skills:

1. Pay attention to nonverbal signals (aka nonverbal cues)

– Just like with verbal communication, it is important to pay attention to the other person’s body language and facial expressions when you are communicating nonverbally. If they seem uncomfortable or unhappy, they may not be getting your message correctly.

2. Use body language to convey your message:

– Your body language can be a powerful tool for communicating with someone. Make sure your posture is open and positive, and use facial expressions and hand gestures to help get your message across.

3. Be aware of your tone of voice:

– Just like with verbal communication, your tone of voice can be important when communicating nonverbally. Make sure to speak in a calm, positive tone to convey your message effectively.

4. Use physical contact to express emotions:

– Physical contact can be a powerful way to express emotions to the other person. For example, you can touch their arm or hand to show that you are interested in what they are saying.

5. Be aware of your breathing:

– It is important to be aware of your breathing when communicating nonverbally. Make sure to take deep breaths and relax your body to send a positive message to the other person.

Written Communication Skills:

1. Use clear and concise language:

– Just like with verbal communication, it is important to use clear and concise language when writing a message. Be sure to use simple, easy-to-understand language in your emails, text messages, and social media posts.

2. Use proper spelling and grammar:

– It is important to use proper spelling and grammar when writing a message. This will help the other person understand your message correctly and will make you look professional.

3. Format your messages properly:

– When formatting your messages, be sure to use proper spacing, fonts, and colors. This will make your message easier to read and will help it stand out from the rest of the clutter in their inbox or social media feed.

4. Use emoticons sparingly:

– Although emoticons can be helpful for conveying emotions, it is important to use them sparingly. Overuse of emoticons can make your message look unprofessional and can be confusing to the other person.

5. Proofread your messages before sending:

– It is always a good idea to proofread your messages before sending them. This will help you catch any mistakes in your spelling or grammar, and it will help ensure that your message is clear and easy to understand.

12 Ways To Improve Communication Skills Instantly

Effective and strong communication skills are among the most important life skills that a person can have.

Whether you want to have better conversations in your personal and social life, or get your ideas across better at work, there are some key things you can do to help improve your communication skills. Make sure to communicate regularly, as practice make perfect.

After having watched this video, and the 12 points we outline, if you apply them, you should become a better communicator instantly!

Number 1 – Show Respect & Appreciation

Appreciation and respect can go a long way…

People will be more open to communicating with you if you convey respect for them and their ideas.

Even simple actions like using a person’s name will make them feel appreciated.

It’s also important to be respectful and considerate of other peoples’ time.

Number 2 – Listen Actively

People want to know that they are being heard. Instead of just focusing on formulating a response, really listen to what the other

person is saying. The person speaking to you should be the most important thing, at that moment.

Also, when you’re talking to someone on the phone, do not respond to an email, or send a text at the same time. The person will know that they don’t have your undivided attention.

Number 3 – Ask Questions And Paraphrase

Asking questions will not only help you understand what the other person is saying, but it also indicates that you’re actually interested in what they’re saying.

This opens up the conversation, and signals that you want to see them, hear them and understand them.

And if you want to show that you really understand, then paraphrasing is a great tool.

All you need to do is repeat back to someone what they just said, before you comment yourself.

Number 4 – Make Eye Contact

It’s important that you connect with the person you are talking to, and eye contact is essential when having a meaningful conversation.

Looking at the floor or out the window signifies you don’t care, are bored, or aren’t really listening to them.

By looking the other person in the eye, you are proving that you’re interested in what they’re saying.

This also keeps you focused and less distracted.

Number 5 – Pay Attention To Body Language

Your non-verbal and non-written cues often reveal more than you think.

Remember that you’re constantly communicating, even when you’re not saying a word.

So make sure that you have open body language when interacting with others.

Face your conversational partner, pay close attention to your gestures, and don’t cross your arms.

Number 6 – Get Rid of Conversation Fillers

‘Um’ and ‘ah’ does little to improve your speech or conversations.

Cut them out to be more persuasive, and to feel and appear more confident.

One way is to start keeping track of when you say words like “um” or “like.”

You could also try simply relaxing and pausing before you speak.

Trust me, those silences seem more awkward to you than they do to others.

Number 7 – Be Brief, But Specific

For written and verbal communication, practice being brief, yet specific enough, that you provide enough information for the other person to understand what you are trying to say.

And if you’re responding to an email, make sure that you read the entire email before crafting your response.

With enough practice, you will learn not to ramble, or give away too much information.

Having said that, you should take the time to edit your messages!

If you send a sloppy, confusing email, the recipient will think you don’t care enough to think through your communication with them.

Number 8 – Put Away Devices

Somehow, most people just don’t get this one…

But it’s quite rude to have your head buried in your phone while someone’s talking to you.

So, put down your devices and look at the person who is speaking to you.

Don’t answer calls, check texts or notice vibrations.

Let it all pass.

Stay focused on what the other person is telling you.

Your body language, words and emotional tone will let them know that you’re really taking in what they’re sharing.

Number 9 – Validate Others’ Thoughts and Feelings

When someone feels a certain way, they feel that way for a reason; and even if you wouldn’t react the same way, it’s important to acknowledge the emotions they’re experiencing.

You don’t have to agree with the other person to validate them.

You can make them feel important by simply letting them know that you hear what they’re saying, and accept their perspective.

Number 10 – Never Talk Over People

By talking over someone, what you’re basically saying is “I don’t care what you’re saying – what I have to say is more important.”

And this demonstrates a real lack of respect!

On the same note, refrain from finishing people’s sentences for them.

By doing this, you are dis-empowering the other person, because you’re taking control of the conversation.

So bite your tongue!

Number 11 – Watch Your Tone

While it’s sometimes necessary to be assertive in order to make your point, don’t be aggressive.

There’s a fine line between the two.

Try not to cross it.

A combative tone is not in any way productive.

Be confident and direct, while maintaining a calm, cooperative tone.

Number 12 – Smile And Have A Positive Attitude

When you smile often and exude a positive attitude, people will respond positively to you.

Even when you’re talking on the phone, smile, because your positive attitude will shine through, and the other person will know it.

You see, the more you pay attention to how you express yourself to others, the better you’ll get at communicating effectively.

So give it a try!

Apply these tips in your day-to-day interactions, and you will improve your communication skills instantly.

What are your greatest challenges when it comes to communication?

And how does social behavior differ between your online and offline interactions?

Presentation Skills:

In order to give a good presentation, you need to be confident and comfortable with your material. You should also be aware of the different ways to present information.

There are three main ways to deliver a presentation: orally, visually, and aurally. Oral presentations are delivered verbally, while visual presentations use images, graphs, and other visuals to get their point across. Aural presentations use sound and music to engage the audience.

No matter which type of presentation you use, there are some basic tips that will help you deliver a successful presentation. First, make sure you know your material inside and out. You don’t want to be looking down at your notes the whole time or stumbling over your words. Second, practice, practice, practice. Practice in front of a friend or family member so you can get feedback and work on any kinks in your presentation. Finally, be aware of your audience. Make sure you are engaging them and keeping their attention.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to give a presentation that is both informative and engaging.

Active Listening Skills:

Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to not only hear the words that are being said, but also to focus on the speaker’s body language and emotions. By doing this, the listener can better understand what the speaker is trying to communicate.

Active listening can be especially useful in situations where there is conflict or disagreement. When both parties are engaged in active listening, it can help to resolve the conflict and find a resolution that everyone is happy with.

Active listening skills can also be helpful in one-on-one conversations. It allows the listener to better understand the other person’s point of view, which can lead to a more productive conversation.

Characteristics of Effective Communicators:

There are several characteristics that effective communicators tend to share. These include:

1. Confidence:

– Effective communicators are typically confident in themselves and their abilities. This allows them to be assertive when necessary and to not shy away from difficult conversations.

2. Empathy:

– Effective communicators are able to put themselves in the other person’s shoes and understand their point of view. This allows them to build better relationships with the people they are communicating with.

3. Communication Skills:

– Effective communicators are typically good speakers and listeners. They know how to engage their audience and how to listen actively to what the other person is saying.

4. Persistence:

– Effective communicators don’t give up easily. They are willing to keep communicating until they reach a resolution or until the other person understands their point of view.

5. Flexibility:

– Effective communicators are flexible and adaptable. They are able to change their approach when necessary and they are able to work with the other person’s preferences.

6. Time Management:

– Effective communicators are good at managing their time. They know how to get their point across in a short amount of time and they are able to balance the demands of their job with the demands of their personal life.

7. Emotional Intelligence:

– Effective communicators are typically good at managing their emotions. They are able to stay calm in difficult situations and they are able to communicate effectively even when they are emotional.

8. Problem-Solving Skills:

– Effective communicators are good at solving problems. They know how to identify the problem and how to find a solution that works for everyone involved.

Leadership Skills and Communications Skills:

Leadership skills and communications skills are two areas that often go hand-in-hand. Effective leaders typically possess good communication skills, as they need to be able to effectively communicate with their team in order to lead them.

There are several different leadership styles, and the style that a leader uses will often dictate how they communicate with their team. For example, an authoritarian leader may give orders and expect them to be followed without question. On the other hand, a more democratic leader may encourage their team to openly share their ideas and suggestions.

The most effective leaders are typically those who are able to adapt their leadership style to the situation at hand. They are able to use different styles of communication depending on the team they are working with and the task that needs to be accomplished.

Business Communication Skills

Whether you’re communicating with clients, customers, or colleagues, effective communication is essential to maintaining successful relationships. Good business communication skills can help you resolve conflicts and build stronger relationships.

The Importance of Honest Feedback

One of the most important aspects of business communication is honest feedback. Whether you’re giving positive feedback to reward good work or negative feedback to address a problem, it’s important to be clear, concise, and respectful. Feedback should always be delivered in a way that is constructive and helpful.

Here are some tips for giving honest feedback:

1. Make sure you’re giving feedback for the right reasons. Feedback should be given to help the other person improve, not to make them feel bad.

2. Be clear and concise in your feedback. Avoid giving vague or confusing feedback that will only serve to confuse the other person.

3. Respect the other person’s feelings. It’s important to be respectful when giving feedback, even if it’s negative. Remember that the other person is likely already feeling insecure or defensive, so try to avoid making them feel worse.

4. Avoid using “you” statements. For example, instead of saying “You’re not doing your job right,” try “I’m concerned that the project isn’t progressing as quickly as it should.”

5. Focus on the behavior, not the person. For example, instead of saying “You’re lazy,” try “I noticed that you didn’t take the initiative to work on the project this week.”

6. Be specific in your feedback. Avoid general comments like “You need to do better.” Try to be specific about what the other person can do to improve.

7. Avoid using “I” statements. For example, instead of saying “I think you’re lazy,” try “The project isn’t progressing as quickly as it should.”

Phone Calls and Communication Skills:

Phone calls are a common form of communication, and they can be a great way to build relationships with clients, customers, and business partners.

However, phone calls can also be a source of frustration if they are not handled properly. There are a few things that you can do to improve your phone call communication skills:

1. Be Prepared:

– Before you make a phone call, take a few minutes to prepare for the call. Know who you are going to be talking to and what the purpose of the call is. This will help you to stay focused and on track during the call.

2. Be Professional:

– It is important to remember that you are representing your company or organization when you are on the phone. Make sure that you are professional and courteous at all times.

3. Be Clear:

– When you are speaking on the phone, it is important to be clear and concise. Avoid using slang or jargon that the person you are talking to may not understand. Instead, use simple language that can be easily understood.

4. Be Patient:

– When you are on the phone, it is important to be patient and to allow the other person to speak. Avoid interrupting the other person and give them time to explain their thoughts or ideas.

5. Be Positive:

– It is important to remember that the person on the other end of the line is a human being. Be positive and friendly, and try to build a rapport with the other person.

Email Communication Skills:

Email is a common form of communication, and it can be a great way to stay in touch with clients, customers, and business partners.

However, email can also be a source of frustration if it is not used properly. There are a few things that you can do to improve your email communication skills:

1. Be Professional:

– Just like with phone calls, it is important to remember that you are representing your company or organization when you are sending an email. Make sure that you are professional and courteous at all times.

2. Be Clear:

– When you are writing an email, it is important to be clear and concise. Avoid using slang or jargon that the person you are emailing may not understand. Instead, use simple language that can be easily understood.

3. Be Patient:

– Just like with phone calls, it is important to be patient when you are sending an email. Avoid interrupting the other person and give them time to explain their thoughts or ideas.

4. Be Positive:

– Just like with phone calls, it is important to remember that the person on the other end of the email is a human being. Be positive and friendly, and try to build a rapport with the other person.

Strong communication skills are essential for success in any field. By possessing the characteristics of an effective communicator, you too can be successful in whatever you do. Improving communication skills can make all the difference in your career, your personal life, and your relationships. On the other hand, poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and even failure.