How to improve communication skills

Communication is key, said a lot of important people after having gone far in their lives. However, as much as we’d like to brush this aside and focus on something else, this is actually true. Communication plays a key role in how we develop social contacts, and how we use those social contacts to get ahead in life. It also represents the way with which we deliver our message across in various situations. 

And in the workplace, communication is one of the primary tools needed to get the job done. Perhaps the one personal skill that has the greatest impact on your job satisfaction, promotion potential, and career success is your ability to communicate effectively with others is communication. Improving your communication skills is essential because it’ll invariably increase your chances of getting further in life. So, developing it requires some things that need to be met with, and let’s take a look at a few. 

Learn to deliver your message appropriately

Sometimes, telling someone simple things becomes chaos in our own heads. We spend too much time thinking how and why it should be said, and do badly when it comes to the actual ‘saying’ bit. This only complicates things. Don’t focus on what needs to be said, instead focus on what you want the other person to know. 

Sometimes, what’s not said is louder

So often, people around us don’t actually say what’s on their minds. This isn’t exactly a fault in people, but it’s a mere hesitance that doesn’t allow one to open up as much. As a member of the workplace, whether you’re a manager or not, understanding social cues and learning what a person is not saying is considered one of the key requirements in developing your communication skills. This is listening 101, and if you nail this, then your communication is top-notch!

Public speaking might be needed

We don’t like public speaking; at least, not all of us. We get the jitters and it’s awkward to meet eyes with so many people while delivering a message across. However, this is definitely something you should learn to be comfortable with because, in the workplace, you’re not a lone wolf. You’re working with others who will require updates and constant communication from your end, and sometimes, public speaking to a group is essential. 

Give feedback properly

Sometimes, as colleagues or managers, we fail to see the benefit of giving feedback. While we overdo positive feedback and underdo the negative, it’s not good to shorten or expand either of the two. Proper feedback is given so that the other person develops their skills and learn from any mistakes that they may be making. If you nudge the feedback in either direction to please the person, it won’t do any good. 

Disagree but don’t hate

Whenever there’s a disagreement, there’s awkwardness in the air. Let’s admit it, disagreements make or break relationships at the workplace. When a person disagrees with them, it becomes somewhat second nature to cut them out of daily operations and stick to people who in fact only agree with us. When your company culture allows people to challenge ideas, suggestions, and plans, you create an organization of thinking, committed people. If your company culture does not allow dissent you produce an environment of fear. Not allowing appropriate dissent will kill your company.

Written communication is also a must

The goal of professional writing is to send a message to someone else or to request information from them. You must be comprehensive, succinct, and specific. You should write in such a way that the reader will be able to easily understand what you are telling or asking them.

Word your emails better

Sloppy emails waste everyone's time. Write better emails and your manager will love it, your employees will understand you better, and you will spend less time repeating things in another email or over the phone.

Networking is key

Whether you admit it or not, your progress at work also depends on your talent to successfully network. Some people consider networking "office politics" and avoid it, but there is much more to it. Successful networking means being able to interact productively with your peers.