Tips to improve your communication skills
And to help you improve this skill, we’ve listed ten tips that will make you an expert in communication. Check out!
1. Make eye contact
Looking someone in the eye is the safest and most effective way to convey trust.
Without words, we will be able to tell our interlocutor that we are interested in what he tells us and that we are listening carefully.
2. Gestures
According to experts, 90% of the communication we transmit is not verbal, but gestural. Our body’s movements speak much more than we think, even if unconsciously.
Sometimes a gesture can persuade, convince and build trust much more than an elaborate speech. Start watching and practicing.
3. Straight to the point
Mastering communication skills doesn’t mean talking a lot, giving endless presentations, or sending long messages in the mail. Try to have clear ideas and don’t get confused when conveying precise messages.
4. Listen before you speak
A good communicator is always a good listener. Those who know how to listen do not lose information, ask appropriate questions and understand their interlocutor.
You can empathize with phrases like “Tell me more about this topic” or “I’m interested in what you say. Tell me more details to understand why you think so.”
5. Ask more questions
You don’t need to have all the answers. Being able to openly express your doubts and admit that you don’t understand an idea allows you to achieve a better understanding.
Remember that misunderstanding is the enemy of communication! Summarize what was said in your own words to ensure that you are in tune with your interlocutor.
6. Read
Reading improves our communication skills both oral and written. This habit also helps to have a better spelling and expand our vocabulary.
Read daily news and relevant information in your industry and you’ll also have topics to talk about with new people you meet. 😉
7. Choose the right medium
Is your means of communication always email? Perhaps it would be better to approach some people in person.
Use your insight to talk to people the right way; sometimes a call can be more personal and effective than an email; in others, you’ll get better results if you send a short, clear email.
8. Don’t interrupt
Avoid supplementing other people’s speech with your own ideas or diverting the subject of a conversation.
Let other people communicate their opinions without interrupting and then voice your questions or comments.
9. Practice in front of the mirror
In a face-to-face conversation or in front of a group of people, it is not always easy to become aware of our body language.
That’s why Vickie Austin, founder of the professional consulting firm CHOICES Worldwide, recommends using a communication technique called ‘mirrioring’.
It is nothing more than observing the body language of our interlocutor and subtly imitating it. For example, if the other person nods, do the same seconds later.
With this practice, it is possible to make the other person feel more comfortable and open, and we can gain greater empathy from them.
10. Create links
Effective communication is not just about work or business. It’s amazing what you can get from someone if you start the conversation by asking them something personal.
The next time you’re talking to a member of your team or visiting the client you couldn’t convince, talk about personal things before getting into work.
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What did you think of our tips? By putting them in your routine, you will be able to establish a better connection with the people around you and increase the potency of your communication skills. Oh! enjoy and share with your friends on social media.
