Practicing communication skills fosters workplace trust and
confidence. Find out more about your communication strengths.
What Exactly Is Communication?
Communication is defined as the exchange of information
through both verbal and nonverbal cues. Often, how you say things has a greater
impact on a listener than the words you use, and the subconscious movements you
make can add a different meaning or intent to your conversations. While tone
and body language can obstruct clear communication, they can also enhance it.
Strong communication skills can help you express yourself more effectively.
10 Communication Advantages
Here are ten important communication skills that help
employees succeed at work:
1. Active listening: Being a good listener is one of the
keys to becoming a great communicator. Paying close attention to a speaker,
avoiding outside distractions, and asking clarifying questions when necessary
are all examples of active listening skills. As a result, you gain a better
understanding of the speaker's point of view and make that person feel heard
and respected.
2. Clarity and volume: Clarity entails not only public
speaking without mumbling or stammering, but also speaking in a concise and
professional manner to avoid excessive or confusing chatter. When attempting to
convey an idea or persuade a listener, the tone of your voice, which includes
the volume and pitch at which you speak as well as the emphasis you place on
words, is also an effective communication skill.
3. Confidence: Projecting confidence communicates to others
that your words and ideas are worthy of attention and response. It's also an
effective form of communication in a job interview, where eye contact, good
posture, and a firm but friendly tone demonstrate to recruiters that you're
ready for the job.
4. Feedback: The ability to give and receive feedback is one
of the most effective communication styles. Receiving constructive criticism
demonstrates flexibility and adaptability, as well as a focus on teamwork and
professional development. Giving constructive feedback is a fundamental
leadership skill that demonstrates the importance of employee engagement
through praise and effective guidance.
5. Friendship: A positive attitude toward others goes a long
way toward team building and trust. Friendship also encourages others to
communicate with you in an honest and open manner.
6. Honesty: An important communication skill to cultivate in
both your personal and professional life, honesty demonstrates that you take
company values seriously. It also establishes your credibility and accountability.
7. Nonverbal communication skills: Your body language is a
form of communication as well. Your friendliness, confidence, and
trustworthiness are communicated through facial expressions, hand gestures, eye
contact, and other nonverbal signals. Learning to read nonverbal cues when
face-to-face with others is also an important skill set for the workplace. It
enables you to perceive what others are trying to convey without using words.
8. Presentation: Miscommunication occurs frequently when
ideas are not expressed clearly or appropriately. An overly technical
explanation of software or a meeting with stakeholders that does not include
sales or profitability figures are examples of this. Employers value
communication skills such as selecting the appropriate communication style to
express an idea.
9. Respect: Respect, like honesty, is important for both
your social skills and your workplace communications. It fosters trust through
active listening and politeness, which can be as simple as allowing others to speak
freely in team meetings.
10. Writing abilities: Effective communication is not
limited to verbal and nonverbal means. One of the most important business
communication skills is the ability to share information in a concise and
professional manner, whether through emails, reports, or other documentation.
How to Improve Communication Skills at Work
There are several ways to improve your communication skills.
You can:
Select the appropriate modes of communication. Choosing the
right communication channels is often the first step toward effective communication.
Take into account the person and the information you need to share. Cover
letters can be used to effectively introduce yourself to prospective employers,
whereas phone calls or emails work better with remote workers than face-to-face
visits.
Simple friendly gestures should be made. Sometimes the most
effective workplace communication is a friendly word or gesture toward others.
You don't have to go overboard: a genuine greeting or genuine praise are both
excellent examples of simple efforts that express friendliness.
Active listening should be practiced. Listening is the
foundation of many effective communication skills. Improve your listening
skills by paying attention not only to a speaker's words but also to their body
language and facial expressions, which often convey additional information that
their language does not.
