Lesson 3 - Effective Communication Skills

For Effective Communication, let’ check the 6 COMMUNICATION SKILLS TO MASTER.


1. Listening Skills

Being a good listener is one of the best ways to be a good communicator. If you're not a good listener, it's going to be hard to comprehend what you're being asked to do.

Take the time to practice active listening. Active listening involves paying close attention to what the other person is saying, asking clarifying questions, and rephrasing what the person says to ensure understanding ("So, what you're saying is…"). Through active listening, you can better understand what the other person is trying to say, and can respond appropriately.

a.      Attentive Listening – involves holding eye contact, maintaining good posture, nodding, mirroring speaker’s body language to show interest, allowing speaker to complete the entire thoughts.

b.      Reflection Listening – Repeating and paraphrasing what the speaker has said to show that you truly understand what they are telling you.

2. Friendliness

Through a friendly tone, a personal question, or simply a smile, you will encourage your coworkers to engage in open and honest communication with you. It's important to be nice and polite in all your workplace communications. This is important in both face-to-face and written communication.


3. Open-Mindedness

A good communicator should enter any conversation with a flexible, open mind. Be open to listening to and understanding the other person's point of view, rather than simply getting your message across. By being willing to enter into a dialogue, even with people with whom you disagree, you will be able to have more honest, productive conversations.


1.      Feedback

Being able to appropriately give and receive feedback is an important communication skill. Managers and supervisors should continuously look for ways to provide employees with constructive feedback, be it through email, phone calls, or weekly status updates.

Similarly, you should be able to accept and even encourage, feedback from others. Listen to the feedback you are given, ask clarifying questions if you are unsure of the issue, and make efforts to implement the feedback.


2.      Confidence

It is important to be confident in your interactions with others. Confidence shows your coworkers that you believe in what you’re saying and will follow through. Exuding confidence can be as simple as making eye contact or using a firm but friendly tone. Avoid making statements sound like questions. Of course, be careful not to sound arrogant or aggressive. Be sure you are always listening to and empathizing with the other person.


6. Non-verbal communication

Your body language, eye contact, hand gestures, and tone of voice all color the message you are trying to convey. A relaxed, open stance (arms open, legs relaxed), and a friendly tone will make you appear approachable and will encourage others to speak openly with you.

Eye contact is also important; you want to look the person in the eye to demonstrate that you are focused on them and the conversation (however, be sure not to stare at the person, which can make him or her uncomfortable).

An important communication skill is to simply know what form of communication to use. For example, some serious conversations (poor performances, complaints etc..) are almost always best done in person.

You should also think about the person with whom you wish to speak, you might want to convey your message through email. Picking the right communication medium will make people appreciate your thoughtfulness and will be more likely to respond positively to you.


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