How To Improve Your Communication Skills?

Communication skills come in different shapes and sizes.

How To Improve Your Communication Skills?

Every aspect of your job depends on communication, and how well you can communicate directly correlates with how well you can do your job. Here are specific things to do that can improve your communication skills.

Over the last few years, soft skills (= life skills) have been at the forefront of hiring professionals’ minds. With millions of people working from home and many others transitioning into a new career journey, soft skills are highly sought after.

With so many different avenues to convey your thoughts (email, phone, video, chat tools, etc.), strong communication skills (one of the many soft skills) will always be crucial. Employers are always looking for prospective employees with solid communication skills.

Communication skills come in different shapes and sizes – meeting with clients, working with colleagues, and speaking to various stakeholders.

This has become even more relevant with the increase in remote work - bad communication skills have been highlighted by the increased use of messaging rather than face-to-face workplace communication.

Every aspect of your job depends on communication, and how well you can communicate directly correlates with how well you can do your job. Here are specific things to do that can improve your communication skills:

➡ First, be a good listener by practicing active listening. Take notes if possible.

➡ Record yourself communicating. Review the recording and look for places to improve. 

➡ Watch your tone and be mindful of your nonverbal communication.

➡ Be respectful. Maintain a positive attitude and smile.

➡ Build your emotional intelligence and empathy.

➡ Always proofread and eliminate anything that strays from your message as you prepare your thoughts.

➡ Take time to create a thoughtful response.

➡ Before you speak, know what you are going to say and how you are going to say.

➡ Practice public speaking and tailor your message to your audience.

➡ For small talk, focus on topics included in the FORD method: family, occupation, recreation, and dreams.

➡ Ask questions and summarize the other person's main points.

➡ and last but not least, make communication a priority for your development.

Inputs from: Harvard Division of Continuing Education & Professional Development - Harvard Division of Continuing Education

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