How to Improve Communication Skills
With experience and practice, you can learn and improve your communication skills. Start by identifying your strengths and then practice and develop those areas.
Observe good communicators around you
Identify professionals, family, and friends who consistently communicate ideas and information clearly with respect, empathy, and confidence. Observe and take notes on the specific ways they communicate with others.
- Do they use a certain tone of voice in some cases?
- When?
- How do they explain complex information, ideas, or instructions?
- What kinds of emotion do they use when communicating, if any?
- How do their communications affect others?
Ask a close friend or colleague for constructive criticism
It can be hard to know how you are perceived as a communicator. To get an objective opinion, ask a trusted friend for their honest feedback. Understanding your areas of improvement for communication can help you identify what to focus on.
Practice improving communication habits
Many communication skills are habits you have developed over time. You can improve those skills by practicing new habits that make you a better communicator. That might include being more responsive to communications when they are sent, reminding yourself to give eye contact, practicing giving positive feedback, and asking questions in conversations.
Attend communication skills workshops or classes
There are several online and offline seminars, workshops and classes that can help you be a better communicator. These classes may include instruction, roleplay, written assignments and open discussions.
Seek opportunities to communicate
Seek out opportunities both on and off the job that require you to use communication skills. This will help you keep good skills fresh while also allowing you the opportunity to practice new skills.
While there are several communication skills you will use in different scenarios, there are a few ways you can be an effective communicator at work:
Be clear and concise
Making your message as easy to consume as possible reduces the chance of misunderstandings, speeds up projects and helps others quickly understand your goals. Instead of speaking in long, detailed sentences, practice reducing your message down to its core meaning. While providing context is helpful, it is best to give the most necessary information when trying to communicate your idea, instruction or message.
Practice empathy
Understanding your colleague’s feelings, ideas and goals can help you when communicating with them. For example, you might need help from other departments to get a project started. If they are not willing to help or have concerns, practicing empathy can help you position your message in a way that addresses their apprehension.
Assert yourself
At times, it is necessary to be assertive to reach your goals whether you are asking for a raise, seeking project opportunities or resisting an idea you don’t think will be beneficial. While presenting with confidence is an important part of the workplace, you should always be respectful in conversation. Keeping an even tone and providing sound reasons for your assertions will help others be receptive to your thoughts.
Be calm and consistent
When there is a disagreement or conflict, it can be easy to bring emotion into your communications. It is important to remain calm when communicating with others in the workplace. Be aware of your body language by not crossing your arms or rolling your eyes. Maintaining consistent body language and keeping an even tone of voice can help you reach a conclusion peacefully and productively.
Use and read body language
Body language is a key part of communication in the workplace. Pay close attention to the messages people are sending with their facial expressions and movements. You should also pay close attention to the way you might be communicating (intentionally or not) with your own body language.
