1. Know what communication really is. Communication is the process of transferring signals/messages between a sender and a receiver through various methods (written words, nonverbal cues, spoken words). It is also the mechanism we use to establish and modify relationships. Good communication skills are always essential in order to be a successful lawyer. As a lawyer one must know the art and technique of communicating with his client, opposite party or even Judges.
2. Manifest constructive attitudes and beliefs. The attitudes you bring to communication will have a huge impact on the way you handle yourself and those with whom you interact. It is essential to be honest, patient, optimistic, respectful, genuine, accepting, and believe in other people's competence and that is how one can be a good communicator and be successful in his profession.
3. Make eye contact. Whether you are speaking or being spoken to, looking into the eyes of the person you are in conversation with can make the experience successful. Eye contact conveys interest, and encourages the other party to be interested in you in return. In less intimate settings, when giving a speech or when in front of several people or even in the court room holding the eyes of different members of your audience can personalize what you are saying and maintain attention.
4. Be aware of what your body is saying. Body language can say so much more than a mouthful of words. An open stance with arms easily to your side tells anyone you are talking to that you are approachable and open to hearing what they have to say. Arms crossed and shoulders hunched, on the other hand, suggest disinterest in conversation or unwillingness to communicate. 'Often, communication can be stopped before it starts by body language that tells people you don't want to talk:' Appropriate posture and an approachable stance can make even difficult conversations flow more smoothly and even make a poor submission good in the court room.
5. Have courage to say what you think! Communication skills begin with simple communication. Take time each day to be aware of your opinions and feelings in a constructive way. Individuals who are hesitant to speak because they do not feel they have worthwhile opinions need not fear: what is important or worthwhile to one person may not be to another and may be more so to someone else. In a world so very big, someone is bound to agree with you, or to open your eyes to an even deeper perspective. The courage to say what you think can afford you the opportunity to learn more than you did before.
6. Speak loudly and clearly enough to be heard. When you are speaking in front of people or even in the court room, have the confidence to say it so as to be heard. An appropriate volume can inform listeners that you mean what you say, you have thought about what you are saying, and what you are saying is worth hearing. An appropriate tone and volume ensure your listeners hear exactly what you are saying, and decreases room for misunderstanding. So, be loud and clear.
7. Practice. Communication skills can be practiced every day in settings that range from the more social to the more professional. New skills take time to refine, but each time you use your communication skills you open yourself to opportunities and future partnerships which will not only develop your communication skills but also help you become a successful professional.
8. Develop effective listening skills. Finally, not only should one be able to speak effectively, one must listen to the other person's words and engage in communication on what the other person is speaking about. This is very crucial for a lawyer. We must avoid the impulse to listen only for the end of their sentence so that we can blurt out the ideas or memories that come to our mind while the other person is speaking.
