Our ability to communicate with clients, customers, subordinates, peers, and superiors can enhance our effectiveness or sabotage us. The 21st century seems one poised to be the communication century, where the old ways fall by the way side, as true communication goes further and further toward building bridges between people, and greases the skids in the business world between coworkers, clients and managers in ways that would seem impossible even a generation ago. To improve communication skills, everybody should focus direction of conversations around who, what, why, where, when and how.
Verbal or non-verbal, here are 10 effective ways to build your interpersonal communication skills and stay ahead of the game.
SPONTENIOUS PARTICIPATIONShying away from necessary conflict for the sake of avoiding confrontation is a big hindrance to forging meaningful communication. Through practice you will learn the best ways to conduct the difficult conversations that need to be done.
SENSITIVITYGet to the points you wish to make quickly, do not waste others' time and mental energy on pointless "filler" conversation, and people will appreciate you.
STRIVE FOR FEEDBACKOften, the most important communication skill is learning to make the most of the small windows offered for you to give constructive feedback on something. Make the most of these opportunities.
CHERISH THE OPPORTUNITYA crucial skill to effective interpersonal communication is learning how to take criticism and feedback in stride, and to never take it personally. Feedback is a great way to learn what you need to focus on to perform better.
HYGIENIC POWERone of the first things people notice about you is your hygiene habits. Bathe regularly, keep a neat and tidy appearance, and mind all aspects of your personal grooming habits. It makes no sense to allow something so easy to control to derail your attempts at communication.
REORGANIZE YOURSELFDress for every occasion. Otherwise, it can be the excuse for not taking you seriously.
SELF-ASSESSMENTAn honest self-critique can be the most useful ability in building interpersonal communication skills that you have at your disposal. Learn how to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
LISTEN WITH YOUR EYESLook for the numerous non-verbal cues that will clue you in to what the other person is trying to convey to you in conversation. Pick up on the eye contact, the posture and the body language to hear the hidden conversation at play in every interaction.
BE ALWAYS ON-THE-JOBAlways be prepared for any conversation, but never fear not having a particular fact handy. It is much better to admit ignorance than to make something up.
CHALLANGE YOURSELF RATHER THAN OTHERSlearning when not to speak in a conversation can be an incredibly useful skill that allows the other person room to say what they need to. Challenge yourself to be silent the next time you feel urged to argue and you'll instantly build more effective communication skills.
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