Communication skills
Understanding Communication
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Communication defined as the process of exchanging information, thoughts, ideas and feelings.
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Involves verbal as well as non-verbal methods such as body language, facial expressions and written words.
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Seen as two-way process where feedback is necessary to ensure that the message has been correctly interpreted.
Verbal Communication Skills
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Speaking clearly and concisely makes you easier to understand.
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The use of jargon, or technical/vocational language, should be limited to avoid confusion.
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Active listening is key in effective communication. This means truly paying attention to what the other person is saying, not just waiting for your turn to speak.
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Positive verbal feedback helps the speaker know they're heard and their points are understood.
Non-Verbal Communication Skills
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Strong eye contact communicates confidence and interest in the person and topic.
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Body language and gestures can express thoughts and feelings more powerfully than words can.
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Keep in mind that varying cultural norms may affect how non-verbal cues are interpreted.
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Recognize and control facial expressions since they reveal your feelings to others and can impact the overall communication process.
Written Communication Skills
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Be clear and concise, with correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar in all written communication.
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Be careful with the tone of your messages; humour and sarcasm can be easily misinterpreted in writing.
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Avoid text abbreviations in professional communication. Write full words and sentences to maintain professionalism.
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Proofread all written correspondence before sending. A careless mistake could convey a lack of attention to detail.
Developing Communication Skills
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Practice actively listening in everyday conversations.
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Role-play different communication scenarios to build confidence in both verbal and non-verbal communication.
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Join public speaking or debating societies to improve verbal communication skills.
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Pay attention to feedback from others on your communication style and make necessary adjustments.
The Importance of Communication Skills in Employability
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Key for building relationships and networking within the workplace.
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Affects teamwork and collaboration, driving project success.
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Critical for conflict resolution, negotiation, and problem-solving.
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Influences how you're perceived professionally. Good communicators are often seen as being more competent.