Communication is a powerful tool that can help us achieve our goals through persuasion. However, if we don’t know how to use it effectively we run the risk of closing doors on ourselves and missing many opportunities.
Regardless of the industry we work in, keeping in mind some tips for improving our communication skills and knowing how to use them at the right time can lead us to success.
- Make eye contact. Looking your interlocutor in the eye will make you come across as a confident person who conveys trust. Your body language will reinforce your stance of interest in the topic you are addressing.
- Listen before you speak. Misunderstandings are often caused by not knowing how to listen or by constantly interrupting the other person’s conversation to impose your opinions. When you interact, let your interlocutor express all their ideas, make a mental note of those you would like to reinforce or reply to, and wait for a pause to give your answer.
- Be direct. One way of showing respect for the other person is being direct in communication. Drop long introductions, unnecessary emails or cumbersome texts that don’t clearly express what you want to say. Your interlocutor will appreciate your ability to summarize when communicating your ideas.
- Use professional language. Reserve colloquial language for moments with family or gatherings with friends. When you are in front of your boss, a customer or a service provider, use professional language that, without resorting to fancy or technical words, lets you communicate freely but appropriately in the workplace context.
- Read. The best way to strengthen our oral and written communication is by reading. Review news and information about your industry, current affairs and other topics of interest every day. That way you will expand your vocabulary and always have an interesting topic of conversation.
Practicing these skills will let you connect better with those around you and strengthen your professional side.
