Achieving good communication means knowing how to convey ideas in a simple, coherent, empathetic and direct way while practicing true active listening.
Having communication skills opens the door to multiple growth opportunities, both personally and professionally. Today, people value the ability to communicate efficiently, especially in the world of business and leadership, since it is a key piece for strengthening alliances and relationships.
Developing these skills is not an easy task. According to a study carried out by Adecco, 75% of the population suffers from anxiety, nervousness and even panic when speaking in public, which means the message is not conveyed correctly. For that reason, we will go over some recommendations to help combat these traits and achieve effective communication.
- Active listening. Practicing active listening is essential if you want to have good communication. Paying attention to the message being conveyed and analyzing the gestures of the other person(s) will reveal their purpose. In addition, you will be able to offer feedback that is much more accurate, avoiding confusion or misunderstandings.
- Non-verbal language. According to Albert Mehrabian, the father of scientific Non-Verbal Communication, 55% of our communication is non-verbal, which means that gestures, movements or postures also communicate. That is why it is important to maintain consistency between what is said and the way it is said, since some expressions could suggest little interest, discomfort or disagreement. To avoid this, it is key to maintain eye contact that conveys confidence and security, nod when you agree with a comment, and avoid crossing your arms or playing with your hands.
- Appropriate messages. Researching the topic to be addressed beforehand and handling a clear, direct, precise and concise message will be essential to show that you have command of the communication. It is important to use professional language and avoid technical jargon or words that are hard to understand, since this will distract attention and the focus of the message is likely to be lost.
- Constant reading. Through permanent reading of news, information on various sectors, trends, books of interest, among other content, communication skills can be strengthened. In addition, it will increase your vocabulary and give you more tools to craft much more structured and well-founded messages.
Today, strengthening communication skills is essential, since it allows you to be prepared for any situation, especially if you are at the head of an organization or lead a work team. Remember that always being direct and empathetic, using the right tone of voice, gestures and messages, as well as using various communication techniques, will help you achieve the desired goal.
