10 Tips to improve communication skills

Communicating is more than exchanging information. A good communicator must understand his listener, measure his tone and volume of voice, control his body language and apply other communication skills. In this article we will therefore share some tips to improve communication skills and finally become an excellent communicator.

Certain interpersonal communication skills are applied in almost all situations we experience daily, while others are used only in professional settings or in our personal lives.

Whether we are communicating one-on-one or presenting a message to a group of people, there are some basic effective communication techniques that are applicable in all conversation situations. Which would be? The purpose of this post is to specify them through a series of tips to improve communication skills.

 

Tips to improve communication skills

Communication has two elements: verbal communication and non-verbal communication. The first, which is using words and tone of voice, only drives 10% to 20% of our conversations with others. This means that our non-verbal communication (i.e. our facial expression, body gesture and energy projection), determines the remaining 80 and 90% of our overall communication experience.

If you follow these 10 tips to improve communication skills, you will be able to resolve conflicts, find solutions, generate lasting trust and earn mutual respect.

 

Set a good tone and rhythm

Use appropriate volume and tone to promote effective communication. Speak loudly enough when addressing a group of people to present your message with quality, but lower the volume during a private conversation.

Your tone of voice should also reflect emotion; Never speak in a monotone voice, it even has to be different for people of certain ages, group sizes and communication topics.

Effective communicators know how to pace a speech, usually speaking clearly as they say each word. Achieving this may of course require taking a break to collect your thoughts; And two or three seconds of silence is not a bad thing when you want to control what you say.

 

Use simple words and phrases

If you can use words that are simple and easy to understand, use them. Because if you use a lot of jargon or complex languages, you can cause confusion in who or those who are receiving your message. If you are not sure whether the listener understood what you said, confirm it again.

 

Listen before you speak

Good communication involves both speaking and listening effectively. So learn to engage with what the speaker says by developing the following skills:

• Focus completely on the speaker.
• Understand the emotions communicated.
• Look for non-verbal cues: tone and volume of voice, body language, etc.
• Listen with your right ear to activate the left side of your brain, which processes emotional and vocal understanding.
• Stand straight with your chin down to capture the highest vocal frequencies.
• Don't interrupt, wait until the person speaking has finished expressing themselves.
• Enhance your responses with emotion, smiles, and brief comments like "Really?" or "I see," while also utilizing effective body language.

 

Use body language effectively

This is one of the most valuable tips to improve communication skills. Because? Because even when you're not talking, you're constantly sending messages with your body language. If you therefore learn to use body language effectively and read the body language of others, you will enhance your communication skills.

The following nonverbal cues indicate that you or the listener is not open to productive communication.

• Lack of eye contact shows distraction or disinterest.
• Sighs and yawns are signs of mental or physical fatigue or boredom.
• Crossed arms or tapping of feet or fingers indicate that you or the recipient is not involved in the conversation.

Use your body language, such as facial expressions, postures, and body movements, to complement the content of your message and reinforce what you are saying. Simply nod or shake your head to add meaning to the content.

 

Speak with mutual respect

If people can only remember one thing from your conversation, they will surely remember what they think of you as a person. Therefore, you must satisfy the most basic needs of human emotions, making them feel comfortable, valued and respected.

Once you learn to communicate within the framework of respect, both verbally and physically, you will be a pleasant, valued and well received person in the professional environment or in your daily life.

 

Connect with your listeners

This concept takes your knowledge of the people listening to you live to a new and higher level. The location of the conversation or speech, the topic, and even the appearance of the people receiving your message can provide clues that allow you to connect with them on a personal level.

Ensure to steer clear of contentious subjects such as politics and religion.

 

Stay positive

Maintaining a positive attitude during a conversation is very important so that the recipients do not lose interest in what you say, and do not see you as someone who is not pleasant. How to achieve it? Following these tips to improve communication skills:

• Avoid negativity or complaints.
• Pay attention to your language to make sure you are not using critical and aggressive words or phrases.
• If you must express displeasure or concern, do so with kind and encouraging words. We know it is a challenge, but it is not impossible.

 

Focus on the desired result

Knowing the outcome you want to achieve before you start communicating is essential to staying on topic and changing the direction of the conversation, if necessary.

Therefore, define what you want to achieve before you start talking. For example:

• Convey facts.
• I need to resolve a conflict.
• I'm looking for advice.
• Social link.
• Ultimately, the desired outcome determines the flow and content of the conversation.

 

Gratitude for attention

Gratitude is essential when addressing a group or engaging in lengthy conversations. Acknowledging the time and attention your audience dedicates to you is paramount.

Additionally, commend or recognize any contributions they make. By doing so, you foster positive relationships, a hallmark of effective communicators.

 

Implementation through practice

Merely understanding tips to improve communication skills isn't sufficient; you must actively implement them. Begin by practicing in low-risk environments until you feel confident addressing larger groups.

Social settings with fewer individuals serve as ideal starting points. Pay close attention to your listeners' reactions, gauging how well you apply these communication techniques.

 

Conclusion

Putting each of these tips into practice to improve your communication skills can determine both the success and failure of your conversations, debates, speeches, and your social interactions. Clear, confident, and respectful message delivery minimizes misunderstandings and optimizes performance. Active listening, positivity, and gratitude are also vital for fostering trust and harmony in any setting, contributing to a supportive social culture.