Verbal communication is one of the base skills of human existence and we need to communicate verbally in our day to day routine. However, day-to-day communication in personal life is different from workplace communication.
However, like any other skill, verbal communication also needs to be learned. Everybody uses the basic communication skill, but when it comes to workplace and corporate culture, learning it offers many benefits. This post shares some effective ways to enhance your communication in day to day life.
Why are communication skills important?
Communication skills are used in almost every area of our professional lives: in emails, conversations, and written documents. Also, it is used in visuals and presentations.. Communication skills can be used to:
- Improve your relationships with your manager and coworkers
- Build connections with customers
- Help you convey your point quickly and clearly
- Enhance your professional image
- Encourage active listening and open-mindedness
- Help advance your career
Communication skills are also important while applying for new jobs. You can use your skills to communicate with HR managers. Sometimes companies offer you a verbal job offer and you need to wait to get a written offer letter. So, you need to respond to verbal job offers through emails..
You can use some templates for follow up email to communicate with the hiring managers. There are email templates to thank for verbal job offers and accepting the same in writing. In addition, there are templates to request for a written offer and follow up emails.
Let’s dive into 6 killer strategies for top-notch communication. Sharpening your communication skills might sound like a journey, but trust us, it’s worth every step. Check out these strategies to get the ball rolling:
Get Ready Ahead of Time:
Before you utter a word, know exactly what you’re going to say and how you’ll say it. But here’s the kicker – preparation isn’t just about rehearsing a speech. It’s about thinking through your entire communication, from start to finish. Dive into research to back up your message, anticipate questions and critiques, and brace yourself for the unexpected.
Be Crystal Clear:
Resist the temptation to pack in extra info, toss in trendy phrases, or lean on meaningless filler words. Cluttered messages can leave folks scratching their heads. In a world of non-stop chatter, pick your words wisely and arrange your thoughts in a way that’s easy as pie to follow.
Empathy and emotional intelligence
Let’s talk empathy and emotional intelligence – they’re the real game-changers in communication. See, it’s not just about the words you say; it’s about diving into people’s emotions and viewpoints. Step into their shoes, recognize their feelings, and respond with heart. This isn’t just about warm fuzzies; it’s about turbocharging your problem-solving and conflict-busting skills. When you truly connect with others, you’re in for a trust-building, collaboration-boosting, and positivity-packed ride.
Practise Active Listening
Let’s dive into the art of active listening – a crucial part of the communication puzzle.
Here’s the deal: when we talk, it’s usually a two-way street involving more than just one person. That’s where listening steps in, and it’s a biggie in the world of effective communication. But here’s the catch – listening is sneakily challenging.
The name of the game is active listening, and it’s all about not just hearing the words someone says but getting the whole shebang. Here are some nifty tips to nail it:
- Give Your Full Attention: When they talk, focus like a laser beam.
- Empty Your Mind: Clear out distractions, judgments, and that itch to counter-argue.
- No Interruptions: Resist the urge to jump in with your own thoughts.
- Body Language Matters: Your open and positive body language says, “I’m all ears!”
- Recap and Ask More: Repeat what you heard and fire off open-ended questions to dig deeper.
Maintain a positive body language
Let’s talk body language, the silent powerhouse of communication!
Here’s the lowdown: your body spills the beans even before you say a word. It’s like your personal billboard for confidence, approachability, and openness.
So, what’s the deal?
- Stand Tall: Keep your back straight, shoulders squared, and head held high. That’s not just good posture; it’s a neon sign saying, “I’m confident and ready to chat.”
- Open Arms: Keep those arms relaxed, either by your sides or use them with purpose. It’s like rolling out the welcome mat; open body language invites others in for a friendly chat.
- Flash That Smile: A smile is like a universal passport to warmth and approachability. It’s your golden ticket to positive exchanges. So, don’t forget to let those pearly whites shine!
Create a positive organisational culture
Here’s the scoop: the corporate culture you’re swimming in is a major player in the world of top-notch communication.
Picture this: in a workplace where positivity rules, with its foundations set in transparency, trust, empathy, and open chit-chat, your communication game is off the charts.
When trust flows like a river, employees are all ears for their boss’s messages. And guess what? Managers find it easy to get candidates on board when they encourage their team to voice their thoughts, toss in suggestions, and dish out constructive feedback. It’s all about fostering an environment where everyone’s ideas are welcome, and that’s a win-win for sure!
Summing Up
Verbal communication is a skill that you can learn with practice, but it is important to focus on the other things as well. Preparation for meetings, clarity, empathy, active listening and body language also plays a vital role in communication. As now you understand the importance of verbal communication, you can start using these tips in your day to day communication.
