Why Being a Great Communicator Is an Important Skill to Master?

Source: iStock 

Communication is a fundamental part of a being's survival. Communication is a way to send and receive messages. Communication could be verbal as well as non-verbal. It is taught as a sole topic under Directing- Functions of Management. Communication is one of the most critical qualities required in a leader. Every successful person knows how to communicate the ideas going on in their head. It is a required skill, now, to move ahead professionally and in some ways personally as well. 

There Are Some Effective Ways by Which You Can Upskill Your Communication Game:

1. Be a Good Listener: The most important thing to note here is that to make people listen to you, you need to first listen to them. Be an active listener. Try to make the speaker feel like you are listening to them. Some actions that show that are nodding the head, saying yes or no as and when required, etc. 

Do not interrupt the speaker. You will get your turn to speak, wait for it. If it’s urgent, apologize first. Make eye contact with the person they would be reassured about your presence. Using body language can help you give the speaker the acknowledgment they are looking for. Smile or use other facial expressions to communicate without speaking. You can’t disagree when I say it feels great to see people actively listening to you. 

If you are unable to focus on the conversation and keep getting distracted, try and repeat the words of the speaker in your mind. This trick will help. If you are responding, keep in mind to assert your opinions respectfully. Be open and honest. You gain information and perspective by listening. You add nothing by attacking the speaker or insulting them inappropriately. Treat them as you want yourself to be treated. 

2. Body Language: Body language matters. The way you carry yourself and move around communicates a lot of information. Use appropriate signs and gestures to keep your point strong. Use open body language. Make eye contact with your listeners. It affirms them of your presence. 

Your body can unconsciously signal messages that even you are not willing to give. So try and make that act in your favor. Your posture and stance convey your interest in a task. Use your hands to gesture or assert your point. Allow your hands to move freely throughout the conversation. It's not just what you say, but how you say it. The pitch, loudness, and tone of your voice concentrate the listeners on the topics you want them to. 

3. Simple Words: Use simple, straightforward language while speaking. Don’t get confused and neither confuse others. Do not be too detail orientated. Be precise and to the point. Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was 286 words, about two minutes long. Do not beat around the bush. Talk in a manner that is easily comprehensible to the people. 

4. Confidence is Key: You need to believe this confidence can make you outshine anyone in the room. It is the only accessory that you need to wear. Be sure about what you are speaking about and address it head-on. Confidence leaves a good first impression. 

Avoid being nervous if you feel so, before you start speaking, take deep breaths to calm yourself. Laugh off your mistakes. If you see you’ve committed a mistake then joke about it. You need to be brave and accept them. It makes people like you more, if you are upfront and accept your faults.

5. Practice: Last, of all, the only way to improve is to practice hard. There’s no better way to learn than to do it on our own. Do not shy away from speaking to new people. Talk and talk. Be aware of what you are speaking about and try to bring changes when you feel required. 

Know when to be formal and informal in your speech. Write down all the points if you forget what you have to speak. Feel free to make quick changes in your speech. Observe the way other people around you communicate. Learn from your surroundings. Work diligently and keep on trying to improve your communication skills.

Written by Vanshika Rathour