Improve communication skills, make a positive impression

The ability to communicate well becomes more crucial when we leave our comfort zone and venture out into the world whether to pursue our careers, socialize or even to get married and suddenly realize that we lack the skill to effectively communicate thus creating confusion and misunderstanding.  The majority of conflicts involve problems in communication; Lack of understanding can result from ineffective communication and can lead to further communication issues.  George Bernard Shaw says “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

Effective communication skills are essential to success in many phases of life.  Many jobs require strong communications skills and people with good communication skills usually enjoy better interpersonal relationships with friends, family and chart a successful career life for oneself.

Interpersonal skills are those skills that we use when we communicate face to face with an individual or a group of people; it is a way to engage their attention effectively. Interpersonal skills does not limit itself to just speaking but is both verbal and nonverbal.  Communication is a two way process, how we send and how we receive messages. So how do we improve communication skills?

The process of improving communication skills is a self-improvement process and, as such, has inherent positive effects upon personality.  Commence with learning to listen.  Listen to the words, tone and the nonverbal messages sent through them. Concentrate on what is being spoken so as to reply back appropriately.  Learn to handle emotions, empathise by being non-judgemental; encouragement and praises make people feel appreciated. Communicate effectively by taking a moment to reply, focus on what you want to say rather than just rambling off, by speaking eloquently you will come across intelligent and mature. Non-verbal gestures play an important role here; make eye contact and avoid defensive body language. Information should be given so that the meaning is understood.  Knowledge of culture, past experiences, attitude and abilities are helpful.  Avoid using jargon be simple.

Using humour helps to relax people and break the ice. Use it appropriately. Communicate with people as if they are equals, never patronize or talk negatively of people behind their backs. This way you will build trust and respect and simultaneously improve your communication skills.  Smile if you want to make a positive impression.  A smile denotes a cheerful attitude and promotes conversation.  Be optimistic even when things don’t go as planned.  Stress often affects communication, it is important at such times to remain calm and focussed.  Never complain or whine about anything, it creates a bad impression. 

Prepare yourself always before speaking at important engagements and if in doubt about your inability to communicate well seek help.  One can do this through self-help books or professionally through institutions that offer courses on how to improve communication skills.  Although writing is not necessarily an interpersonal skill, it should be comparably good; one should not be rejected for bad grammar or the inability to communicate their message on paper.