Skills Employers Want – #1 Communication

Communication is a critical skill in the workplace. It is not surprising that it is number one on the list of skills that employers want. It is a complex skill that is just as important in our personal relationships as it is at work.

It can help communication when you know your own and others personality types. Improve communication with Myers-Briggs.

The Communication Process

While communication is simply an exchange of information, there are many things that can interfere with the sending and receptions of the message.  A message includes both the content and the context which includes voice and non-verbal or body language.

communication models

The CONTENT of the message includes the words that are chosen

CONTEXT (see TED Talks below from Julian Treasure and Amy Cuddy)

• Voice: volume, tone, pitch, pace & clarity
• Non-verbal: facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, posture
  • Body language quiz

RECEPTION relies on good listening skills

RESPONSE

• provide feedback
• ask the right questions

Additional Communication Skills:

• written communication
• telephone skills and etiquette
• how to choose the best method of communication
• have good conversations
• create effective presentations
• develop a personal brand and elevator speech

Learn the #1 Skill that Employers want

From the Daily Planit:

• The Communication Process at the Daily PlanIt Shop.
• Links to more resources at Communicate well, one of the weekly activities during the Year of Personal Development series at the Daily PlanIt.
• Listening Skills includes a handout on listening skills and a listening report card.
• The Daily PlanIt Wiki page on communication.
• Communication board at Pinterest
• Communication playlist at Youtube
• How to choose Communication Methods Mind Map

created with Mindmup

More Resources:

• Watch the video How the Communication Process Works from Alanis Business Academy
• Communications at Illinoisworknet.com
• Effective Communication at HelpGuide.org (listening and nonverbal communication)
• Communication at MIT

Courses:

Free

• Principles of Human Communication at Saylor.org includes many links to the videos by Professor Martha J. Haun (see below) as well as other videos and written information online.
• Introduction to Communication at Learnerstv.com. This is an extensive video lecture series on Introduction to Communication by Professor Martha J. Haun of the University of Houston.

$

• Effective Communication 101 at Universalclass.com
• Effective Business Communication at staffkit.com

TED Talks

• Julian Treasure “How To Speak So People Will Want to Listen”, “Five Ways to Listen Better”
• Amy Cuddy “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are”

This is one of a series of posts based on the results of a survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers on the top ten skills employers want. Each post provides links to websites for learning the skills.

About dailyplanit

I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.