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. The best communicators are curious and courageous, authentic, respectful, and excellent listeners. They are present, observant, and provide feedback to verify understanding. They notice body language, emotional responses revealed by facial expressions, reflect feelings, and express empathy. They contribute interesting ideas and know how to ask good questions to connect with more meaningful conversations that lead to deeper relationships. They capture attention with appealing messages that are special, slightly surprising, helpful, amusing, rare or different, engage emotions, and are entertaining or exciting. It’s time to develop great communication skills!
• Concentrate on being present
• Listen actively
• Observe responses
• Connect with empathy
• Know the communication process and methods
It can help communication when you know your own and others personality types. Improve communication with Myers-Briggs.
Concentrate on being present: Look at the other person, Eliminate distractions, Ask questions to clarify, Phones down! Choose to be clear, concise, complete, and considerate.
Listen actively: Focus your attention on what the other person is saying to you. Active listening is listening for understanding, and it is the power tool of communication.
Observe responses: Notice your own body language and that of those you are communicating with: hand gestures, head motions, expressions, looks, posture, and proximity. Pay attention to responses.
Connect with empathy: Employ emotional intelligence skills to express empathy.
Know the Communication Process and Methods
While communication is simply an exchange of information, there are many things that can interfere with the sending and reception of a message. A message includes the content, the voice, and non-verbal or body language.
TRANSMISSION (verbal & nonverbal)
↳ VERBAL: content (spoken words) plus voice (paralanguage)
↳ NONVERBAL (kinesics)
A large part of communication comes from tone of voice and nonverbal components.
MESSAGE [encoding (to transmit) and decoding (to receive) meaning]
⤍ RECEPTION (listen & observe)
⤍ RESPONSE (verbal & nonverbal plus feedback)
VERBAL
↳ The CONTENT of the message is the words that are chosen
↳ VOICE (paralanguage)
• Clarity: speech and meaning
• Rate: fast – slow
• Intonation: emphasis and pitch
• Soft – loud volume
• Pitch: high – low
Watch Julian Treasure TED talk “How To Speak So People Will Want to Listen”
NON VERBAL (Sometimes called kinesics or body language)
• Hand gestures
• Head motions
• Expressions
• Looks – eye contact
• Posture and proximity
TED talks “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are” by Amy Cuddy and “The Power of Non Verbal Communication” by Joe Navarro.
CONTEXT
• Cultural
• Relational
• Individual
• Social
• Physical environment
RECEPTION relies on clear channels and good listening skills.
• Concentrate attention
• Look to notice body language
• Evaluate emphasis in voice
• Ask questions to clarify
• Reflect and respond
RESPONSE
VERBAL FEEDBACK + VOICE and BODY LANGUAGE
• Reflect, “how do you feel about that?”
• Ask questions, “can you tell me more about that?”
• Paraphrase, summarize in your own words, “is that right?”
When is it best to communicate in person, or by text or telephone, by email or mail? Choose a method of communication based on the content and who you need to communicate with. Consider:
• Formality and feedback needed
• Response required
• Audience number and preferences
• Message length and urgency
• Emotional or confidential content, documentation
The how to choose Communication Methods Mind Map created with Mindmup:
Daily PlanIt posts about communication:
• Meaningful conversations – Infographic The Art of Conversation
• Listening Skills – Infographic Listening Skills
• Understanding Body Language – Infographic Understanding Body Language
• Simple Way to Create a Compelling Talk – Infographic How to Engage Interest
• 12 Communication Skills
Additional Communication Skills:
Learn the #1 Skill that Employers want
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TED Talks to sharpen communication skills, This is your brain on communication
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.
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