Here is an interesting video on Communication Skills - The 6 Keys of Powerful Communication
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Having excellent communication skills is critical whether you are working offline or online, in family affairs, social events, and the likes. Information or message should be passed on clearly to avoid any confusion or irritation. If you think you do not have both good verbal or written communication skills, you have to work on it, especially if you want to be a great leader someday.
How To Improve Communication Skills
Here are the ways on how to improve communication skills to help you get started.
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Think before you say a word
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People tend to speak up his or her mind without thinking. So, before you say a word, make sure to think carefully. Take time to pause and make sure you are certain of what you are going to say. Also, think how you are going to deliver it especially if you are in an important meeting or you are talking to your superior. It will help in saving yourself from humiliation.
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Learn how to paraphrase
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Learning how to paraphrase is a skill you need to acquire when you are talking to someone. If you know how to do it, it means that you are listening attentively and you understand well what the person is saying. Moreover, you can use such skill in making your research paper in school. There are ways to do it. First, you have to read the whole context, then try to paraphrase it the best way you can. If you can't understand a word or phrase, use a dictionary. Second, read again what you have written and make sure it is free from any errors. And lastly, do not forget to credit the source.
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Know how to make eye contact
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Making eye contact with the person you are talking to, means that you are interested in what he or she is trying to say to you. Also, it helps in making you more focused and less diverted. Do not forget to use the right body language as well such as facial expressions, body posture, etc. Do not slouch, play with your gadget or pen, look outside the window, and the likes. The person you are talking to may be offended if you do such things.
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Treat everyone with respect
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Treat every person you meet along the way equally, and with respect, no matter what his or her sexual orientation is, his or her religion and beliefs, his or her status in life, etc. Never look or talk down to a person. Be always nice as you do not know what he or she is going through in life.
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Practice speaking and writing
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If you think you do not excel in both verbal and written communication skills, you have to consider practicing every day for at least 30 minutes a day. Get a partner and make sure to have a recorder so you can document your verbal practice. Watching movies in English with subtitles helps, too. When it comes to writing, you may start writing in your diary or journal about your day-to-day activities. It is better if you have a blog or website where you can share your life with. Try Blogger or Wordpress.
Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people."
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Be optimistic
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Every time you communicate with someone, try to be optimistic as much as possible no matter what the situation is, even on the phone. By doing this, your positivity will radiate, and the person you are talking to will feel it, and he or she will feel ecstatic as well.
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Always check your message before you send
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When writing a message to someone, make sure to check your message before you hit the send button. Check for spelling, grammatical errors, etc. Read it loudly because by doing it, you can spot the mistakes easily. Also, keep a positive tone, especially if you are applying for a job, talking to your boss, etc.
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Take down notes
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When your boss is asking you to do something, it is crucial that you take down notes. Do not rely on your ability to memorize because there are things you may forget. If there is something you can't understand, do not be shy to ask questions. You may send him a chat or email after your conversation.
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Be concise
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If you are in a meeting and the likes, do not forget to be concise at all times. Make sure your information is clear and easy to understand. Meanwhile, if you are writing someone an email or any important message, read it over and over again to see if there are any mistakes made. You may use a writing tool for writers called Grammarly to help you check your grammar and spelling.
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Always listen
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Always listen. It is the number one rule in effective communication, whether verbal or written. If you are not a good listener, you will not know what to reply to the person you are talking to, so it will result in misinterpretation, etc. Again, if you can't understanding what he or she is talking about, ask questions.
Another video before I say my final thoughts on 5 Ways To Improve Your Communication Skills
Video Credit: Evan Carmichael via Youtube
Final Thoughts
Having good communication skills is vital for your success. It will help in building your self-confidence, in improving your professional image, in making more friends, etc. Do not forget to practice every day! Allocate at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Thank you guys for reading! Blessings!
Written by: freelancermariagrace for Bitlanders
