Saying what you mean and meaning what you say: seven tips for developing excellent communication skills.

Hello again, dear reader. In a previous discussion, we pontificated on the qualities and skills necessary to be a good leader. So today, hashed over some ideas on improving verbal communication skills as having a high level of communication skills are a necessary quality and/or skill for anyone in a leadership position. Regardless of whether they are a CEO president or prime minister of a nation-state or even just an intern, experiencing their first day on the job. Good communications skills will not only help make a solid first impression and boost confidence (we've discussed these aspects in previous conversations). But they will also of course allow you to adequately give or understand instructions or communicate your needs or desires. Many of the daily problems human beings encounter in life are due to nothing more than a simple communications breakdown. As a leader providing those who are being led, with clear and precise communications is a necessity as again this can harm productivity or cause the project to be sent back or stalled or even in some cases depending on the job cause physical harm. If you are an individual who is serious about developing his or her communication skills, then you might consider taking a speech and communications course at your local community college or even an online class, because again, having good communication skills is a cornerstone on the road to becoming a good leader, but for now...

The following nine tips are a starting point to help you think about how you can improve your verbal communications skills, whether in planned or unplanned situations:

1. Read more – Simply increasing what you read (business texts, novels, newspapers etc) can improve your vocabulary, help you express ideas clearly and eliminate weaknesses in your language skills.

2. Think about the words – Too many words will bore your listener, take up too much time and result in you losing credibility. There is no need to waffle! Remember not to use words that people don’t understand (they may not even tell you that they don’t understand what you are saying), as you may appear intimidating and make them feel inferior.

3. Prepare (if you can)– You would spend time planning what you would say if you were writing. You would also think about how to make it accessible to as many readers as possible. If you know of an approaching situation, take time out to think about the questions you may be asked and what answers you may need to give. If you are delivering a presentation, you should be prepared for awkward questions and situations where you may need to explain something in a different way.

4. Listen and be interested – Listening more and talking less means you will understand and bring your listener into the conversation. This helps them to trust you and make them feel that you really understand their needs. When they talk, be interested and show your interest. This will improve the rapport you are trying to build. Using note-taking skills like Mind Mapping can help you to take more effective and memorable notes.

5. Be aware of non-verbal communication traps – The impact of the words you say is only a small element of the communication you are giving. You should make sure that your words, their tone, the gestures you make, facial expressions and body language you use, are all relevant to your conversation.

6. Honesty is the best policy – Promising something that is not possible will break down any trust that you have developed. Telling someone that you “don’t know – but can find out” is more positive than just trying to give an answer you hope is effective.

7. Show and seek some understanding – Look for understanding from your audience. It’s easier to back track at certain points in your conversation than revisit the whole conversation again – or you risk getting the wrong results because your audience did not understand! You can use this when delivering or receiving a message. Occasional summaries and confirmation questions can be extremely useful.

8. Think about perspectives – Think about what you are saying from the other person’s perspective. Just because you understand what you mean, it doesn’t mean that they will.

9 Develop your skills – There are a number of techniques you can learn to help improve your verbal communication skills. These include:

• The skills to develop plans you can use to formulate responses whether planned or impromptu.
• Learn the techniques you need to be more effective during these interactions. Mind Mapping will help you to take and make notes – it will also help you do a lot more during your business day.
•  

As always, thanks for listening, and there will of course be more to come soon.