Effective communication techniques are vital in all facets of life. However, effective communication at the workplace is critical towards professional success. Whether an individual is interacting with customers, managers, subordinates, or colleagues, the ability to nurture sound communication skills through the use of different tools is indispensable. Developing sound communication skills requires an individual to focus on productive interactions and capacity to pay attention to details so that it becomes possible to understand and concentrate on attaining the needs of others.
Researches from credible sources indicate that emotions often override intellect. Communication is not all about exchanging information, but more about understanding emotions and intentions behind any information. This implies that effective communication is a two-way street. Effective communication skills do not only entail how a message is conveyed so that it is received and grasped by individuals in the exact manner that was intended, but it also involves how someone listens to gain full meaning of the message being relayed across to ensure the other part I heard and clearly understood (Sinha, 2011).
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In addition to words, effective communication also involves a myriad of skills including understanding your emotions and the parties involved, ability to communicate aggressively, stress management, engaged listening, and non-verbal communication.
Sound communication skills glue connections to others while at the same time enhances problem-solving, decision-making and teamwork at the workplace. Excellent communication skills enable employees to communicate difficult or negative messages without destroying trust or creating conflicts. Even though an effective communication skill is acquired through learning, it works more efficiently when it’s impulsive rather than formulaic. Even though it takes a lot of effort to nurture effective communication techniques, the more effort and practice that an individual will apply, the more innate and spontaneous the communication skills transpires (Green, 2006).
However, several barriers inhibit interpersonal communication techniques. These barriers include;
Lack of Focus: If an individual is stressed or emotionally overwhelmed, there will be a tendency to misread their audience, and as a result, conflicting messages are relayed. During such a scenario, individuals are advised to relax and keep calm before proceeding with their communication.
Inconsistent body language: Non-verbal communication must be reinforced with the subject matter. The body language should synonymously flow with what is discussed.
Several concepts can be applied to enhance communication skills. These useful skills include;
Become an engaged listener
If an individual’s goal is to understand and connect with the other person, then listening in a committed manner comes naturally. If you are having a problem connecting naturally, then several techniques can be applied. A communicator should; fully focus on the speaker, avoid interrupting communications with the other party, showing interest, setting aside judgments, and providing feedback (Ludden, 2012).
Pay Attention to Nonverbal signals
Non-verbal signals include aspects such as voice tone, posture, eye contact, body movement and gestures, facial expressions, and muscle tone and breathing. Through the instilling of natural understanding of the use of non-verbal communication enables an individual to connect easily with others, and express the subject matter adequately hence establish better relationships at the workplace.
Several tips can be applied to enhance how to read non-verbal communication skills and these includes:
Being aware of cultural differences
Adjusting non-verbal signals according to the context of the conversation
Using the body language to convey positive feelings
Asserting yourself
Assertive expression enables clear communication and boosts an individual’s self-esteem. Through assertiveness, a person is able to express their needs, feelings, and thoughts in an open manner. To enhance assertiveness an individual can learn to say no when necessary, express negative thoughts, and value yourself and opinions. The image below summarizes how effective communication skills is acquired and improved.
References
S. (2011). Effective communication skills . S.l.: Pointer.
Green, A. (2006). Effective personal communication skills for public relations . London: Kogan Page.
Ludden, M. (2012). Effective communication skills: Essential tools for success in work, social, and personal situations . Indianapolis, IN: JIST Works.
