Through communication skills, we can share our ideas and feelings effectively. Through communication skills, we give and receive different kinds of information. Some examples include ideas, feelings, or updates on the project.

Communication skills involve listening, speaking, observing, and empathizing. It is also helpful to communicate with people through face-to-face interactions, phone conversations, and digital communications, like email and social media.

Importance of communication skills

 

 

Strong communication skills are important in professional life to personal life and everything that it needs. From a business standpoint, all transactions are done through communication. Good communication skills provide information more accurately and quickly. Poor communication skills lead to big misunderstandings and failure in communication.

How to improve communication skills?

Following are some communication skills to improve your ability to effectively communicate with others;

1. Listening

For good communication, it is important to be a good listener. It is important to listen actively, pay close attention to what others are saying, and clarify problems through listening.

2. Conciseness

Convey your message in brief words. Do not use extra words and be to the point. Distracting will bore the listener and will not give attention to what you are talking about.

3. Body language

It is important to have good body language, use eye contact, and utilize hand gestures, and tone of voice when communicating with others. A relaxed body makes you and the audience comfortable.

Eye contact is important in communication. Looking into the audience’s eye indicates that you are focused on the conversation. But make sure to not stare at the person as it can make him or her uncomfortable.

4. Confidence

Be confident while addressing the audience. Being confident can be as easy as a task by maintaining eye contact, maintaining a relaxed body gesture, and talking confidently.

5. Open-mindedness

In situations where you disagree, it is important to agree with their point of view rather than simply try to get your message across. Respect the opinion of others and never get angry with them.

6. Respect

Respecting what others have to say is an important aspect of communication. Paying attention to the audience is respectful, by using the person’s name, and not being distracted. By respecting others, they will feel appreciated, which will lead to a good conversation.

7. Using the correct medium

There are several different forms of communication mediums. It is important to choose the right one. For example, communicating in person about a serious matter is sending an email.

What are the 10 keys to communication skills?

Following are the 10 keys of communication skills;

• Active listening

• Body language

• Emotional intelligence

• Articulation and tone of your voice

• Clarity

• Small talk

• Empathy

• Respect

• Feedback

• Asking questions

7CS of communication

People write emails, facilitate meetings, participate in conference calls, and create reports, presentations, and debates. People spend almost the entire day communicating with different people. This is why the seven Cs of your meetings, emails, conference calls, reports, and presentations are well constructed and clear so the audience gets your message.

Following are the seven cs;

1. Clear

When writing or speaking to someone, be clear about the topic.  The purpose of communication should be clear and brief. If you’re not sure, then your audience would not be sure also.

To be clear, be brief with ideas in each sentence. Make sure that it’s easy for your reader to understand the meaning.

2. Concise

When the communication is concise then you stick to the point and keep it brief. The audience doesn’t want to read long sentences when you communicate your message.

3. Concrete

When your message is concrete, then your audience has a clear picture of what you’re telling them. There are details,  facts, and focus on the material.

4. Correct

When your communication is correct, it fits your audience. And correct communication is also right communication.

5. Coherent

When your communication is coherent, it’s logical. All points are connected and relevant to the main topic, and the tone and flow of the text is consistent.

6. Complete

In a complete message, the audience has everything they need to be informed and, if applicable, take action.

Relevant information should be included like, contact names, dates, times, and locations.

7. Courteous

Courteous communication is friendly, open, and honest. You keep your reader’s viewpoint in mind, and you’re empathetic to their needs.

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