Initiating a conversation is a good first step in developing good communication skills. However, effective communication skills can’t be acquired overnight as they need to be learned, practiced and developed.
For project managers, journalists, public media spokes people, broadcasters and a list of other career professionals, effective communication skills are extremely important. And if you fall within these categories it’s even more important for you to work diligently at developing the most effective skills possible.
One of the first steps is to learn how to speak effectively and a second one is to learn how to listen attentively. These two are the most important skills you need to attain. So, now you might be asking, “how do I begin?”
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Speaking:
For one to develop good public speaking abilities, speaking skills have to be learned, practiced and evaluated over a period of time. The first rule of thumb to be able to speak effectively is planning what to say. What is the main idea of what you are trying to convey? Organize your thoughts so they lead to the main idea of the message you are trying to send across.
Once you have arrived at your main idea, take a short brief break in your speaking and ask your audience if they are following you. By doing so, you know if you have gone off topic or not gotten across to them what you what to say.
This way you can find out if you are on the right path. By asking your listeners if they understood what you were saying, you can discover if you’re both on the same page. Make sure you keep your conversation focused and to the point.
Another point to take note when speaking is the style you use in expressing yourself. The speaking style you use has a large impact on the audience you are speaking to, especially if you want to be convincing. When speaking, strive to be warm and enthusiastic. Doing this, your audience will be responsive and perfect interaction can be formed.
It is normal to expect questions during a conversation and always be prepared to answer them. When answering, take your time by paraphrasing the question to be sure you’re certain of what it means. This will also help you to collect your thoughts before answering. In situations where you don’t know the answer to the question, don’t make up an answer, instead, say you don’t know the answer.
Listening:
Strive to be an effective listener. This can easily be done by listening attentively to what the speaker is saying. You should focus on the words as the speaker communicates so that you can understand the entire message.
Effective listening when it comes to developing communication skills is enhanced by looking at the speaker when he is communicating. It helps to maintain eye contact and nod during brief pauses. Also watch the speaker’s facial expression to be able to completely understand the tone of the message he is conveying.
Show an open attitude to the speaker through your body language and attentiveness. It helps to be composed when relating with the speaker. In this way, they feel more accepted when they are with you. Don’t fidget or frown when looking at the speaker. Do so gives off negative vibes and makes him feel defensive, insecure and could shake their confidence.
As part of developing good communication skills, it is important to ask questions during a conversation. When asking questions, use open ended questions so that it is easier for the listener to know how to answer your questions. With all the tips given, it is obvious for us to see that communication skills is not just innate, it needs to be developed and practiced.