Regardless of whether your job requires you to speak a lot or sit in front of a computer screen all day long, communication is vital in every profession. When we talk about communication, it is essential to establish that communication can have a lot of forms. Right from speaking in front of a panel in a meeting to talking to your fellow teammates or boss, effective communication has the ability to make or break your future.
Here are some steps to improve your communication skills and grow your career:
Learn to listen
One of the most crucial and yet a neglected aspect of communication is listening. You can only be a good communicator if you listen to others. Listening is not just an opportunity to learn but also a way to avoid misunderstandings.
Understand your audience
For people who deliver a lot of speeches or presentations, it is essential to know your audience. The age group, demographic, ethnicity of the people listening to you, etc., should be considered at all times. Sometimes some idioms can lose their relevance on certain groups of people. Some jokes or common culture references can also seem offensive to some of your colleagues. So, try not to use them.
Pay attention to gestures and body language
These are just as important as the words you choose. Instead of crossing your arms and seeming closed for feedback or suggestions, keep an easy and open outlook. Maintaining eye contact also conveys that you are interested in what the other person is saying. Standing straight instead of slouching will make people notice you and take you more seriously.
Keep a friendly tone
You must alter your tone depending on the person you are dealing with. Friendly banter with teammates cultivates an open and equal environment. But when laying out a roadmap for your subordinates, your tone must inspire motivation and enthusiasm. You should know when to have fun and when to be serious, and the right tone can sometimes convey a lot more than words.
Don’t fake it
Sometimes, people are so focused on using fancy jargon and superlative adjectives that they lose touch with reality. In an attempt to sound smart, you should not overshadow your true personality. We all have a unique quality that makes us stand out in a crowd. Make sure to embrace yours while communicating.
Keep it simple
Just like it’s crucial to be authentic and not fake, it is also necessary to keep things simple. Beating around the bush, over communicating, and pointless repetitions can take away from the credibility and meaningfulness of your words. In a fast paced life, the best thing to do is to keep things straightforward and to the point wherever possible.
To sum it up
Hard work and sincerity are crucial for career advancement, but so are good communication skills. Make sure to incorporate these tips in your day to day tasks and reap the positive effects on your career and personal space.