Communication

Being able to communicate effectively is one of the most important life skills to learn.
Communication is defined as transferring information to produce greater understanding. It can
be done vocally (through verbal exchanges), through written media (books, websites, and
magazines), visually (using graphs, charts, and maps) or non-verbally (body language, gestures,
pitch of voice, and tone). All of these means of communication are essential soft skills that are
vital for a successful career.

The Importance of Communication Skills1

Having strong communication skills aids in all aspects of life – from professional life to personal
life and everything that falls in between. From a business standpoint, all transactions result from
communication. Good communication skills are essential to allow others and yourself to
understand information more accurately and quickly.
In contrast, poor communication skills lead to frequent misunderstanding and frustration. In
a 2016 LinkedIn survey conducted in the United States, communication topped the list of the
most sought-after soft skills among employers.

Rank Soft Skills Percentage

1 Communication 57.9
2 Organization 56.5
3 Teamwork 56.4
4 Always Punctual 55.9
5 Critical Thinking 55.8
6 Social Skills 55.8
7 Creativity 55.0
8 Interpersonal Communication 55.0
9 Adaptability 54.9
10 Friendly Personality 54.6

How to Improve Communication Skills

Here are some pointers to look out for when looking to improve your ability to effectively
communicate with others:
1. Listening
To become a good communicator, it is important to be a good listener. It is important to
practice active listening – pay close attention to what others are saying and clarify ambiguities by
rephrasing their questions for greater understanding.
2. Conciseness
Convey your message in as few words as possible. Do not use filler words and get straight to the
point. Rambling will cause the listener to tune out or be unsure of what you are talking about.
Avoid speaking excessively and do not use words that may confuse the audience.
3. Body language
It is important to practice good body language, use eye contact, utilize hand gestures, and watch
the tone of the voice when communicating with others. A relaxed body stance with a friendly
tone will aid in making you look approachable by others.
Eye contact is important in communication – look the person in the eye to indicate 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 in what you say and in your communication interactions with others. Being
confident can be as easy as maintaining eye contact, maintaining a relaxed body stance, and
talking with concision. Try not to make statements sound like questions and avoid trying to sound
aggressive or demeaning.
5. Open-mindedness
In situations where you disagree with what someone else has to say, whether it be with an
employer, a co-worker, or a friend, it is important to sympathize with their point of view rather
than simply try to get your message across. Respect the opinion of others and never resort to
demeaning those who do not agree with you.
6. Respect
Respecting what others have to say and acknowledging them is an important aspect of
communication. Being respectful can be as simple as paying attention to what they have to say,
using the person’s name, and not being distracted. By respecting others, the other person will
feel appreciated, which will lead to a more honest and productive conversation.
7. Using the correct medium
There are several different forms of communication to use – it is important to choose the right
one. For example, communicating in person about serious matters (layoffs, salary changes, etc.)
is more appropriate than sending an email regarding the matter.
Benefits of Effective Communication in Personal and Professional Settings2
For today’s managers, good communication plays an essential role in their success in the workplace and
in their personal life. Leaders who know how to communicate effectively with those around them will see
better productivity and improved relationships in every aspect of their lives.

Effective communication involves knowing how to listen attentively. It’s the ability to offer empathy,
open-mindedness, and helpful feedback based on what you hear. Also, a friendly demeanor, confidence,
and quality nonverbal communication will also help you, as a manager, develop good relationships with
the members of your team.

Let’s explore some benefits of effective communication you will see inside and outside of office when you
take the time to nurture these skills.

1. Building trust

Effective communication fosters trust with others. Your ability to listen attentively and embrace different
points of view helps others trust that you are making optimal decisions for everyone in the group. As you
serve as a role model, this trust will extend to your team and they will feel as though they can trust their
teammates to fulfill their duties and responsibilities.

2. Preventing or resolving problems

The ability to communicate effectively plays a large role in resolving conflicts and preventing potential
ones from arising. The key is to remain calm, make sure all parties are heard and find a solution that is
ideal for everyone involved.

3. Providing clarity and direction

With effective communication skills, you’re able to deliver clear expectations and objectives for your
team. This involves finding constructive ways to point out when something isn’t working as well as
providing helpful feedback to get people back on track. They will understand their specific tasks and
responsibilities, as well as those of their teammates, which will help eliminate conflicts and confusion.

4. Creates better relationships

Good communication also improves relationships, both with employees and in your personal life with
friends and family members. Listening carefully and offering quality feedback helps people to feel heard
and understood. This, in turn, nurtures mutual respect.

5. Increases engagement

With people feeling more confident in their work and in their understanding of what they need to do,
they become more engaged with their work as a whole. According to a recent study exploring the
psychology of employee engagement, only 15% of adult employees are engaged with their employers. By
prioritizing effective communication, you can increase engagement, and thus boost satisfaction, among
your team members.

6. Improves productivity

When team members understand their roles, the roles of others and your expectations, they can focus
more on their work and less on workplace issues. With effective communication, conflicts are resolved
quickly, employees can better manage their workload and distractions are minimized. These benefits
contribute to greater productivity for you and your team.

7. Promotes team building

With improved communication, team members will be better able to rely on each other. You will not have
one team member feel as though they have to carry the entire group. This improved division of labor will
encourage positive feelings and relationships between the team members, which leads to improved
morale and work experiences.

Good communication skills can play an important role in nurturing positive work experiences for your
entire team. As people feel listened to and understood by you, you naturally improve your work
environment.

References:
1
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/careers/soft-skills/communication/
2
https://climb.pcc.edu/blog/the-7-benefits-of-effective-communication-in-personal-and-professional-
settings#:~:text=The%207%20Benefits%20of%20Effective%20Communication%20in%20Personal,Improv
es%20productivity.%20...%207%20Promotes%20team%20building.%20