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Communication techniques are defined as the process of conveying, exchanging, or sharing information, message,
thoughts, or feelings between two or more people (verbally or nonverbally) to optimize the chances of gaining
favorable outcomes.

Communication techniques are methods used by a communicator, speaker, or listener to


improve the effectiveness and reach of every conversation or interaction. For better
understanding, one can assume that these techniques are equal to skills that a person
must possess to have a better communication process.

List of Effective Communication Techniques

There are some communication techniques that a person should know for achieving
success in his work. These techniques include:

1. Be clear while communicating

While communicating any information to any other person in the organization, it is crucial
to convey information and to stay clear. There should be clarity in terms of facts and
sources of information. Make sure that only the critical information must be shared. No
extra stuff must be built about the critical information.

2. Stay Available

One of the most accessible communication techniques is availability. It doesn’t matter at


which position a person is in the organization. One must stay available for having good
communication together. In a successful organization, it is evident that the top
management or bosses stay available for communication at any time and are willing to
help other organization members. This ability makes these organizations different from
others. Therefore, to achieve success in the organization, make sure that you comprise
the availability.

3. Stay Friendly

Another technique for better communication is to stay friendly with the other people in your
company. When an employee stays friendly with other employees, it becomes easy for
others to communicate with that person. They found him approachable and easy to open
up. This develops a positive and good sense of the environment in the organization.

4. Active Listening

If a person wants to avoid miscommunication, then it is important to always listen carefully


and actively. When a person is talking to you, make sure that you are paying close
attention to the information shared by them and what they are saying. It seems to be a
simple and easy-to-use technique. But while implementation, it can become difficult to pay
close attention. So, to do so, make sure that you are focusing on the speakers and
avoiding distractions like cellphones, laptops, or other projects.

5. Effective Non-Verbal Communication

Communication has two types, i.e., verbal and nonverbal. A person majorly focuses on
verbal communication to gain success. But, he/ she should not forget that nonverbal
communication is also essential. Notice the body language of the other person when you
are communicating with them. For instance, if the other person is crossing arms when you
are communicating with them, then this indicates that they might disagree with your point.
It can alarm you to what to say next and how to make them agree on your point.
Therefore, knowing nonverbal communication is essential.

6. Take Feedbacks positively

Taking feedback positively is not only crucial during the beginning of the career, but it
stays important throughout the career. Whether a person is at the top level or the lower
level, feedbacks are essential for improving the effectiveness of working. Therefore, make
sure that you are open to feedback and you are taking them positively.

7. Be Open-minded

Your thinking process can become a barrier to effective communication. While


communicating with any person, it is vital to have an open mind because, with narrow
thinking, you will make a response without even listening and understanding things
correctly. A person can have an intense dialogue with a person if he/she has an o

8. Using Silence

Being silent in some of the situations is considered a very effective communication


technique. When you use silence intentionally, it gives time to the speaker and recipient
both to think through and process what should be conversated next using the right body
language.

9. Accepting

The power of acceptance is necessary to acknowledge others’ perceptions and it


empowers your ability to communicate more effectively. You even communicate it and
show acceptance when others speak and you make eye contact and nod your head. You
can choose your words after understanding other’s points of view.

10. Giving Broad Openings

It is one of the effective communication techniques to start communication with someone


who is hesitant. You can allow others to share their own thoughts and feelings the way
they want by providing a broad opening or asking open-ended questions e.g.- feel free to
say what would you like to say today.

11. Seeking Clarification

When you are not clear about the speaker’s words or confused about some ambiguous
point of view, it is always good to seek clarification. It does not cause any sort of conflict or
miscommunication, plus it will also improve relationships and establish trust between
listener and speaker.

12. Making Observations

For effective interaction, your observations about others’ appearance, conversations,


demeanor, inclinations, and other nonverbal signals also play a crucial role. By adeptly
observing them, you may gauge their inclinations to accordingly tweak your message.

13. Focusing

Having focus while communicating is one of the inevitable characteristics that set the
ground for a healthy, honest, and professional way of conversation. While speaking or
while listening, the focus is very important for oral or written communication, as it will work
as one of the most effective tools to optimize the outcome of your communication.

14. Using Sense of Humor

The use of a sense of humor is considered one of the most powerful communication
techniques for professional as well as personal life. If you try to avoid differences,
communicating with hope, respect and humor is considered highly useful.

15. Establishing Trust

There can be different ways of establishing trust while communicating or interacting with
some, but when a speaker and listener have trust, the outcome of their interaction will
always be helpful. By offering a genuine smile, sharing facts-driven messages or ideas,
asking the right questions, giving the right feedback, you will be able to develop trust
which will empower you to express your views in a more authentic manner.

16. Watch Your Body Language

Though your words carry a lot of weight while speaking, it is a must to check your body
language in the process. Keeping your expression relaxed, making eye contact, avoiding
leg or arm crossing, avoiding fidgeting, etc are important for effective communication and
open body language.

17. Empathize with others

For developing a personal connection and making your interaction constructive, you
should have the ability to empathize. For this, you should be aware of the
other’s emotions revealed through their nonverbal signals and body language. In case
they are excited or happy, you should reciprocate in the same manner.

18. Read Regularly

When it comes to optimizing written communication skills, regular reading is a must.


Reading books will also help you cultivate your skills of communicating effectively. It will
also help you stay informed, plus empower your vocabulary as well. It will also improve
your choice of words while communicating or writing an article.

19. Show keen interest

Your verbal and nonverbal (or written) cues should show your interest while
communicating or interacting with someone. Your responses should reflect and affirm, as
the success of the interaction depends upon such signals. Paying full heed while
communicating and asking relevant questions are important communication techniques
that you should master.

20. Be concise and clear

For effective professional communication, being concise and clear is highly pivotal. Just
talking a lot may turn your listener brain dead and they will not be able to register key
points. Most of the time over-talkers do not understand how infuriating or irritating they can
be. Therefore, learning clear communication and concise speaking is crucial here. You
should never offer an overload of information while communicating. Information overload
will not only bore your listener but they might also forget some key points.
21. Use the other person’s name

Using the name of the other person while communicating shows that you value their
viewpoints and ideas. It also plays a crucial role in easing down the hesitation and
establishing trust. For example, if you are meeting an introverted person the second time,
and you use his name while starting the conversation, it will make him feel better while
communicating with you.

https://media.healthdirect.org.au/publications/
CarerGateway_Resource_02_Effective_communication_techniques_v03.pdf\

Effective communication skills are essential for healthy relationships, whether at home, work or in business or
social situations. People are often more inclined to work with you and help you reach your goals if you communicate
effectively.

Benefits of effective communication

1. leads to the right information being shared


2. minimises conflict and confusion
3. saves resources such as time and money
4. helps establish a bond
5. leads to the intended results being achieved
6. leads to appropriate feedback being given and received
7. helps build strong relationships

https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/effective-communication-techniques/

The best communicators aren’t born with expert skills — they develop effective
communication techniques over time. With the right balance of skills, you can
become an effective communicator too!

Communication is all about getting information from one party to another.


According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, communication can be defined as the
process or act of exchanging, expressing or conveying information and ideas
through writing, speaking and gesturing.

While anyone can communicate, it takes some practice to become an effective


communicator.

But what makes effective communication? The keys to effective


communication lie in both party’s hands. The expresser must deliver messages
clearly, while the receiver must listen carefully. Effective communication
happens when the correct purpose of the message is sent and understood.
Speakers must articulate, and listeners must practice active listening.

If you can master the art of delivering messages and receiving them
effectively, you are sure to succeed in many areas of life. A person with
effective communication skills can get their message across without
misunderstanding which reduces the likelihood for mistakes and conflict.
Effective communication means you are more likely to get exactly what you
need.
The Best Effective
Communication Techniques
1. First Understand: Ask Questions
Asking questions is a great opener for effective communication techniques. But
remember to make sure your questions are open-ended, instead of ones that
require a yes-or-no answer only. That way, you open the conversation for
further communication.

 Listening: Using active listening is one of the most effective


communication techniques. Listen with your entire body, be alert as the
other person is speaking, and stay mentally engaged the entire time.

 Observing: Pay attention to the other person as they are talking. What
are their nonverbal clues such as eye contact and body language telling
you?

 Using Feedback: Ask the person you were speaking with to give you
feedback. This can either be on your speaking style, or ask them to
summarize your points. If they are able to accurately tell you your
message back to you, then you know you have communicated your
thoughts effectively.

2. Be Clear
 Articulate Your Views Clearly: Being able to clearly communicate
what’s going on in your mind is an effective communication technique
that will help you avoid confusion, and get you closer to what you need.

 Eliminate Filler Words: If you think “um” and “like” are the only filler
words, you need to take a better look at this list. Filler words can include
many words and phrases subbed for pauses, such as “so,” “you know,”
and “I mean.” A good way to recognize your commonly used fillers is to
record yourself speaking and recognize those fillers. Then, practice
replacing one of them with a breath or a pause and keep going until you
no longer speak using these fillers.

3. Read Books
By reading books, you increase your vocabulary, expose yourself to new and
varied forms of expression, and keep yourself up to date on interesting events
and new conversation topics.
4. Stress Management
When you are stressed, your communication skills are not at their best. You
may be in danger of losing your temper, showing frustration to the other
person, or experiencing anxiety during the conversation. If you start to feel
stressed, take a breath, take a break, and come back to the conversation
when you are less stressed.

5. Proper Body Language


Be aware of your own body language as well as others while the conversation
is going. Crossed arms means a closed mind, and leaning forward means
interest. Being cognizant of your body language and how you portray yourself
goes a long way in effective communication.

6. Silence
Silence is your friend when it comes to communication. Effective
communicators will use silence in a deliberate manner, to let something sink
in, or more commonly, when they feel as if their conversation partner may be
holding back. Keeping your mouth shut might reveal more than you think!

7. Positive Mindset
When you maintain a positive attitude, things are bound to go your way!
Negativity can cause others to shut down in a conversation, which is the
opposite of what you want.

 Smile: A smile that is genuine and warm shows interest and enthusiasm,
while a smile that is forced or contrived can seem rude and arrogant.

 Enthusiasm: When you sprinkle your conversation with well-timed


enthusiasm, you elude a sense of fun and incite interest in your
conversation partner. Also, enthusiasm is contagious! Soon, they’ll be
getting just as excited about your topic as you are.

 Sense Of Humor: Humor gets the point across quickly and effectively,
and is an excellent communication tool to have in your pocket. The more
you use humor in conversation, the more comfortable you will be with it.
By having a great sense of humor, you also invite others to laugh with
you which increases trust and looking to you to be a leader.

8. Be Respectful
 Empathy: Develop an understanding and compassion for the person you
are speaking with. This will help you to effectively communicate your
message in ways that they can best understand. The most skillful
communicators will adapt the delivery of information to match their
listeners.

 Open And Honest: Being open means revealing some truths about
yourself. If you can be open and honest, the other person is more likely
to be as well.

 Speak As Equals: Showing that you play on the same team is a very
effective communication technique. As you speak, make sure to use
words such as “we” and “us.” Try not to distance yourself from your
listener in any way. There is nothing more off-putting than a person who
thinks they are better than others.

9. Keep Learning: Curiosity


Develop a natural curiosity about those who you are speaking with. This will
help your listening skills, and will make you appear more genuine, because
you are! When you show your interest, you generate trust, and are more likely
to be taken seriously and understood when it is your turn to talk.

10. Use People’s Names


By using the other person’s name in the conversation, you show you care
about them. You also show your attentiveness by showing that you remember
their name. If there are other important players that are not present, show
your respect by making sure to reference them by name as well.

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