Communicating the intended message clearly and effectively is an important skill, which is often a key factor in deciding the chances of success. Communication is the process of transforming information from one entity to another; but communication skills are a set of important attributes that highlight one’s personality. You need to focus diligently on your communication skills to convey your ideas better. Communication skills can be broadly categorized as follows:
- Written Communication Irrespective of whether it is a verbal or a written communication, it needs to be precise and lucid. As a thumb rule, avoid using jargons just for the sake of adding weight to your message, which cannot be understood by the readers. Short sentences pack more power as they are easier to read and understand, but they should be correct, clear, consistent, and concrete. Maintain a certain degree of subtlety in your approach. Simply using words from the dictionary doesn’t mean that you have a good vocabulary. You cannot expect people to run through a dictionary every time they come across some new word. Rather, if you provide enough choices and variety in your language that would make the reading and listening experience of your audience more comfortable and enjoyable. Without this, writing might be a big turnoff to most readers.
- Verbal Communication While communicating verbally, you need to speak out your point succinctly and clearly, paying careful attention to your pitch. Modulate your tone within the context of the topic. Ensure that you do not ramble or recite your points, as it may seem very unimpressive, which might also project you as unintelligent. You should be well aware and thorough about the subject you are speaking on and should be able to justify your points with logic, facts and figures. Make sure that you are speaking effortlessly, preferably at a slow pace and not just uttering what you have memorized.
- Listening Skills – Good communicators know the importance of listening. They will tell you that listening is more important than even speaking. While in a conversation, if you do not listen carefully to what others are speaking, it will appear as if you are simply trying to put your point of view only and trying to dominate others, which might project you as very arrogant. This at times may prove a pitfall for you. Resist distractions and encourage the speaker. A good listener has the power to create a good audience, so try to maximize your audience and pay regard to what they say.
Improving your communication skills is an art that comes with regular practice. As proven, practice makes a man perfect, start with a noble intention and keep practicing dedicatedly till you reach perfection. No matter how intelligent you are, your communication skill is the only attribute that will help you to convince your target audience. So, make wise use of your words skillfully and make sure to establish your point politely.
Remember, the art of communication is the language of leadership.
