Keep Your Job – Communicate Effectively

Communication is a process of transferring information from a sender to a receiver with the use of a medium so that the information is understood by both parties. There may be many ways of communication; however, both parties must understand a common language to get the information across.

It is not wrong to say that we, human can acquire ‘communication’ skills. Although we can talk and hear, we must learn to speak and listen effectively to communicate. We all develop our abilities in listening, speaking and identifying other non-verbal meanings in the learning process of communication.

By now you should realize that those who have succeeded possess effective communication skills. And, yes. These skills can be learned. You do not have to pay to attend any course. Use these simple strategies to help you communicate better.

When someone is speaking to you:

· Make eye contact

It is polite to look at the person talking to you. An eye contact here shows that you are paying attention to what is said. Remember not make any assumptions but wait until the speaker finishes his message. If the message is important, jot it down so that you can take actions later.

· Rephrase the massage

When the speaker has finished, you can rephrase and repeat the message to the person. Not only you must get the exact message, you need to understand it as well.

· Minimize the background noise

Unless you are with a group of people, you can choose to stand closer to the speaker. Learn some lip reading techniques so that you can receive the message easier.

· Listen actively

When you listen actively, you will ask intelligent questions. The speaker will immediately know that you are interested in what he/she is talking about.

· Acknowledge verbal and non-verbal communications

As someone is communicating to you, look out for some non-verbal language from the person. When you pay some attention at the speaker’s body language, you can interpret the speaker’s message easily.

· Share your ideas when asked to

Sharing ideas is a form of communication. It helps to come up with more ideas to solve some problems. However, do not interrupt when someone else is talking. Always wait for your turn. Even if you have no ideas to share at the moment, do not criticize other people’s ideas.

When you are speaking:

Articulate the message clearly (face to face)

As the speaker, you need to speak clearly, plainly and directly. Do not mumble. Be as natural as you can. Make your colleague(s) or listener(s) feel at ease. Do not raise your voice even if you are speaking to a group of people. Make eye contacts with your listener(s) or colleague (s).

Use a common language which your listener(s) can understand. Remember not to use ambiguous words. You are not showing off your expertise in the language! Always look at your listener(s) for responds. Acknowledge all verbal and non-verbal (body language) responses.

Use examples in your message

It is always helpful to expand your ideas or messages using examples. However, be straight forward and not beat around the bush.

Be open to suggestions

Communication is a two-way process. So, after a presentation of your idea, give your colleagues a chance to share their ideas too. Remember, do not reject or criticize ideas openly or utter any words that may disgrace your colleagues. Always look for non-verbal responses while someone is sharing his/her idea.

Adopt a positive attitude

As the speaker, you should speak with positive sentences. Everyone responds better to a speaker with a positive attitude. And thus the setting will become livelier. Make sure that your body language agrees with your message.

Your non-verbal communication is important

You may not realize that when you are talking, your listener(s) or colleague(s) are actually acknowledging your body language and facial expressions. Even when you are not in a good mood that day, be sincere and open.

Make a connection with your colleagues

It is important to find a common ground between you and your colleagues. They will accept you readily because of this connection. The same connection will also help you to solve many problems.

Build a trust with your colleagues

Trust is an important bond that will make your colleagues willing to listen to you. This trust will pave a way to many new ideas. Your colleagues will be willing to share and contribute good ideas because they trust you as their leader.

Eliminate background noise

As the speaker, you can minimize the background noise. Go somewhere quiet. Speak to your audience in a closed office or room. Turn off all mobile telephones for the time being. However, do not make the meeting longer than half an hour. You’ll receive all sorts of negative non-verbal responses if you take up a lot of their time.

Choose the best channel to communicate

When direct face to face communication is impossible, there are also other medium to choose from. You can use the telephone or the fax machine. These days, chat programs, office blogs and other message boards are used widely in offices. Make sure the message you want to send out is clear, precise and direct.

Do not forget that every staff, including your top level personnel can access the message too. Choose your words carefully. Do not try to degrade anyone in your message. Always remind yourself not to send the same message more than once at a time. At all times, respect the receiver(s)’ need for discretion.

So, instead of being fearful that you cannot keep your job, acquire these communication skills as soon as possible. These skills are always useful no matter where you work.

Change your attitude towards others, if needed. Nobody cares for someone who shouts and barks to get his/her messages across. Polishing your communication skills can help you go very far in your career.

This intel first appeared on: http://hubpages.com/_1piz1md3kvu7e/hub/Keep-Your-Job--Communicate-E...