These 3 Steps Will Improve Your Communication Skills
In 2020, quality communication has become more crucial than ever. Leaving our offices to work from home has proved the importance of communication in a whole new way, as we have grappled with how to stay connected even when physically apart. No matter where we are working, communication is a skill we should be seeking to improve.
Paul J. Meyer, who is regarded as a pioneer of the self-improvement industry, perhaps described it best when he said: “Communication - the human connection - is the key to personal and career success.”
If we know communication is the key to our success, it’s imperative we learn how to wield it effectively. Here are three steps to improve your communication skills.
1. Learn to Listen
Everything you know, you heard or learned from someone else. Not just hearing, but actually listening is how we gain our knowledge. The more you know about the person with whom you are communicating, the easier it will be to connect with them and strengthen the relationship.
James 1:19 tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. When we interrupt or spend the conversation thinking about what we will say next, we lose a valuable opportunity to gain insight into our colleagues’ thought processes and background. This can cause frustration from both ends of the conversation and results in a failed connection. As leaders, we should view each conversation as a chance to grow in our understanding of the other person. Listening to those we work with allows us to learn from those around us, people who may have more or different experiences than us. Try it sometime--Concentrate on really listening and understanding rather than spending your bandwidth coming up with your response to them. It is a game-changer!
2. Use Body Language
Non-verbal communication is one of the most telling parts of a conversation. Using body language appropriately can affect the way the other person is receiving your messaging and vice versa, even through a Zoom or Skype call.
Eye contact is one of the most important non-verbal messages you can send. By making eye contact, you show respect and investment. As leaders, use your body language as a tool to show your engagement and interest in your colleagues. In this virtual world, this means not just watching our own video on the screen, but looking directly at the camera when speaking and looking at our colleagues’ video when they are talking.
Taking control of our nonverbal cues requires more energy and mindfulness, but it is well worth the effort. Choosing to wear a smile, nod while we are listening, and making sure our arms aren’t crossed, for example, are small yet significant ways to let the person you are speaking with know that you are being present, engaged with them, and receptive to what they have to say.
3. Ask Questions
Communication fails when one side of the interaction misunderstands the other. Asking questions provides clarity for both sides of the conversation. Taking the time to ask questions provides an opportunity to be successful in what you are trying to accomplish. By ensuring that everyone feels understood (by you encouraging others to ask you questions, and asking questions of others to gain more insight into what they are saying), you help your employees and fellow leaders to trust your authority, which makes it easier for you to lead and for them to have faith in your leadership.
A true-life instance of this we can learn from are the disciples, who questioned Jesus on different things throughout their journey of following Him. When Jesus answered their specific queries, their eyes were opened. We need to be like the disciples, asking questions so that our eyes can be opened to whatever situation is in front of us.
All three of these points have one driving force: the success of making a connection and truly engaging with others. In business, our connections are our most valuable asset (and I’m not just speaking about LinkedIn!) Much can be accomplished by doing something as small as making eye contact, actively listening when someone speaks, and truly engaging in the conversation. Although most of the events of this year have been out of our control, one thing we can control is the way we interact with others.
People will know when you are truly engaged in conversation with them and seeking to gain better insight. I have heard it said that people will seldom remember what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Just give it a try!