There is a famous saying ” A fool may talk, but the wise man speaks” . This is so relevant in today’s world. Nobody has time for the talks, but people listen when you speak. In this fast paced world you need to be heard and need to be heard quick.
Communication is an integral part of personality development today. You speak, they understand,you win ; as simple as it gets. But then, while communication comes very easy for some, you maybe be surprised to know that, the very confident and tenacious boss of yours may actually be struggling with his communication.
7 Simple Tips to Improve Your Communication Skills
1. Confidence: You need to be sure of yourself even before you present yourself to others. Remember, It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.
2. Practice: Even if it is a small speech or an informal communication, its always true, practice makes a man perfect. Stand in front of your mirror, you need to be your own audience.Talk to the mirror. If it is an important conversation, gather a couple of near and dear ones and present it to them. Get their opinion. It helps !
3. Context: Hear what you are saying. If it does not make sense to you, how can it make sense to others who have so little time to spare? Make your conversation crisp and to the point. Do not beat a dead horse. Its dead! and it gets you no where!
4. Articulate: Action speaks louder than words ! Make sure you are not zombie walking(in this case talking!) and that you are connecting to your audience through actions,gestures,facial expressions (nod,smile) and do not forget that killer eye contact. That has the power to connect with your audience like nothing else.
5. Listen: No! Not an oxymoron! Listening is an important part of communication. In fact in my opinion THE most important one. Listen to what your audience has to say to you. React to it; accept it; Helps you stay connected with your audience. They need to feel heard. Its all about give and take.
6) Determination to succeed: Although it is said that nothing succeeds like success yet it can be said that determination is the guarantee for a sure success.For this purpose we must have determination in ourself that we are going to master the art of good communication skills by our will power.It is by sheer will power that man has performed the feats which were considered impossible in the past.
7. Feedback: Very important. Make sure every formal/informal communication has a feedback mechanism. If you are talking to your boss, check with her how she felt about the whole conversation, anything which she would suggest. If you are presenting something, have a formal feedback form that goes around the table. Feedback always helps you plug the gap.
Remember, for good or ill, every time you open your mouth, you let people look into your mind. So its you who decides, what you let them see.
Find out more on how to improve communication skills and how to build self confidence at ProsperityHut.com.