Here are a few steps that you can take to develop your verbal communication skills:
• Use a strong, confident speaking voice- Especially when presenting information to a few or a group of people, be sure to use a strong voice so that everyone can easily hear you. Be confident when speaking so that your ideas are clear and easy for others to understand.
• Use active listening- The other side of using verbal communication is intently listening and hearing others. Active listening skills are key when conducting a meeting, presentation or even when participating in a one-on-one conversation, doing so will help you grow as a communicator.
• Avoid filler words- It can be tempting, especially during a presentation, to use filler words such as “um,” “like,” “so” or “yeah.” While it might feel natural after completing a sentence or pausing to collect your thoughts, it can also be distracting for your audience. Try presenting to a trusted friend or colleague who can call attention to the times you use filler words. Try to replace them by taking a breath when you are tempted to use them.
NOTE- Few steps that you can take to develop your Non-verbal communication skills are-
• Notice how your emotions feel physically- Throughout the day, as you experience a range of emotions (anything from energized, bored, happy or frustrated), try to identify where you feel that emotion within your body. Developing self-awareness around how your emotions affect your body can give you greater mastery over your external presentation.
• Be intentional about your nonverbal communications- Make an effort to display positive body language when you feel alert, open, and positive about your surroundings. You can also use body language to support your verbal communication if you feel confused or anxious about information, like using a furrowed brow. Use body language alongside verbal communication, such as asking to follow up questions or pulling the presenter aside to give feedback.
• Mimic nonverbal communications, you find effective- If you find certain facial expressions or body language beneficial to a certain setting, use it as a guide when improving your own nonverbal communications. For example, if you see that when someone nods their head, it communicates approval and positive feedback efficiently, use it in your next meeting when you have the same feelings.
NOTE- Few steps that you can take to develop your written communication skills are-
• Strive for simplicity- Written communications should be as simple and clear as possible. While it might be helpful to include lots of detail in instructional communications, for example, you should look for areas where you can write as clearly as possible for your audience to understand.
• Do not rely on tone-Always be careful when you are trying to communicate a certain tone when writing because you do not have the nuance of verbal and nonverbal communications, for example, attempting to communicate a joke, sarcasm, or excitement might be translated differently depending on the audience. Instead, try to keep your writing as simple and plain as possible and follow up with verbal communications where you can add more personality.
• Take time to review your written communications- Setting time aside to re-read your emails, letters, or memos can help you identify mistakes or opportunities to say something differently. For important communications or those that will be sent to a large number of people, it might be helpful to have a trusted colleague review it as well.
• Keep a file of writing you find productive or enjoyable- If you receive a certain pamphlet, email or memo that you find particularly helpful or interesting, save it for reference when writing your own communications. Incorporating methods or styles you like can help you to improve over time.
NOTE- Few steps that you can take to develop your visual communication skills are-
• Ask others before including visuals. If you are considering sharing a visual aid in your presentation or email, consider asking others for feedback. Adding visuals can sometimes make concepts confusing or muddled. Getting a third-party perspective can help you decide whether the visual adds value to your communications.
• Consider your audience. Be sure to include visuals that are easily understood by your audience. For example, if you are displaying a chart with unfamiliar data, be sure to take time and explain what is happening in the visual and how it relates to what you are saying. You should never use sensitive, offensive, violent or graphic visuals in any form.
To make improvements to your communication skills, set personal goals to work through the things you want to accomplish step by step. It might be helpful to consult with trusted colleagues, managers or mentors to identify which areas would be best to focus on first.