Do you have difficulty in starting conversation and maintaining the interests of the people you are speaking with? Or are you unable to convey your message properly among your co-workers or friends. Or you face a problem of not being able to interpret what the other person wants from you? Then do not worry as you belong to one of the larger group of people on this earth who need to improve communication skill.
But wait! You should take steps to improve your communication. Improved communication can improve your personal as well as working relationships.
Communication is usually taken for granted, that is, until it breaks down. Why did not my teacher get my point? How can I get my counselor to understand what I am saying? Why does every discussion with my mom turn into an argument? Improved communication help you express your ideas clearly, learn from other people, and resolve any conflicts. Most of these skills you'll pick up with life experience. Here are a few tips to improve communication skills.
A powerful way to improve communication is to step into others shoes. In the film 'Freaky Friday', a mother and teenage daughter exchange bodies. It is a hilarious comedy where they both get to experience what it is like to be the other person and in their situation. Stepping into other people's shoes enables great communication to take place, even under difficult circumstances. Many of the problems we experience on a daily basis are due to either a lack of, or poor communication.
One of the best ways to improve communication and break down any barriers is to understand other people. Once we truly consider things from the perspectives of others and understand what inspires them, their beliefs and fears etc, interpersonal relationships improve dramatically. These relationships include: Intimate relationship with spouse or partner, parent and child, co-workers, managers and team, peers, clients and potential clients.
Another way to improve communication is by being clear. Make sure you understand what you want to say before you start. Explain the context of your point so your listener clearly understands why you're talking to them, use simple words and language to express your point.
Another important tip to improve communication is to stay positive. Phrase your ideas and suggestions in a positive, rather than critical way. Be confident. Do not assume that what you have to say isn't worthwhile. Keep in mind, a listener's silence doesn't necessarily mean consent or disapproval. It may just mean that the person needs to think about a response before answering.
One more method to improve communication is to listen actively. Make sure you understand what the other person is trying to say. And see if you got it. Do not get so preoccupied planning what you will say next that you do not pay attention. Keep an open mind. Be flexible about compromises and alternate solutions. Speak with self-control do not just say the first response that comes to mind
Last but not the least learn from experience. Review situations in which you had to communicate with different people, such as a friend, parent, or a study group.
To reduce misunderstandings and hassles of poor communication with your team, friends, family one must improve communication. Improved communication lead to strong and healthy personal and working relationships.
Above and beyond the increased rules and requirements of businesses and, especially, finance functions, the trend is towards better business partnering. Better business partnering from finance professionals is seen as the future, but how can this be achieved without adequate communication?
A 'silo' mentality is no longer acceptable in business. Senior finance professionals are expected to have great versatility and flexibility, yet still maintain rigorous professional and technical standards.
As I develop the concept of the ‘Marketable CFO', I find that financial leaders need not only to communicate rules and guidelines effectively but they also need to communicate about themselves. This is the only way they will demonstrate their competence and develop trust with the board.
How to Develop Your Own Personal Communication Strategy So You Can Perform at Your Best to Achieve the Results You Desire
* Go With Your Strengths
Before you develop your communication strategy you must first understand your own natural style and strengths, as well as your weaker points. It's proven that using one's strengths to the fullest is far more likely to bring results than battling against one's weaknesses. So, tailor your communication strategy to your individual personality. You can benefit greatly by asking friends, family and trusted peers to give you feedback.
* Remain Authentic and Flexible
The key is to understand that not everyone thinks the same way, nor interprets the same way, so you need to be able to ‘flex different muscles', in different situations. However, to try to be something you are not will not only make you unhappy, but will be noticed by others. While trying different communication techniques, always remain authentic to oneself.
* Plan Ahead of Time
It can be easier dealing with one-to-ones rather than groups, as one can tailor one's communication strategy more effectively. In this case, preparation and an understanding of who you are dealing with can be very important. Taking time to plan an important meeting can be invaluable -- not only in terms of content, but approach as well.
* Follow My Seven Steps to Becoming a CFO That Communicates Effectively
It is important to develop a plan or strategy, and treat this like a project. This will ensure you take it seriously, identify opportunities to ‘practice', and allow monitoring and follow-up, to be sure to reach your goal.
Next steps include:
1. Set yourself a plan, 2. Identify key meetings/occasions of potential influence 3. Research different styles, as well as your own; 4. Get trusted feedback arranged 5. Try out different approaches, whilst still being yourself; 6. Take time to think about your audience, and how they like to receive information; 7. Work on your presentation skills.
If you take the time to think about how to communicate effectively, you may be surprised at how marketable you become!
Both John Khu & Caroline Stockman are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Khu has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Disease & illness and Computers and The Internet. John Khu is an experience entrepreneur and internet marketer. He specializes in communication development and personal happiness.