It is no secret that communication is a major part of both our personal and professional lives. However, many of us struggle with effective communication, and some aren't even aware of its importance. Whether we are trying to communicate with our family, friends, or coworkers, poor communication can lead to tension, frustration, and even interpersonal disaster. In this blog post, we present suggestions for how you can improve your communication skills. Why is this important? According to Entrepreneur, strong communication is one of the top soft skills recruiters look for.

Be clear and concise when communicating

When communicating with others, you must be clear about what you are trying to say. How can you communicate something effectively if you don't even know what you are trying to say? To communicate clearly, it's important to be concise and avoid ambiguity. Ambiguous language can be confusing and lead to misunderstanding. Be direct and use specific language whenever possible. Avoid the use of jargon or complicated words and phrases that the other person may not understand.

Listen actively (don’t listen to respond)

When it comes to effective communication, listening is just as important as speaking. When you are listening to someone, make sure that you are truly trying to understand what they are saying, rather than waiting for your turn to respond. Avoid interrupting and wait until they have finished speaking before responding. Pay attention to what they are saying and ask questions if you need clarification.

Keep your emotions in check

It’s essential to be able to control your emotions and remain level-headed when communicating with others, especially in the workplace. Getting angry or upset can make a situation worse. Emotions get in the way of communicating effectively. If you notice either party getting frustrated during a conversation, take a step back and take a break. Sometimes, you'll only need a few minutes to clear your head. Once your emotions have balanced out, it is safe to resume the conversation.

Be aware of your body language

Most of us are familiar with the idea that body language is an important component of communication. We know, for example, that eye contact is important when speaking to someone. But do we know the why behind it? Well, for one thing, it can be a great way to build rapport with others. When we use positive body language, such as smiling and maintaining eye contact, we come across as friendly and open. This naturally makes people more likely to want to interact with us. On the other hand, negative body language, such as crossing our arms or avoiding eye contact, can give off the impression that we're closed off and unapproachable. Not only can this influence people's desire to want to interact with us, but it can also make them less likely to trust us or believe what we're saying. According to a Forbes article, “people you are hoping to influence will be subliminally evaluating your credibility, confidence, empathy and trustworthiness - and their evaluation will be only partially determined by what you say”. Your expressions, posture, gestures, but also use of personal space will significantly impact how you and the message you are trying to get through are perceived.

Be open-minded and limit assumptions

Being open-minded is essential for good and effective communication. It allows you to listen to others without judgment to try and understand their point of view. It also helps you to be more flexible in your thinking and to find common ground with others. When you are open-minded, you are more likely to be better at resolving conflicts, solving problems creatively, and building strong, lasting relationships. So next time you are about to have a conversation, remember to keep an open mind and not make assumptions. It could make all the difference.

Be respectfully assertive

Assertiveness is the ability to express yourself in a clear and confident manner without being aggressive. Being able to communicate assertively can help you to thrive in the workplace. When you are assertive, you can express your needs and wants clearly and confidently without coming across as pushy or unprofessional. This allows you to build strong relationships with your colleagues, and to get your point across effectively. Assertiveness can also help you set boundaries so you can say no when necessary. This can help prevent burnout and allow you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Avoid multitasking

Multitasking has become the norm in today's fast-paced world. We juggle work, family, and social obligations, and try to do it all at once. However, if you want to communicate effectively with someone, it's imperative to give them your full attention. When we divide our attention, we are less able to focus on one thing, and as a result, we may miss important details or fail to fully understand what someone is saying to us. It's also important to avoid looking at your phone while speaking to someone. Avoiding your phone shows that you value their time and what they have to say.

There's no doubt that effective communication is essential for thriving at work. The ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and in person, is crucial for success in any profession. Effective communication allows you to build strong relationships with coworkers, bosses, and clients. It also helps to avoid misunderstandings and conflict. In other words, when you can communicate effectively, you are more likely to succeed in your career. Don’t forget, effective communication is a skill and it can be learned and developed with practice. So if you’ve noticed you're lacking in this department, you can implement some of the tips above to experience positive changes in your relationships with others.