Being able to effectively communicate is a skill necessary through all areas of your life. From social settings to work, this is one skill most don't put much thought or effort into developing. Many of us have a difficult time trying to get out points across our voices hear although it's really important. Then how to improve communication skills? With a little bit of effort and some practice you will be good at that. The following tips and tricks can help improve your communication skills in any situation.
Reduce the use of fillers
Words like “Um”, “Ah”, and “like” are often used to fill awkward silences in conversations or speeches. These words do not help you communicate effectively what you are trying to say. Instead of giving into the urge to use these fillers, take the moment to simply pause. While it may seem like a long awkward silence to you, other will most likely find it less noticeable.
Be prepared for small talk
Engaging in small talk can be difficult for most people. These types of conversations seem to suddenly common up and catch us off guard and then just as suddenly fade off because our nerves get the best of us and we fumble with what to say. Having some go to topic and conversation starters can help you transition from simple small talk to a more meaningful conversation.
Ask questions
It can be easy to get distracted when talking to someone, which can lead to intercommunication and misunderstandings. When having a conversation, try to ask more questions and be sure to repeat back what the other person has said to you. This will help clarify what the other person has said and can help keep the conversation going.
Pay more attention
When you are talking to someone or out with a group of people, put your phone away. You want to make an effort to pay more attention to those around you than keeping your attention focus down
Nonverbal communication
How to improve communication skills isn't just about what you actually say, your body language also helps you communicate. How you stand, eye-contact, and how you move your body while in a conversation can be very telling. Standing with your arms crossed, for instance, relays the message that you are not really open to communicating. Learning what your body language says to others, and what their body language says to you, can help you become better at talking in social and professional situations.
Speak clearly
It can be easy to begin to mumble and jumble your words together, especially when you become nervous talking to new people or larger crowds. Slow down when you speak and articulate clearly what you are saying.
Change your tone
When you speak in a monotone voice, others can quickly become bored and unfocused. When talking, you want to lower and raise your voice so you can maintain the other person's attention. This not only keeps other engaged in what you are saying, it also allows you to really emphasize what you are saying.
Be emphatic
When you are able to more easily put yourself in the other person's shoes, you can become better at speaking in a number of situations. Be able to see things
Laugh a little
When you are uncomfortable or nervous when speaking to others, you become more stressed and anxious. How to improve communication skills doesn't mean you have to be serious all the time. Adding in a little bit of humor in your conversation can help you and the other people relax. Just be sure this humor is appropriate for the situation and not offensive.
Stay positive
When you give off a more cheerful and positive attitude, people will be more at ease talking to you. When you are negative, complain, or whine continuously, people are going to be less willing to engage in a conversation with you. Allow yourself to turn negative into positive and give yourself time to cool down when you are faced with a confrontational conversation.
Listen to yourself speak
Record some of your conversation throughout the day and listen to them closely. By listening to how you speak in everyday conversation, you can better pinpoint what areas of your communication you need to work on improving.
Take notes on others
Studying professional speakers will allow you to take notes on what makes these individuals effective communicators. Pay attention to the language they use, their body language and the tone they use while they speak.
Read more
Since the written word is another way for people to communicate, reading more can help you become a better communicator when you speak. Books, newspaper, magazine, online article and more can all help you better understand how others express themselves and how to clearly present information. Reading more also expands your vocabulary which will also help you become better at communicating.
Actually listen
Above all, how to improve communication skills involves improving your listening skills. Communication is a
Practice
One of the best things you can do to improve your communications skills when it comes to speaking to groups of people is to practice. Practicing what you are going to say will allow you to avoid some of the most common conversation mistakes. Even when it comes to talking to individuals, you can role play so you are better prepared to handle a number of social situations.
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