|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Content Tip |
 |
|
|
| |
Write Articles
to share your ideas, views and experiences. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Improve Your Communication
Skills
|
|
In this present context of
competitive era, one must be efficient in
effective communication process to sustain in the market
position. Hence it is necessary to consider every aspect of life and to
work with turn around strategies. Here in this paper I presented some
vital requirements to change the body language.
Ever seen your team members at work getting defensive just as you were
getting ready to talk? Ever been rejected at an interview even though you
knew your answers were first grade? Ever seen people's eyes glaze over
while you give a presentation?
In all likelihood, the fault lies not in your ability to do your job or
how talented you are. It's probably the lack of communication skills
that's keeping you from achieving the heights you know you can. |
Often, people with poor
communication skills find that no matter how hard they struggle to get
ahead, they are, at the end of the day, swimming against the current.
Nothing they do or say achieves results like their co-workers who have the
all-important skill of communicating effectively tucked under their belts.
In all offices, there are
those who just have to clear their throats and have the room turning in
anticipation of what they're going to say, and those who could have the
best idea of the year, but nobody apart from his neighbour knows it.
To help
you make your way into the former group, and learn how you can improve
your communication skills, rediff.com's Insiyah Vahanvaty spoke to some
experts to see what they had to say.
Listen:
Yes, listening is as much a part of communicating as talking is. If you
don't listen, you give the other person the feeling of being ignored and
unvalued, which leads to an instant drop in receptiveness. According to
Mukul Saxena, COO of 2KnowBiz Learning Services, "Young people these days
are always in a hurry to be heard without listening to what other people
have to say. They need to be a little more patient and hear other points
of view, especially those that come from people more experienced than
them."
Professor RSS Mani, a
renowned HRD expert and management educator agrees. "Most young people are
good at expressing themselves, but they seem to think that listening is
tantamount to obeying and are resistant to it. Also, I've noticed that
young people seem to have very short attention spans, which leads to
distracted bursts of listening." Listening is as much a part of
communicating as talking.
|
|
Read:
Reading is a great way to keep your vocabulary and grammar fresh. Also,
reading helps you learn different points of view, and helps you learn how
to articulate your thoughts effectively. Says Professor Mani, "Sadly,
reading is a fast-dying habit. I always suggest reading to those who are
trying to improve their communication skills. It helps improve language
and vocabulary, as well as provide new perspectives to issues."
Saxena agrees, "Reading broadens horizons and gives people the diverse
perspectives needed to talk to people of all kinds and ages. Also, one
must keep in mind that good books are typically written by excellent
communicators who can be modelled." Reading broadens your horizons. |
Speak clearly:
If you see people losing interest, maybe you're going too fast
Enunciate your words.
If you have to give a presentation, rehearse it beforehand, so you know
what you want to say and can get your point across effectively. Keep your
tone neutral and speak loudly enough to be heard. If you see people losing
interest, maybe you're going too fast. Pause. Take a moment before
starting to talk again.
In written communication, remember that your objective is to get your
message across, not sound impressive. Write in simple, clear, and easy to
understand language. "I often find that in order to make a document sound
impressive and stylish, people tend to use jargon and technical words that
actually only serve to get in the way of communicating the message
effectively. Remember, simplicity is the key to effective communication",
says Professor Mani. Manish Porwal, CEO of Percept Talent Management
agrees. "Words have meanings: 'same' is not 'similar' and there is a
reason why it is 'similar' and not the 'same'. Having more words in your
vocabulary but using them sparingly and accurately, without excessive
jargon, is the way to communicate better with your audience." You can't
make your point if you don't speak clearly.
Make eye contact:
Shifty eyes instantly look either dishonest or unsure. Make eye contact
when you talk; hold the other person's gaze and focus on what they are
saying too. However, make sure you don't turn your business interaction
into a staring match! Make eye contact when you talk
Body language:
Many young professionals give themselves away because of their body
language. Only a part of your message comes from your words -- much of it
comes from your body language. Be relaxed and open to what others have to
say. Don't cross your arms across your chest -- that signifies a closed
mind. Don't gesticulate excessively -- it shows you are nervous. Smile,
hold eye contact and speak calmly and clearly.
Professor Mani has seen
many young professionals give themselves away because of their body
language. "If a person is leaning back, sprawled out in his chair, and
looking around the room while you're talking, it's quite evident that they
are not listening. If they refuse to meet your eyes and keep looking away
while talking to you, it makes you wonder what they are trying to hide!"
Be relaxed and open to what others have to say.
Practice:
Rehearse your presentations, it'll help you beat nerves Yes, you can
practice communicating effectively, and it's the one thing that can help
you get better at it. Making a presentation? Rehearse it with your friend
the day before. Important meeting tomorrow? Communicate your ideas to a
friend or colleague and check whether they understand your thoughts
exactly the way you intended them to. If you think you would like a more
structured approach, enroll yourself in a public speaking course, or a
personality development course. These help to overcome shyness and
increase confidence levels. They will also help you identify your
strengths and weaknesses. Finally, remember that some are born with great
communication skills, and don't need to work on them at all. For the rest
of us, there is still hope. A little effort, attention and practice can go
a long way. Rehearse your presentation with friends.
Contributing Writer: Saumendra Das
Asst. Professor; Aditya Institute Of Technology And Management; Tekkali
somu.das2110@gmail.com
|
|
|
|
