Communication is an essential aspect of a functional workplace. Good communication keeps employees cooperating rather than inadvertently duplicating their efforts or working at cross purposes. Knowing how to express yourself clearly, as well as how to listen to others, can help you advance in your career. Some people have a natural ability to communicate well, but anyone can improve her communication skills with earnest effort and the right technique.
In a culture that is focused on ambition and competition, many people believe that being able to speak well is more important than listening. In fact, good listening skills are critical to any meaningful dialogue, and people who lack them are generally not very good communicators. In conversations with others, focus on what they are saying and be aware of whether you are actually listening or just formulating what you are going to say next. Your responses will be more useful and informed when you develop the ability to focus completely on what someone else is saying.
Writing reinforces the ability to communicate verbally by strengthening your facility with words. In general, written communications use much broader vocabulary and go into more depth than most oral communication. People who read and write extensively develop language skills that are useful in conversation. When writing, you have the opportunity to stop and reflect on what you are saying, and to check sources for accuracy. By consciously applying these skills when you are communicating orally, you can develop a communication style that is measured, authoritative and effective.
Participate in exercises with other coworkers who are interested in improving their verbal communication skills. Choose a topic of conversation and talk about it with each other, then take turns repeating what the other person has said. This process is called mirroring, and it's a good way to improve your listening skills. When you know that you will be asked to repeat what you have heard, you naturally listen more closely. Organize a group and take turns giving small presentations, then taking questions from listeners. Public speaking requires different skills than conversation, and practicing in a small group can improve your confidence.
Some people have difficulty with their telephone skills. When speaking on the phone, you don't have the presence and body language of the other person to interpret, meaning that verbal communication is even more important. Like many things, telephone skills can be improved with practice. If you lack confidence in your verbal telephone communication skills, the best way to increase them is to use the phone as much as possible. Begin with sympathetic friends who know what you are doing and who will listen while you speak to them on the phone and supportively critique your performance.
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