How to Improve Communication Skills: Tips for Managers

Communication Skills Course In Melbourne

Excellent communications skills are extremely important for managers to have. So here are some valuable techniques on how to improve communication skills.

1. Listen actively.

Observe as you listen carefully. Focus on what is being said. Do not be biased and avoid forming opinions while someone is still speaking. Just listen. Restate what was spoken about to let the speaking know that you have understood. Or summarize and pull together all important messages so both you and the speaker can pin point what were important during the meeting or conversation.

2. Be patient.

When communication with the members of your team, always give them enough time to express their concerns, thoughts, or issues. Stay focused on what they are trying to say. This will show them that you are truly open and interested. Many communications between people tend to break down due to impatience. People tend to rush to get out of conversation. This is especially true to executives, who are very busy and who truly have a lot of good things to say and bright ideas to share. But keep in mind that good and effective communication is not about talking only. It is also about knowing how to listen. And to be one, you need to be patient. Avoid interrupting a person as he or she speaks. Delay your comments and other thoughts.

3. Nonverbal Message

Note that your posture matters. Let your body show attention and interest by sitting up or leaning toward the speaker. Equal positioning also helps. In a casual conversation, it is ideal to stand if the person you are talking to is standing. You sit is he or she is seated. Take note of your facial expressions. Remember that your facial expressions are the reflection of your feelings. Take note of your gestures and overall body language also, as they reveal so many things about how you interpret what people say. See to it that your gestures don't convey a wrong message.

4. Communicate without being argumentative.

Express concerns, problems, or issues without being judgmental or confrontational. Explain or say things without blaming other persons. For example, you are disappointed or even angry because a certain person of group of people have not done their job well, perhaps due to negligence, rather than talking about them not doing their job well, discuss how to improve the work. When explaining, use "I" not "You." Instead of saying "You did not explain your point very well," say "I did not understand that well. Explain it again, please.

To gain more knowledge and become more effective communicator, consider communication skills course in Melbourne.