Thursday, August 1, 2013
4 Secrets to Improve Communication Skills: Tips for Managers
Effective communications skills are extremely vital for all managers and supervisors to have. So here are some valuable techniques on how to improve communication skills.
1. Listen actively.
Be attentive as you listen. Focus your attention to what's being said. Be unbiased and avoid creating opinions while somebody is talking. Just listen. Then restate what was said to let the speaker know that you understand. You can summarize the message and pull together all essential points so you and the speaker can recognize what things are note-worthy during the conversation or meeting.
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 open and that you give importance to their thoughts and opinions or suggestions. Impatience breaks down many communications between people. Many individuals 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 remember that good communication is not all about talking. It is also about knowing how to listen. And to be good at listening, you have to be patient. Do not interrupt someone as he or she talks. Delay your comments and other thoughts.
3. Nonverbal Message
Take note of your posture. Let your body show attention and interest by sitting up or leaning toward the speaker. Equal positioning also helps. You stand is the one you are having a casual conversation with is standing You sit if the speaker is sitting. Always be aware of your facial expressions. Remember that your facial expressions are the reflection of your feelings. Be aware about your gestures and overall body language as they say a lot of things about how you interpret what people are saying. The wrong gesture will surely send a wrong message.
4. Communicate without being argumentative.
Express concerns, problems, or issues without being judgmental or confrontational. Communicate without blaming other people. 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 that very well," say "I did not understand what you just said. Kindly elaborate a bit more."
Consider communication skills course in Melbourne to further knowledge and be more effective in communicating with people.