Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Effective Communication Techniques for Managers



Good and effective communication skills are very vital to all managers to have. So here are some valuable techniques on how to improve communication skills.

1. Listen actively.

Be attentive as you listen. Concentrate on what a person is saying. Be unbiased and avoid creating opinions while somebody is talking. Just listen. Restate what was spoken about to let the speaking know that you have understood. You can also summarize and pull together the important points so you and the speaker/s would recognise what things are important during the conversation or meeting.

2. Be patient.

When communication with the members of your group, always give them ample time to convey their thoughts, issues, and concerns. Concentrate 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 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 remember that good communication is not all about talking. It's also about being a good listener. And to be one, you need to be patient. Do not interrupt someone as he or she talks. 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. Also, take note that equal positioning counts. 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. Be aware of your facial expressions. Remember that your feelings are being reflected by your facial expressions. Take note of your gestures and overall body language also, as they reveal so many things about how you interpret what people say. The wrong gesture will surely send a wrong message.

4. Communicate without being argumentative.

Without being confrontational or judgmental, communicate all problems, concerns, and issues. Say things without blaming other people. For example, you were disappointed or even angry because your team messed something up due to negligence, rather than emphasizing the faults and mistakes of the members of your group, suggest some ways to better their performance the next time around. When discussing, 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."

To further knowledge and be more effective communicators, consider communication skills course in Melbourne.