These are the top communication abilities that recruiters and hiring managers look for in resumes and cover letters. During job interviews, emphasize and demonstrate these skills to make a positive first impression. If you keep honing these skills after you’ve been hired, you’ll astound your boss, coworkers, and clients.
Listening
One of the most effective ways to communicate is to be a good listener. No one appreciates chatting with someone who only wants to add her two cents and does not listen to the other person. If you are not a good listener, it will be tough to understand what is being asked of you.
Spend some time working on your active listening skills. Active listening includes paying close attention to what the other person is saying, asking clarifying questions, and rephrasing what the person says to ensure clarity. Active listening enables you to hear what the other person is saying and respond appropriately.
Nonverbal communication
Body language, eye contact, hand gestures, and tone of voice all help to convey the message you’re trying to convey.
Eye contact is also essential; look the person in the eyes to demonstrate that you are paying attention to them and the topic. (However, avoid staring at the person since this may make him or her feel uncomfortable.)
Also, while speaking, be aware of nonverbal indications from others. Nonverbal cues frequently reveal a person’s true feelings. For example, if the person is not looking you in the eyes, he or she may be uncomfortable or attempting to conceal information.
Clarity and concision
The key to efficient verbal communication is to say just enough; don’t talk too much or too little. Say exactly what you want, whether in person, on the phone, or via email. If you keep on, the audience will either tune you out or become confused about what you want.
Consider what you want to say before you speak it. This will prevent you from talking too much and confusing your audience.
Friendliness
By utilizing a pleasant tone, a personal inquiry, or even a grin, you will inspire your coworkers to engage in open and honest communication with you. In all business discussions, it is vital to be respectful.
This is critical in both spoken and written communication. When possible, personalize your emails to coworkers and/or employees—a simple “I hope you all had a good weekend” at the opening of an email can personalize a message and make the receiver feel appreciated.
Confidence
It is important to be confident in your dealings with people. Confidence shows employees that you believe what you’re saying and want to follow through.
Making eye contact and speaking in a firm but polite tone will help you project confidence. Make certain that your statements do not seem like inquiries. Of course, avoid coming across as arrogant or overbearing. Make an effort to listen to and empathize with the other person at all times.
Empathy
Simple phrases like “I understand where you’re coming from” demonstrate that you’ve been listening to the other person and value their opinions. Active listening can assist you in tuning in to what your conversation partner is thinking and experiencing, making it easier to demonstrate empathy.
Even if you disagree with your boss, coworker, or employee, you must understand and respect their point of view.
Open-Mindedness
A skilled communicator should approach any topic with openness and flexibility. Rather than simply communicating your message, be open to hearing and comprehending the other person’s point of view.
If you are prepared to engage in dialogue, even with individuals with whom you disagree, you will be able to have more honest and beneficial dialogue.
Respect
People will be more inclined to communicate with you if you demonstrate your appreciation for them and their ideas. Simple things like using a person’s name, making eye contact, and paying attention while they speak will make them feel valued. While on the phone, avoid distractions and stay focused on the conversation.
Take the time to craft a respectful email message. If you send a sloppy, jumbled email, the recipient will conclude you don’t respect her enough to think through your communication with her.
Feedback
The capacity to give and accept appropriate feedback is a key communication skill. Managers and supervisors should be on the lookout for new ways to provide positive feedback to their employees, whether by email, phone conversations, or weekly status updates.
Giving feedback requires also giving appreciation; something as basic as complimenting an employee “good job” or “thanks for taking care of things” can greatly boost motivation.
Similarly, you should be able to accept and even promote input from others. Listen to the remarks, ask clarifying questions if you are unsure about a problem, and try to put the criticism into action.
Picking the right medium
Knowing which mode of communication to use is an important communication skill. Some essential encounters (for example, layoffs, resignations, wage increases, and so on) are almost always better handled in person.