There is more to communication skills than you may have been aware of. Effective communication is an extremely important skill so that you can accurately transfer information amongst yourselves and develop a greater sense of understanding. Failure to do so will lead to miscommunication and make everything seem like a game of “Chinese Whispers”—remember how well those used to go in your childhood?
Understanding Good Communication
A person is said to have good communication skills if they can convey verbal and nonverbal information clearly and effectively. Some key skills involved are awareness of different communication approaches, empathy, active listening, and assertiveness. Good communication skills are a prerequisite for developing interpersonal skills, and they can also be used to excel in your professional capacity.
Why is Good Communication Vital Today
Good communication skills are essential at a very young age. Students who are effective communicators have a better chance of succeeding not only in their academics but also in their social and professional circles in the future. Here are some of the ways developing this skill can put your child ahead of others.
- Brings academic success: Students who can effectively communicate their ideas through written papers, classroom presentations, and peer discussions improve their chances of success.
- Makes them ready for a glorious career: Succeeding in professional life owes a lot to being an effective communicator. Students who demonstrate good communication skills are regarded as more valuable by prospective employers.
- Supports social and emotional development: Effective communication also helps students form better relationships with their teachers and peers and is more than likely to contribute to positive self-esteem.
- Promotes critical thinking: Critical thinking is said to be an offshoot of good communication skills. Being able to evaluate and analyse information won’t count for much if you are not able to express your own ideas to an interested audience.
How to Develop Good Communication Skills
Some are born leaders, while others need to sharpen their self-development and communication skills to compete. Here are some proven tips that help individuals improve their capabilities and become an able communicator.
Start by being a good listener
The first step to being a good communicator is to be a good listener. Proper communication can only happen when all parties involved listen carefully. When you pay close attention to the information being passed, you pick up every important detail while learning how to communicate back as effectively.
Be precise
Providing too much unnecessary information is the perfect recipe for miscommunication. Be precise in your verbal and written communications, but do not fail to stress the importance of what is being communicated. Proofread all your written communication and practice speaking only the important points before verbal communication.
Understand your audience
You need to know your audience and assess the type of communication that works best for them. Informal language should be avoided when communicating with a senior or a colleague. If you are using acronyms, do not assume that the recipient will know what they stand for just because you happen to do so.
Use an active voice and be assertive
Active and assertive language is the best communication tool, as it immediately grabs attention and keeps the audience hooked until the end. This will allow you to pass on the right message while keeping your listeners all ears to everything you say.
Note down the important stuff
Note important pointers when you are the receiver of information in a communication. It may seem simple, but it is one of the most effective methods for overcoming miscommunication challenges.
Be mindful of your tone
Sometimes, speaking in an inappropriate tone is reason enough for miscommunication to occur. Being too soft, loud, condescending or rude is a strict no-no. For effective communication to happen, be respectful and polite towards others.
Be in the right frame of mind
Always ensure you are in the right frame of mind before communicating. Emotions such as anger, sadness, tiredness, or frustration can interfere with your ability to communicate clearly. While being in a positive frame of mind may not always be possible, try to remain neutral.
Be direct
Make it a habit to communicate directly with someone rather than using a circuitous route to pass on information. Involving several people in the communication channel leads to a loss of information and inaccurate messages—think “Chinese Whispers” all over again! No matter how inconvenient it may seem, always communicate directly with the person you intend to address for effective information transfer.
Develop your writing skills
Communication is not just limited to verbal – you need to be good with your writing skills. Start practising writing different kinds of professional messages, such as a potential job application, a cover letter, or an informal conversation with a colleague. Understand how each message is different and how various factors, such as tone and choice of words, are influenced by the end recipient of the communication.
Developing Effective Communication Skills Starts At an Early Age
The ability or failure to communicate can dictate how well we develop personally and professionally and cannot be ignored or taken lightly. To become a great communicator, one needs to start inculcating that habit from an early age. This is where initial education and a good academic environment play important roles.
Finding the Right School for Your Child
At Samsidh International School, we are focused on the holistic development of our students and are guided by some of the best faculty in the country. Regarded among the best CBSE schools in Bangalore, we go beyond rote learning to help improve the skill sets of every student. Whether encouraging them to be active listeners or providing constructive feedback on their written assignments, our teachers ensure your child gets every opportunity to hone their fledgling communication skills. With a strong alumni base of over ten thousand students, we have been positively transforming the academic landscape across India over the past decade. Our registrations are open for the academic year 2024-25. Get in touch today to learn more about our admission process