7 Rules For Effective Communication Skills

Globally India is shining due to its economic stability.  When other nations are busy in either fighting or recovering from recession we are busy gaining business. Most of the employable population of India is professionals and degree-holders in the respective fields. Effective communication skills are important for you to succeed.

What’s more, we are able to communicate in the English language, allowing businesses to confidently start operations in our country without the trouble of finding a competent staff. Effective communication skills will enable you to perform better in fields where others might not succeed.

But true communication goes beyond just speaking English. Effective communication skills are imperative to success. As Indians we should work on the following in our pursuit of the art of effective communication skills:

1. Articulation of thoughts

Articulation of thoughts means thinking before speaking. Although we are taught this in childhood, as grown-ups we often forget to implement it.

Defining a thought before it is said is the foremost rule for any communication to be successful. This makes the conversation specific and results-oriented.

This can be explained through a simple example:

Incident 1

“I owe a lot to my parents especially my father and mother”—a statement made by Greg Norman (famous golfer) which was said without thinking and shows confusion in mind and statement.

Incident 2

As a meeting was just about to start, one of our team-members entered the meeting room. The manager quickly pointed out “You are late.” This statement was targeted to point out the mistake, which spoiled  the environment.

If the manager had contemplated a little and had said “You are right on time, we are just about to start” the whole environment would have been uplifted. Words, once shouted out, can’t be taken back. The wrong words or sentences lead to embarrassing situations. Avoid this by articulating the thought.

2. Listening Skills

The importance of good listening skills can’t be ignored. Ironically, the majority of us lack in this aspect. To communicate clearly it is imperative to listen attentively. There is a difference between listening and hearing.

To develop the art of good listening we sometimes need to clarify things the speaker has said. We also need to be aware of body language, and to also empathize with the speaker. Unnecessary arguments on the road, at the office or at home can be avoided if a conscious effort is made to improve listening skills.

3. Body Language

Body language refers to speaking without words. It is about the gestures and expressions that we should know when it comes communicating with other cultures. Experts say only thirty percent of communication happens through talking—expressions and gestures matter a lot.

In different cultures the same action can have different meaning. For example a firm handshake is expected in North America but people in France prefer a gentle and small handshake.

4. Empathize with others

The success rate of your effective communication skills will increase if you start empathizing with others. Try to understand others’ viewpoint especially when you do not agree with them. By empathizing we try to move toward resolution and effective communication.

5. Respect for others

A simple guideline for a communication to be successful is respect.

Not having a solid command of the language (or even a lack of fancy words) does not show that a person is inferior. Simultaneously thinking that we are always right and others are wrong showcases disrespect.

We need to give equal importance to another person’s idea. Doubting their caliber only leads to a psychological barrier which hinders the effectiveness of our communication skills.

6. Own the mistake

Accept your mistake instead of debating every time and for everything. If you have hurt someone (even if unintentional), accept your mistake. Once the responsibility is accepted, effective communication begins.

Hurting someone doesn’t lead you anywhere, in fact it makes the whole situation stressful. Accepting your mistake builds strong relationships and good rapport, two very important elements of effective communication skills..

7. Positive Attitude

Success doesn’t favor people based on education, experience, age or any other physical trait. Success favors people who have positive attitude. Success at anything (including effective communication skills) can be achieved by maintaining a positive attitude.

Conclusion – Effective Communication Skills

Enhancement in the art of effective communication skills takes time and effort. Stay focused and maintain a positive approach. Effective communication skills is the ability to practice active listening not just actively waiting to talk.