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We will cover the best basic communication skills in detail. But before that, you must know the importance of communication skills.
The importance of communication skills
Communication is one of the most vital skills we need in our lives. Communication has evolved tremendously since it was first used until now. However its definition is still the same. Communication will always be the transfer of information from one person to the next and it comes in several forms.
Strong communication skills benefit you in several aspects of life whether it’s your professional,educational,personal life.
When it comes to your professional life, good communication skills are needed to allow others and yourself to understand information rapidly and coherently. On the other hand, poor communication skills would lead to several misunderstandings. With good communication skills, you are more likely to get a job as its highly valued in the workplace. Because as an employee You will need to request information, discuss problems, give instructions, work in teams, interact with colleagues and clients. Companies want employers that are able to think for themselves and use their own skills and intuition to solve problems.
When it comes to your personal life, good communication skills will strengthen any and all relationships in your life. Whether it’s with your friends, family or significant other. When you are able to express the way you feel coherently and can keep an open mind to hearing what the other person has to say this would eliminate several misunderstandings and prevent any future fights. In addition, good communication skills will boost your confidence by understanding people around you. And your own thoughts (which can be done by metacognition ) which will then, in turn, increase your self-awareness.
The top 6 basic communication skills
Listening:
This skill is a skill that is forgotten and dismissed by many. When it comes to communication many people forget the fact that they are supposed to listen to the other person’s point of view of things. After all, a conversation isn’t one-sided. You shouldn’t just listen to the other person. But you should also pay close attention to other factors like their attitude or body language. This would then allow you to understand a person’s emotions as well as opinions. This skill will allow you to be more open-minded towards the other person’s point of view. Hence helping you understand them and connect with them, in turn, this understanding would be perceived as communication.
Body language:
Communication isn’t always verbal. In fact, communications started off as nonverbal and worked its way up to communicating through words. However, we should not forget the non-verbal factor in communication known as body language.
Body language plays a larger role in communication that you think it would. Your behavior could completely put off the person in front of you or do the opposite and please them. Its very important to follow these following tips in order to perfect your body language:
- Maintain eye contact
- A nod from time to time to show the person you are taking to that you understand them
- Don’t puzzle yourself, give the person in front of your full attention.
- Never fidget
- Don’t keep your arms crossed
Be straightforward:
While maintaining your respect for others, always try to express your ideas bluntly, without veering off-topic. Because if you keep jumping from topic to topic the person in front of you will most likely be confused. In addition, when you babble on instead of keeping your idea concise, the person you are talking to is probably going to get bored. And end up missing most of your point.
Use visual aids:
When you communicate, use visual elements to support what you’re saying. This is very useful when you want to do a presentation in front of a class or auditorium.
Plan ahead:
ou have to be ready before giving your point of view. Organize your thoughts in an orderly fashion and list the main points in your head. This would make you stutter less and make you seem more professional as it demonstrates your level of confidence.
Adapting your communication style to your audience:
Different styles of communication are appropriate in different situations. To make the best use of your communication skills, it’s important to consider your audience. And the most effective format to communicate with them in.
“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.”-Anthony Robbins