Effective communication is the key to success in many aspects of life, including in the workplace. However, not everyone has the natural ability to communicate effectively. Reporting staffany.id, communication is the process of sharing information, thoughts and feelings between people through speaking, writing or body language. Communication is considered effective when the message, both verbal and non-verbal, conveyed by the sender is received clearly and correctly by the receiver, without any errors or misinterpretations. Fortunately, communication is a skill that can be learned and improved. Here are some ways to improve your communication more effectively at work:
1. Train yourself to be a good listener
One of the main keys to effective communication is to listen well. Effective communicators are always good listeners. Listening attentively means engaging with what the other person is saying by giving a positive response and if you don't understand or need clarification, don't hesitate to ask. Asking questions can help clarify information and show that you care about the conversation.
2. Pay attention to non-verbal communication
Mastering non-verbal cues and signals can help prevent misunderstandings and show concern for those around you. Pay attention to your facial expressions and body movements when talking to someone in the work environment. Your non-verbal cues affect the first impression you make on someone. Don't forget to maintain eye contact as it is one effective way to show that you are paying attention to the speaker and that you are engaged in conversation.
3. Use clear and assertive language
Avoid using ambiguous or complicated language. Use simple, direct language to convey ideas or information clearly. For example, instead of saying "soon," it's better to give a specific time like "finish this before 3 p.m." Then, using a firm intonation does not mean having to be rude or commanding. Use polite but firm intonation to convey the message. This helps maintain good relationships with colleagues while ensuring that the message is conveyed clearly.
4. Controlling emotions and mood
Controlling emotions and mood is an important step in building healthy and effective relationships with others. Reporting from skillacademy.com, when you force a conversation with someone in a bad emotional state, then there is a possibility that you create something bad. Starting from a snappy response, interrupting every conversation, it can even create conflict. To train yourself in controlling emotions, you can take a deep breath and calm down before interacting with others. This way, you can postpone your feelings for a moment and focus more on the ongoing conversation. In addition, you can also create a more comfortable and pleasant conversation atmosphere.
5. Be empathetic
Being empathetic encourages two-way communication. Try to look at the situation from someone else's point of view. When people feel heard, they are more likely to speak honestly and openly. Being empathetic will help you understand the feelings and perspectives of others, which in turn can improve your communication as well. This creates a more productive and informative dialogue, allowing for more effective problem solving.
6. Ask for feedback
Asking for feedback allows you to know the weaknesses and strengths in your communication skills. Reporting from masterclass.com, there's nothing wrong with asking for honest feedback on your communication skills from colleagues. Seeking advice from colleagues on how to improve your communication skills can help you better understand how to perform in a work environment. This helps you focus on the things that need improvement while maintaining the already good aspects.
7. Practice public speaking
Public speaking may sound daunting, but there's no better way to develop good communication skills than by looking for public speaking opportunities. Great communicators are able to articulate their feelings clearly, whether speaking in front of a large group or talking face-to-face with one person. Speaking regularly in front of a group will expose your strengths and weaknesses and force you to build good communication habits.
Now it's time for you to change the way you communicate by applying some of the above. By doing this, it will help you in building good relationships with colleagues, improving the quality of teamwork, achieving common goals and in personal life.
Sources:
Effective Communication: 6 Ways to Improve Communication Skills - 2024 - MasterClass
Pelajari 5 Cara Meningkatkan Skill Komunikasi Efektif - StaffAny
Komunikasi yang Efektif: Ciri, Tujuan, dan Teknik Melakukannya - Blog Arkademi