We can differentiate ourselves in different ways in our professional trajectory, either because we have creativity, the ability to manage people, focus on problem-solving, analytical skills or so many other skills so that we are valued by companies. The communication, however, is an essential skill in any scenario.
When we communicate well, we save time, money, and patience. We avoid friction, facilitate the flow of information and we can even get what we want more easily. According to Peter Drucker, father of modern management and a great thinker, 70% of all administrative problems result from inefficient communication. Have you ever imagined that damage? But don’t worry there are some ways to reduce that damage. Check out some tips to improve your communication skills.
5 Attitudes to Improve Your Communication
1. Know When and How to Put Yourself
Communicating well also means understanding the environment, interpreting situations, and defining a position. Exposing your opinion may be important, but the barrier between putting oneself and exposing oneself needs to be considered.
In fact, often listening to each other or being silent can make all the difference. We also communicate in silence, but in a more subtle way. Our body speaks, as well as our gestures and our energy, for example.
2. Know Who You Are Talking To
It is extremely different to communicate with your friends, with your family, with your boss, with a company shareholder, or with a foreigner, for example. And these are just a few examples … Each audience has its differences and, depending on the moment, may require unique communication.
Therefore, keep in mind your key messages and adapt them according to the target audience, investing more or less energy, adopting more complex or simpler developments, and more serious or relaxed approaches.
3. Be Practical, But Aim at The Target
Less is more. The simpler your communication, the better which does not mean standardizing, but aiming correctly. Know what you are looking for and leave topics, numbers, updated information, and even metaphors at hand. Whenever you can turn your content into a story, it activates the brain and it is engaging and stimulates memorization.
4. Train, Train Again and Train Again
Knowing how to express yourself clearly is easier for some people, but it can be the result of training and dedication. The more comfortable we are with a subject, the easier it becomes to talk about it. So, make a mind map and organize your mind before communicating, either orally, via email or phone.
It is important to study and practice, ask questions, and understand what will be communicated. In this training, it is also important to understand where it is possible to improve, what vocabularies are worth seeking, what posture and tone of voice it is worth assuming. Every detail is (very) important.
5. Open Your Head
Your opinion is not the center of the world and not necessarily correct. Were you shocked? It is a difficult truth to admit, but above all challenging. We are not always right. Opening your head to learn, unlearn and relearn is a more mature step to refine your communication.
In addition, we need to practice empathy “putting on someone else’s shoes” instead of dictating, judging or condemning. The most assertive communication is the “less blind”, which considers and recognizes the other’s opinion.
