5 Ways To Improve Your Communication Skills by Nadirah Muhammad

Communication is one of the most crucial life skills that you can learn. There are numerous problems that you will face in life if you have poor communication skills. Thankfully, there are ways to improve the way you express how you feel. Here are 5 great ways to improve your communication skills.

Be A Good Listener

If you want to improve your communication skills then you need to become a good listener. Many people are completely unaware just how crucial listening is to the communication process. By being a good listener you will show people how much respect you have for them, which will help you build happy and lasting relationships.

Just think about how it would make you feel to know that someone is paying close attention to what you’re saying all the time. It would make you feel valued and it would make it easier for you to build trust with that person. If you’re a bad listener, then people will feel like you think that they don’t have anything interesting to say.

In order to demonstrate that you’re a good listener you will need to pay close attention to what the other person is saying and then repeat key points of the conversation in your responses. Also, it’s crucial that you avoid any distractions, such as electronic devices. If you get a text message, then you should wait until the conversation is over until you respond to it. By giving the other person your undivided attention, you will let them know that you really want to hear what they have to say.

Ask Questions

Asking questions is just as important as expressing your own thoughts and opinions. When you ask people questions it will show them that you’re really interested in what they’re saying. This will help keep the conversation interesting instead of shutting it down.

For example, when someone is telling you about some problems that they’ve had at work, ask them how that made them feel. By taking interest in other people’s emotions, you will easily build trust with them.

Additionally, asking questions is always a great way to fill in awkward silences. Rather than trying to stir up pointless conversations like talking about the weather, you should ask the person you’re talking to a few questions about themselves and engage in their answers.

Body Language

Body language is extremely important in communication. Remember that communication is much more than talking and listening. You’re communicating with someone even when you don’t say a word. If someone is telling you a story and you’re constantly looking at your phone or your arms are crossed, then your body language is basically telling them that you’re not interested in what they have to say. It will make them discouraged to continue with the conversation.

Eye Contact

Maintaining eye contact throughout the conversation is one of the most important things when it comes to communication. Although some people find it difficult to look other people in the eye when talking to them, it is essential if you want to have a meaningful conversation with someone. By not maintaining eye contact, you’re basically telling the other person that you’re bored or that you don’t really care about what they’re saying. By looking someone in the eye it will make it easier for you to connect with them.

Ask For Opinions

After you share a story, make sure to ask people for their thoughts and opinions. By doing so, you will let them know that you value their opinions and they will be more open to sharing more details about their personal life.