Communication is a two way process so to improve your communication skill involves two process, both how we send and receive messages. The ability to communicate effectively is important in relationships, education and work. So focus on the matter you want to communicate. Do not say the first thing that comes into your head but instead take a moment and pay close attention to what you say and how you say it.
You may have memorized endless lists of vocabulary, you may know all the grammar needed to hold any conversation and still find yourself at a loss when wanting to express yourself.
Here are some steps and tips to help you improve your communication skills.
Have courage to say what you think.
Be confident in knowing that you can make worthwhile contributions to conversation. Take time each day to be aware of your opinions and feelings so you can adequately convey them to others. Individuals who are hesitant to speak because they do not feel their input would be worthwhile need not fear. What is important or worthwhile to one person may not be to another and may be more so to someone else.
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Assert yourself
Direct, assertive expression makes improve your communication skill and can help boost self-esteem and decision-making. Being assertive means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs in an open and honest way, while standing up for yourself and respecting others. It does NOT mean being hostile, aggressive, or demanding. Effective communication is always about understanding the other person, not about winning an argument or forcing your opinions on others.
Use gestures.
These include gestures with your hands and face. Make your whole body talk. Use smaller gestures for individuals and small groups. Make your words, gestures, facial expressions and tone match. You can improve your communication skill by using open body language—arms uncrossed, standing with an open stance or sitting on the edge of your seat, and maintaining eye contact with the person you’re talking to.
Listen, Really Listen
The best thing you can do to improve your communication skill is to learn to really listen, to pay attention and let the other person talk without interrupting. It’s hard work, we know, but “A good conversation is a bunch of words elegantly connected with listening.” So pay attention to what’s being said around you, it’s your most important resource at the time of speaking to someone.
Slow Down Your Speaking Speed
Especially, if you’re at the early stages of learning. Learners are often told not to worry about the mistakes they’re making, however, it is easy to understand why you would like to make a good impression on your audience.
To overcome this difficulty, you may try slowing down your speaking speed.
Nobody will hold it against you if you speak more slowly and clearly. Great speakers do the same to get their message across. Selecting your words carefully may also be seen as a sign of respect towards your audience. It shows that you want to give them the best possible answer.
Learn Sentences, Not Only Words
When you learn a new word, try to memorize a couple of sentences that contain it. There might come a time when you can use one particular sentence with little, or no alteration at all. Unfortunately, many people learn words by heart, but have no idea how to use them in a sentence.
Make eye contact.
Whether you are speaking or listening, looking into the eyes of the person with whom you are conversing can make the interaction more successful. Eye contact conveys interest and encourages your partner to be interested in you in return.
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Be aware of what your body is saying.
Body language can say so much more than a mouthful of words. An open stance with arms relaxed at your sides tells anyone around you that you are approachable and open to hearing what they have to say.
Pronounce your words correctly.
People will judge your competency through your vocabulary. If you aren’t sure of how to say a word, don’t use it. improve your communication skill by reading new words in daily routine. Look in the dictionary to help you learn how to pronounce a new word.
Request Feedback
Ask for input and feedback. This not only confirms that you have successfully communicated; it also makes the other person feel that they have been heard and understood. Get it from your receiver to ensure you were properly understood during your conversation.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice is undeniably the best way to learn and improve. Writing is one way of practicing language; it may help you get used to and reflect on the ways English operates, which, in turn, might prove to be useful when speaking. Speaking, on the other hand, is a much more spontaneous process and nothing prepares you for it better than actually doing it. So, find people you can practise with. New skills take time to refine, but each time you improve your communication skill, you open yourself to opportunities and future partnerships.
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