The ability to communicate effectively is essential in relationships, education, and work. Here are some steps and tips to help you develop good communication skills.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Understanding the Basics of Communication Skills
Step 1. Know what is meant by communication
Communication is the process of sending signals/messages between sender and receiver through various methods (written, non-verbal cues, and spoken). Communication is also the mechanism we use to build and modify relationships.
Step 2. Have the courage to say what you think
Have confidence that you can make a valuable contribution to the conversation. Take time each day to identify your opinions and feelings so you can share them with others. People who hesitate to speak up because they feel their opinions are worthless have nothing to fear. What is important or valuable to one person may not apply to another and may be more valuable to another.
Step 3. Practice
Developing good communication skills starts with simple interactions. Communication skills can be trained every day for both social and professional interactions. New abilities take time to upgrade. However, every time you use your communication skills, you open yourself up to opportunities and future relationships.
Method 2 of 4: Involve the Interlocutor
Step 1. Make eye contact
Whatever your position, whether it's a speaker or a listener, looking into the eyes of the other person you're talking to will make the interaction more successful. Eye contact shows interest and makes the other person interested in interacting with you.
One technique to help with this is to look in one eye of the listener and then move to the other. Staring from one eye to the other will make you look radiant. Another way is to imagine the letter "T" on the listener's face, with a horizontal line along the eyebrows and a vertical line up to the middle of the nose. Keep your eyes focused on the “T” zone
Step 2. Use gestures
This gesture covers your hands and face. Get your whole body talking. Use smaller gestures for individuals and small groups. Larger gestures are used when dealing with a larger group of interlocutors.
Step 3. Don't send mixed messages
Synchronize words, gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Punishing someone with a smile sends a mixed message and is ineffective. If you're sending a negative message, align your words, facial expressions, and tone of voice with the message.
Step 4. Be careful what your body says
Body language can say more than the words that come out of your mouth. An open attitude with relaxed arms suggests that you are approachable and open to hearing what others have to say.
- Conversely, folded arms and hunched shoulders indicate disinterest in the conversation or unwillingness to communicate. Communication can often be stopped by body language before it starts indicating you don't want to talk.
- The right posture and approachable demeanor can keep even awkward conversations flowing smoothly.
Step 5. Show constructive attitudes and beliefs
The attitude you display when communicating will have a huge impact on how you organize yourself and interact with others. Be honest, patient, optimistic, sincere, respectful, and accepting of others. Be sensitive to the feelings of others and believe in the abilities of others.
Step 6. Develop effective listening skills
A person is not only required to be able to speak effectively, but also must listen to others and be involved in the conversation that is being discussed by others. Avoid the attitude of only listening to the end of the sentence so that you are talking at the same time as the other person is talking.
Method 3 of 4: Use your words
Step 1. Speak your words
Speak clearly and don't mumble. If people are always asking you to repeat words, try to practice speaking clearly.
Step 2. Say the words clearly
People will judge your competence by the spoken vocabulary. If you're not sure what to say, don't use it.
Step 3. Use the right words
If you're not sure what a word means, don't use it. Open a dictionary and start learning a new word every day. Use the new word occasionally in conversation throughout the day.
Step 4. Slow down your speech
People will know you're anxious and insecure if you speak quickly. Be careful though, don't slow down your speech to the point where people start finishing your sentences just to help you finish speaking.
Method 4 of 4: Use Your Voice
Step 1. Develop your voice
A high or shrill voice is not considered an authority. In fact, a high, soft voice will make you prey to an aggressive coworker or keep others from taking you seriously. Begin to practice lowering the pitch of your voice. Try to sing your favorite songs, but at a lower octave. Practice and after a while, your voice will start to lower in tone.
Step 2. Turn on your sound
Avoid monotonous sound and use dynamic sound. The pitch of the voice should rise and fall periodically. The radio announcer is a good example of this.
Step 3. Use the appropriate volume
Use the appropriate volume for the situation. Speak in a softer voice if you are alone and familiar with the other person. Speak in a louder voice when dealing with a larger number of people or in a larger room.
Tips
- Make sure you use proper grammar.
- Have confidence when speaking, no need to worry about other people's opinions.
- Use the appropriate volume for the conversation situation.
- Don't interrupt other people's conversations or join in when other people are talking. Doing so will spoil the atmosphere of the conversation. Timing is something important.
- A good speaker is a good listener.
- The reaction of the other person can make sure you understand what is being said.
- Try to speak fluently and make sure the other person can hear you when you speak.
- Don't praise yourself too much in front of the other person.
