Communication Strengths: 10 Communication Skills

Communication is the exchange of information both verbally and via nonverbal cues. Often, how you say things has more of an influence on a listener than the words you use, and the subconscious ways you move your body can add a different meaning or intent to your conversations. While tone and body language can inhibit clear communication, they can also amplify your message. Strong communication skills can help you better express yourself.

Here are ten important communication skills that increase employees’ workplace success:

1. 1. Active listening: One of the keys to becoming a great communicator is also being a good listener. Active listening skills involve paying close attention to a speaker, avoiding outside distractions, and asking clarifying questions when necessary. In doing so, you gain greater insight into the speaker’s point of view and make that person feel heard and respected.
2. 2. Clarity and volume: Clarity involves not only public speaking without poor communication habits like mumbling or stammering, but also speaking in a concise and professional manner to avoid excessive or confusing chatter. The tone of your voice, which includes the volume and pitch at which you speak and the emphasis you give to words, is also an effective communication skill when attempting to convey an idea or convince a listener.
3. 3. Confidence: Projecting confidence informs others that your words and ideas deserve notice and response. It’s also an effective form of communication in a job interview, where eye contact, good posture, and a firm but amicable tone convey preparedness for the position to recruiters.
4. 4. Feedback: One of the most effective communication styles is the ability to both give and receive feedback. Receiving constructive criticism shows open-mindedness and adaptability, as well as an emphasis on teamwork and professional development. Giving constructive feedback is a cornerstone of leadership skills and one that shows the value of employee engagement through praise and effective guidance.
5. 5. Friendliness: A positive attitude toward others goes a long way in terms of team building and establishing trust. Friendliness also encourages others to maintain honest and open communication with you.
6. 6. Honesty: A communication skill worth cultivating in both your personal and professional life, honesty shows you take company values seriously. It also establishes your trustworthiness and accountability.
7. 7. Nonverbal communication skills: Your body language is also an important form of communication. Facial expressions, hand gestures, eye contact, and other nonverbal signals express your friendliness, confidence, and trustworthiness. Learning to read nonverbal cues when face-to-face with others is also a crucial skill set for a work environment. It allows you to perceive what others want to convey without words.
8. 8. Presentation: Miscommunication often occurs when you don’t express ideas in a clear or appropriate manner. Examples of this include an overly technical explanation of software or a meeting with stakeholders that doesn’t involve sales or profitability figures. Choosing the right communication style to express an idea is one of the communication skills employers value.
9. 9. Respect: Like honesty, conveying respect is important for your social skills as well as your workplace communications. It builds trust through active listening and politeness, which can be as simple as letting others speak in team meetings without interruption.
10. 10. Writing skills: Good communication skills aren’t limited to verbal and nonverbal means. Sharing information through concise and professional writing, whether through emails, reports, or other documentation is one of the most important business communication skills.

You can improve communication skills in several ways. You can:

• Choose the right types of communication. Excellent communication often begins with picking the right communication channels. Consider the person and the information you need to share. You can use cover letters to effectively introduce yourself to prospective employers, while phone calls or emails work best with remote work employees than face-to-face visits.
• Make simple friendly gestures. Sometimes the most effective workplace communication is a word or gesture that shows friendliness towards others. You don’t have to go overboard: A sincere greeting or honest praise both stand out as prime examples of simple efforts that express friendliness.
• Practice active listening. Many strong communication skills begin with listening. Become a better listener by focusing not only on a speaker’s words but also their body language and facial expressions, which often convey additional information that may not be present in their language.

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