How to Develop Good Communication Skills

The importance of good communication skills cannot be understated at a work presentation, a seminar, or in general conversation. Someone with good communication skills is a person who can pass on and receive information and ideas with clarity and understanding.

There are different types of communication including verbal, written, non-verbal, and visual. Our ability to maneuver and use these types of communication styles will land us an advantage. As the world is changing, our ability to communicate effectively is a high priority.

Why are good communication skills necessary?

The ability to hear and be heard is integral to how we live our lives, whether professionally, socially, or academically. Below are some examples of why good communication skills are important.

Conflict resolution.

No human interaction is without its moments of conflict. The ability to listen, understand, state one’s facts clearly, and talk respectfully goes a long way in resolving conflict. During a heated moment, staying calm and watching one’s nonverbal cues can be important in communicating the need for an amicable resolution. Whether the resolution comes through compromise or collaboration, good communication skills aid in this respect.

Career advancement.

In professional settings, one needs to know how to communicate. No better time is this seen than in how one answers questions during an interview. Prospective employers need well-rounded employees who will work well with others, can lead when needed, and are good team players. All this is made possible by one’s ability to communicate well.

Building and maintaining personal relationships.

It has been said that the success of relationships sorely lies in the ability to communicate. Relationships don’t just include romantic partnerships either; they include any relationship with any person, whether it be at work, in the family, or friendship in general.

Through effective communication, we get to know those with whom we are in a relationship, and they also get to know us. Empathy, trust, vulnerability, and respect are all fostered through good communication skills.

Ability to lead.

Any person’s ability to lead comes from being understood by his or her team and his or her understanding those whom he or she is leading. All of this is a result of good communication skills. A good leader knows how to listen, how to show empathy, and how to convey his or her thoughts and ideas in ways that can be easily grasped by the team.

Networking and marketing.

Being able to position oneself for professional connections is becoming more and more essential. To be able to do this, one needs to know how to communicate in a way that will showcase his or her identity, abilities, services, or products. This in turn means he or she has opened a door to sponsors, partners, prospective employers, or donors, depending on the type of work or business.

Mental wellness.

Mental wellness encompasses our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. With the ability to communicate we can safeguard our mental health. One of the most important ways we can do this is through communicating our boundaries, thus relieving us of stress and anxiety.

Managing teamwork.

The success of team projects rests on team members’ ability to know how to communicate with each other. This builds trust, friendships, loyalty, and camaraderie.

Be a force for good.

Communication has been used as a medium for good in this world. Many of us have found healing and strength through the books that have been written by others. We have found comfort and strength through sermons, motivational speeches, songs, and poetry that have validated our experiences and allowed us to enjoy ourselves.

Examples of good communication skills.

Good communication, like many other skills, can be taught and learned. True, some are already predisposed to knowing how to communicate due to education, personality, and exposure, nonetheless below are some aspects of communication that we can all master.

• Respect.
• Confidence.
• Ability to Listen.
• Clarity.
• Ability to Read the Room.
• Emotional and Relational Intelligence.
• Proper Planning.
• Creativity and Innovation.
• Empathy.

Hindrances to good communication.

When it comes to communication, we all want to do it right. There is a need in us to be heard and understood. Unfortunately, sometimes we can encounter obstacles that hinder our communication. Below is a list of some things to avoid.

Prejudice.

When we prejudge someone or a group of people we make assumptions about them that can hinder our need to communicate. Prejudice is rarely interested in listening and correcting preconceived notions and judgments. This can bring about conflict in communication.

Distractions.

For there to be effective communication, those partaking need to be free from all distractions. This is when all our attention is in the moment, and we are not straining to hear or straining to understand.

Language.

A huge barrier to communication is our inability to understand those around us due to language differences. A lot can be missed or misunderstood in translation.

Ego.

As mentioned earlier, for us to communicate effectively there must be a sense of respect for those to whom we are talking. Ego can ruin any form of communication as people use their power and station in life to bully or force ideas on people they consider less than others. In situations like these, those communications can mistake compliance for understanding.

Personality.

We are born with different personalities. For some of us, it’s easy to talk to new people, carry on conversations, and be the life of a party. For others, the prospect of being around people can be frightening. It does not mean that those with certain personalities can never communicate, it just means we must be aware of how it can be a hindrance and seek to correct it.

Mental health disorders.

Certain mental health diagnoses make it harder for people to communicate with others effectively. For example, those who struggle with social anxiety or at certain stages of depression may find communication difficult. The thought of having conversations is crippling.

Low self-esteem.

One aspect of effective communication is confidence. When someone has low self-esteem, they are usually unsure of themselves and unsure of what they are saying or delivering. It can be hard to trust their word at that moment. Low self-esteem can also be a hindrance in times when they must be assertive and stand up for their beliefs.

Lack of knowledge.

When someone is not knowledgeable in the subject matter at hand and they pretend to know, it can be hard to follow or understand what they are trying to say. This is usually seen in interviews where prospective employees haven’t done their homework or at work presentations when someone doesn’t know the subject matter.

Wrong method of communication.

In today’s world, there are so many ways in which we communicate. It means we must be wise in knowing when it is time to send a formal email or call someone. The context of the conversation should inform which method to use, and we are to be careful to choose the right one.

Emotional clouding.

Feelings of anger, fear, and anxiety if not reigned in can ruin our ability to communicate effectively. This is not to say these emotions are wrong, not at all. However, knowing how to communicate even when hurt, angered, or afraid shows levels of maturity and restraint important for effective communication.

Good communication skills can aid in personal growth, interpersonal relationships, and career advancement. That’s why it is important to seek help if we do not already possess this skill.

How we can help.

As counselors, we help people become the best version of themselves. The ability to communicate as seen above can be hindered by many factors. This is where we come in. We can help you recognize what might be blocking you and give you tools to overcome and succeed.

If you need help with improving your communication, get in touch with our practice. Our trained counselors are there to guide and empower you with the skills you need to communicate better.