Career Marketing

Communication Skills

Good communication helps you to pass information and to get to know others and build relationships, but do not expect to be universally liked.

To bear in mind for all kinds of communication:-

Know what you want to say/ get done..
Choose the right recipient(s) for your message .
Choose when and where to communicate.
Choose the most suitable form of communication.
Get the attention of the recipient/listener, and do not yourself get distracted.
Know what the recipient/listener likes, needs, or is interested in, and show respect for them.
Be clear, brief, coherent and unambiguous: say what you mean and mean what you say.
Think about how the other person will react, identify with them.
Is your tone/language appropriate to the subject?
Check that you have got the main points across, is the action required clear?
Have you said too much or too little?
Have you got your facts right?
Know how to close a conversation or communication. Do you need to follow up?

Spoken conversation

Conversations comprise small talk (usually first), sharing problems feelings and information, and/or selling.

Rehearse the conversation in your mind.
Listen actively. Remember, you can only learn by listening.
Put them at their ease; try to match their volume and speed of speech.
Try to understand what they are saying and speaking., and take an interest
Ask open-ended questions (i.e. ones which cannot be answered by a simple yes or no).
Establish eye contact, but do not stare, as this is considered threatening.
If you are leading a meeting, get there early enough speak to or establish eye contact with all those attending. They will participate more, and you will be able to gauge their mood.
75% of oral communication is ignored, misunderstood or quickly forgotten.

Telephone conversations

Always let them call back if now is inconvenient. Leave a complete message if they are away. Ask how they feel about what you are saying. Be positive. Answer the phone quickly with a smile and enthusiasm - it's contagious. Never start with an apology. Speak slowly and clearly. Listen. Let them know you understand. Don't interrupt. Take notes. Listen for overtones. Use their name. Pause! Say "thanks".

Non-verbal clues

85% of communication is non-verbal. Are the other person's gestures consistent with their message? Non-verbal messages will be more accurate, as we are in more conscious control of our speech. How far away does the other person stand? People prefer different distances, but watch for changes during the conversation. Do they stand confidently tall, or slouch in defeat, depression or lack of confidence? What is your posture when talking to a colleague?, your boss? With these clues, you communicate all day.