These are the top 5 communication skills everyone should use.
I’ve been working with strategic communication since 2005. Before that, I studied Public Relations and Linguistics at the university for five years.
One might say that I’m fascinated by communication skills.
Based on my experience, I’ve carefully selected five accessible communication skills useful for everyone. Also, these are five skills that, with only a little consideration and practice, will make the largest impact.
Here we go:
Top 5 Communication Skills
The top 5 communications skills that bring the most benefit:
Here I describe each communication skill in more detail:
1. Know Your Agenda
Knowing your agenda beforehand is something almost anyone can improve. If you have an idea of what you’re seeking to accomplish, you could strive to narrow your focus to maximise your chances. 1”Agenda” is a multi-faceted word. It’s associated with business meetings. It’s associated with politics. It’s associated with the news media. It’s associated with … Continue reading
Many people interact with others without an idea of which agenda to push. Some people think it’s devious to always be entering into conversation with a clear aim. Others find it exhausting.
Please note: Knowing your agenda isn’t the same as pushing hard for desired outcomes. Knowing your agenda alone will make you more clear, assertive, and confident. Clarity, assertiveness, and confidence will give you the most results relative to your effort.
2. Listen First
Here’s the thing: Most people leak vast amounts of valuable information about themselves while talking. To communicate successfully, you’ll need all that information.
It’s counter-intuitive, but keeping your mouth shut when you know exactly what outcome you seek requires character. And being an active listener requires discipline. Many people say they’re good listeners, but few are.
Although listening is generally more valuable to the listener, most people like being heard. So, you’re not likely to experience pushback for being a good listener.
3. Ask Questions
Asking questions is a Socratic communication skill known to be valuable. Still, few embrace the art of asking great questions.
The difference between asking questions badly and greatly is massive. If you’ve never thought about how to ask questions, a little extra consideration and practice are likely to improve your communication skills significantly.
4. Quid Pro Quo
If you get your way, what will you be prepared to give? What do you have to offer that would be of value to someone else?
Eager to get their way, people often forget their personal value proposition. Sometimes, the people you interact with only want to be seen, heard, and appreciated. How can you expect to communicate successfully if you’re not prepared to fulfil such basic human needs?
Everyone has something to offer in a conversation. It can anything, like knowledge, gossip, or psychological validation. If you don’t think that you have anything that’s of value to other people, you must begin by examining your self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
5. Use Your Words
Some people will communicate unfairly. This might be due to malice or unconscious biases. It doesn’t matter. It’s how they communicate, not you. You should stick to your words.
Others will always use their words, arguments, and perspectives. This is okay as long as you always use yours. Especially when someone asks a loaded question or makes a blanket statement.
Never assimilate the vocabulary used by others. Even if you can turn someone’s words, arguments, or perspectives against them, your points will be cheap. Long-term, your communication will be unproductive.
And remember:
“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
— George Bernard Shaw
Thank you for reading this article. Please support my blog by sharing it with other PR- and communication professionals. For questions or PR support, contact me via [email protected].
PR Resource: Checklist for Leadership Clarity
Checklist for Leadership Clarity
Always make sure that everyone in an organisation is 100% clear about the following:
Read more: How To Recognise Poor Communicative Leadership in Organisations
ANNOTATIONS
| 1 | ”Agenda” is a multi-faceted word. It’s associated with business meetings. It’s associated with politics. It’s associated with the news media. It’s associated with ulterior motives. But an agenda can also be what you have in mind before entering into a conversation. Nothing more, nothing less. |
|---|
