Tips in Effective Communication skills

1. LISTENING Being a good listener one of the best way to be a good communicator. No one likes communicating with someone who only cares about putting in her two cents, and does not take the time to listen to other person. If you’re not a good listener, it’s going to be hard to comprehend why you’re being asked to do. Take practice Active Listening.

Listening Process Listening within a work context is the process by which you gain an understanding of the needs, demands and preferences of your stakeholders trough direct interaction.

Two components of Active Listener Attentive listening - includes eye to eye contact, posture, facial expressions, gestures and genuine interest in what the person is saying. Reflection - it includes repeating and paraphrasing what you have heard, showing the person that you truly understand what has been said.

What Makes Good Listener Good listener actively endeavor to understand what others are really trying to say, regardless of how unclear the messages might be. Listening involves not only the effort to decode verbal messages, but also to interpret nonverbal cues such us tone of voice, facial expressions, and physical posture.

What Makes a Bad Listener Interrupting the person you’re speaking with, taking before they have had a chance to finish what they are saying indicates that your listening skills may need polishing up.

2. NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION Your body language, eye contact, hand gestures, and tone all color the message you are trying to convey. A relaxed, open stance (arms open, legs relaxed), and friendly tone will make you appear approachable, and will encourage others to speak openly with you. *Eye contact *Paying attention * Nonverbal signals convey how a person is really feeling.

Communicating at Job Interviews Your nonverbal communications ca either support the tone of your conversation or leave the interviewer wondering whether you’re all talk and no substance. Displaying nonverbal behaviors that are match for your messages can help you to convince employers that you are genuinely interest in the job and suited for the work.

What to Bring to an Interview Portfolio or pad holder with a copy of your resume and a list of references on quality paper. Works samples (relevant) Notepad and pen Breath mint (before you inter the building) Women: extra pair of pantyhose (keep in your briefcase of car)

What not to Bring to an Interview Cellphone iPod Gum Cigarettes Soda coffee Scuffed shoes, messy and/or not-so-clean clothes

Nonverbal Communication During the Interview Make eye contact with the interviewer for the few seconds at a time. Smile and nod (at appropriate times) when the interviewer is talking, but don’t overdo it. Don’t unless the interview does first. Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech. Don’t be too loud or quite. Don’t slouch Do relax and lean forward a little towards the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged Don’t lean back. You will look too casual and relaxed Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair. Pay close attention to the interviewer. Take notes if you are worried you will not remember something.

Listen Don’t interrupt. Stay calm Not sure what to do with your hands? Hold a pen and your notepad or rest an arm on chair or on your lap, so you look comfortable. Don’t let your arms fly around the room when you’re making a point.

3. Clarity and Concision Good communication means saying just enough- don’t say too little or talk too much. Try to convey you’re your message in as few words as possible.

4. friendliness Through a friendly tone, a personal question, or simply a smile, you will encourage your coworkers to engage in open and honest communication with you. Its important to be nice and polite in all your workplace communications. This is important in both face-to-face and written communication.

5. Confidence It is important to be confident in all of your interactions with others. Confidence ensures your coworkers that you believe in and will follow through with what you are saying.