6 ways to improve your communication skills

Presented by Dina Fouda

Written by Mostafa Ewees (PhD)

January 10, 2008

CommunicationTechniquesListeningSpeaking and ListeningSpeaking and WritingGeneral Tips

SpeakingKnow what you want to sayControl FearStop Talking and ListenThink before you talkBelieve in your messageRepeat Major PointsFind Out what your Listener wants

TechniquesDefine AcronymsReduce JargonLevel ObjectionsUse HumorAnecdotes and StoriesAsk for feedbackIncrease your vocabulary

Techniques -continuedEliminate Audible PausesEnunciate ClearlyPractice Pronouncing Words ProperlyExercise Tongue, Jaws and LipsMake Eye ContactGesture

Techniques -continuedPauseSpeak more slowlySpeak fasterVary Your VolumeWatch your toneRecord your voice

ListeningPrepare to ListenFocus on the SpeakerScreen Out DistractionsConcentrate on the Message Listen to Tapes while you commute

Speaking and ListeningAsk Questions Avoid Daydreaming Accept Accents Use mind mappingInterview ComplaintsTelephone

Key PointsWrite a Purpose StatementOutlineTransfer Negative Emotions to PaperGet to the PointExplain Abstract wordsUse Absolutes and Generalities Sparingly

Key Points - ContinuedAsk for what you wantUse active verbsUse gender neutral languageCite Source of Statistical DataIllustrate with personal examplesExpress EmotionKeep it simple (KISS) Method

Key Points - ContinuedPaint verbal PicturesBe ConciseSupport Statements with DetailsWatch SemanticsQuote AuthoritiesConsult ExpertsSuppress emotion

WritingKeep a JournalTake notesWrite personal Notes Write Effective business lettersUse Short SentencesCommunicate online

ReadingReadKeep up with Current EventsRead Something InspirationalUse the Internet

Non VerbalPresenceGive Nonverbal CuesCheck Your Posture Dress AppropriatelySmileTouchShake Hands Properly

Attitude Intend to ImproveVisualizeBe flexibleBe LikableCommit to Being TruthfulEmpathizeDon’t take yourself too seriously

Attitude – continuedEliminate Negative FeelingsBe receptive to New IdeasTake ResponsibilityRespect the Other Person’s Point of ViewRecognize the Impact of Stress on

CommunicationBe Real

Attitude – continuedCheck Your attitude

BehavioralLaughUse Good MannersRecognize Manipulative BehaviorRecognize Condescending MannersAvoid Words that HurtChange Abrasive BehaviorHandle Disagreements with Tact

MiscellaneousOrganize Productive MeetingsConsider Experience LevelUnderstand the Importance of TimingPresent a Good Personal Image