Establishing Effective Communication Skills

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Effective communication skills are indeed important, not only in our interpersonal relationships but also within the workplace. Fortunately, communication skills can be learned, and can also be improved upon over a period of time.

Apply the five following techniques of effective communication. These basic principles will help you achieve improved interpersonal relationships as well as outstanding workplace success.

Technique 1: Listen

It is ironic that the passive skill of listening is a core component of good communication. Listening focuses your attention on the other person, allowing you to be audience-centric your interactions.

Listening also allows the other person to get his or her point across and thus may cause him or her to reciprocate your kind attention and listen to what you have to say. Listening has also the added bonus of supplying the time needed to perform the next step well.

Technique 2: Speak Slowly and Clearly

The next step to better communication is to speak clearly at a suitable pace. Have you ever spoken to someone who rambled continuously in an incomprehensible manner? You can avoid this by framing your thoughts in a clear and concise manner.

When you do speak, do not rush; speak slowly, in a clear and logical tone. With the diverse nationalities in today’s globalised workplace, speaking clearly becomes even more important in the communication of thoughts and ideas in the workplace.

If you tend to get nervous when speaking, try this tip. Imagine the person whom you are speaking with to be a small child, and that you are trying to explain something simple to him. This will help to reduce any nervous tension out from your voice. However, try to avoid sounding condescending.

Technique 3: Be Considerate

Always be mindful of the other person’s feelings. Speak in terms of the other person’s interests. Don’t ramble on and on about something that the other person is not interested in. Do smile, and maintain good eye contact.

Technique 4: Give Complements

Everybody wants to be appreciated, and so the person who is able to give this recognition will be extremely valued. A complement, given sincerely, is a simple and effective way to create bonds with any individual you desire. It costs nothing to give, and is of infinite value to the person receiving it. John Maxwell, leadership expert has his 30 second rule. Give the other person a complement within 30 seconds of meeting him or her.

Technique 5: Have Confidence

Confidence helps you to communicate in many ways. People enjoy communicating with other people who appear to be confident. Maintain eye contact, smile. Initiate contact if the other person is shy. Show off your personality.

Be mindful of these five techniques highlighting the basic principles of effective interpersonal communication the next time you interact. Interpersonal skills are indeed important in our everyday life. With time and practice, you will definitely before a more effective and successful communicator.

Charlie Chaplin's Greatest Speech

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Most people remember Charlie Chaplin for his silent comedic films, but Chaplin was much more than just a genius with his non-verbal communication. He was a master at vocal communication as well, and this can be seen from his speech in the movie "The Great Dictator".

This speech was choosen as the best movie speech according to List Universe.

Charlie Chaplin’s Speech in "The Great Dictator"

When I saw this speech, I was awestruck…. Charlie Chaplin, famous for his comedic monologs, actually pulled off one of the most powerful speeches of all time.

Whats more, he achieved it without the use of gestures with his arms. What he did employ, however, was the use of the powerful facial expression.

His voice is firm and dramatic, with the proper emphasis when it is needed. Chaplin changes speed smoothly and easily, and this helps to highlight the points that he is trying to make.

For example, he suddenly slows down and extends the word “Greed…” (1.42) for emphasis. His voice, rich with color and expression.

The use of contrasts is also used well here. “We think too much and feel to little.”(2.02) “We have developed speed, but have shut ourselves in.” (1.50)

He uses triads effectively “Tell you what to do, what to think and what to feel.” (3.06)

At the climax of the speech (3.30), Chaplin lifts his pace of speaking and correspondingly gradually raises his tone of voice like a rising crescendo.

This speech, from one of Chaplin's most commercially successful films, is not only powerful and dramatic, but still remains relevent even in today's world.

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It also highlights Chaplin's capability as a effective communicator, both verbally as well as non-verbally.

If you're interested, you can buy this classic DVD from Amazon.

Give a Better Oral Presentation

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'Hello, today's post is a compilation of my "Give a Better Oral Presentation" series.

The following guide will help you to prepare your message in a focused and organised manner.

Step 1: Clarify the Purpose of your Presentation
Step 1

Step 2: Clearly Define your Audience

Step 3: Research your Topic

Steps 2 and 3

Step 4. Organise your Information and Prepare your Message
Step 5. Prepare the Outline of your Message

Steps 4 and 5

Step 6. Rehearse your Presentation
Step 6

An oral presentation is actually communication to an audience. Achieve better interpersonal communication, today!!!