As the job market becomes more and more competitive for all levels of careers, the importance of being an all-around catch is more important than ever. The playing field for business professionals is leveling off as more people than ever are earning college degrees and strengthening their hard skills. So how does one get ahead of the competition? By improving their soft skills and, probably most importantly, mastering communication skills.
Effective communication skills are important for all business professionals from the time of application to being successful once in the job. If you are not able to effectively communicate your qualifications on a resume, or describe on your cover letter why you deserve the job more than your competition, you are less likely to get the phone or in-person interview. When you do make it to that interview, however, your verbal communication skills become more important. Mastering communication skills, both written and verbal, ensures success from the time you apply to your first job to the time you retire. The following tips help you begin to master the communication skills necessary for success:
Verbal
- Be yourself! People can see through someone who isn’t their genuine, transparent self. Be real with your audience and you will get more respect and attention.
- Be confident. This includes cutting out "filler words" such as um, uh, like, etc. These words can be misconstrued by others that you doubt the validity of what you are saying and are therefore hesitatant to say it. Eliminate those words from your vocabulary and if you need to think of how to phrase the next sentence, fill that time with a silent pause instead. This gives you time to think about what to say next as well as let the audience absorb what you already said.
- Be aware of body language. Body language is a non-verbal communication cue you should be aware of for yourself and of others. If seated, don't slouch but lean forward and keep your shoulders back. If standing/lecturing, walk around, use appropriate body language, don't be afraid to be animated (to a certain extent), and really project your voice if you have a large audience. Body language helps to communicate the meaning of what you’re saying and commands attention, interest, and respect.
- Dress appropriately and stay well-groomed. Don't make yourself stand out for the wrong reasons. If you show up to a black tie event in jeans and a t-shirt, you are gaining the wrong kind of attention that will detract from what you want to actually communicate. Unkempt hair, just-out-of-the-gym smell, or food in your teeth takes the audience's focus away from what you are saying.
- Be punctual. Being on time, rather than late, is a desired attribute in most companies and social circles. Showing up to meetings, lectures, etc. early shows time management and, if you are the one speaking during that time, gives you time to relax before getting things started.
- Be a good listener. Half of communication is listening, so if you can’t master this piece of communication your audience will lose interest in what you have to say. Why? Because people can tell when someone else cares more about what he wants to say rather than hear what they have to say.
Written
- Be clear but concise. Get your point across without using run on sentences. If there are acronyms or short-hand terms commonly used in your industry, ensure you know everyone involved is well versed in those terms before throwing them around. If someone is new to the industry or is consulting from outside the industry, don’t leave them wondering or trying to decipher an email.
- Expand your vocabulary. One trick ponies are good, but knowing more than just the basics is beneficial in all industries. You will be taken more seriously and be seen as someone who strives for personal development in all aspects of their life.
- Stay professional. If you are involved in an email chain with multiple people, maintain professional dialogue with each one of them. If you are friends with the CEO and on a first name basis with him/her, refer to him by his title rather than his first name (unless otherwise previously established) if others are involved in the thread.
- Own up to mistakes. OK, this isn't necessarily just for effective written communication but for verbal communication as well. Recognizing and admitting your mistakes shows you take ownership over your actions and statements. A valuable characteristic for any job, no matter the level.
If you are able to master communication skills, your business and personal relationships are sure to flourish. They are natural ways to help boost your self-esteem and confidence as well as gain respect from your peers and grab the attention of your audience. Of all of the soft skills out there, effective communication is one of the more important ones easy to improve upon. To learn more on mastering communication skills, contact Ty Boyd today.
About Ty Boyd, Inc.
Ty Boyd, Inc. is an Executive Communications & Coaching business that has helped professionals worldwide reach their career goals for more than thirty years.
Our faculty is comprised of experts in the fields of public speaking, business communications, and individual coaching.
We offer a variety of courses suited to meet the needs of all levels of career professionals. Ty Boyd, Inc. also creates custom courses for corporations, designed to align with each company’s business culture and objectives. You can expect immediate returns when you and your company invest in a Ty Boyd, Inc. course or coaching session. Take the lead with Ty Boyd, Inc.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you, your employees or company.info@tyboyd.com or 1.704.333.9999