How do you demonstrate communication skills employers want?

1 Verbal skills

Verbal skills are the ability to speak clearly, concisely, and confidently in different situations and contexts. To demonstrate verbal skills, you need to prepare your message, tailor it to your audience, use appropriate tone and language, and avoid jargon and slang. You also need to practice your delivery, use pauses and emphasis, and ask for feedback. Verbal skills can help you convey your ideas, persuade others, build rapport, and resolve conflicts.

2 Written skills

Written skills are the ability to write effectively and accurately for various purposes and audiences. To demonstrate written skills, you need to plan your content, structure your text, use correct grammar and spelling, and proofread your work. You also need to adapt your style, tone, and format to the situation and medium, such as emails, reports, proposals, or social media posts. Written skills can help you communicate information, instructions, opinions, or proposals in a clear and concise way.

3 Listening skills

Listening skills are the ability to pay attention, understand, and respond to what others are saying. To demonstrate listening skills, you need to show interest, empathy, and respect, avoid distractions and interruptions, and use active listening techniques. These include asking questions, paraphrasing, summarizing, and giving feedback. Listening skills can help you learn from others, build trust and rapport, and avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

4 Nonverbal skills

Nonverbal skills are the ability to use body language, facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, and voice to enhance your communication. To demonstrate nonverbal skills, you need to be aware of your own and others' signals, align them with your verbal message, and adapt them to the situation and culture. You also need to use positive and professional nonverbal cues, such as smiling, nodding, leaning forward, and speaking clearly and confidently. Nonverbal skills can help you express your emotions, attitudes, and intentions, and influence others' perceptions and reactions.

5 Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are the ability to interact and collaborate with others in a positive and respectful way. To demonstrate interpersonal skills, you need to be courteous, friendly, and supportive, respect diversity and differences, and manage your emotions and stress. You also need to use effective communication strategies, such as assertiveness, negotiation, persuasion, and feedback. Interpersonal skills can help you build and maintain relationships, work in teams, and deal with challenges and conflicts.

6 Intercultural skills

Intercultural skills are the ability to communicate and work with people from different cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values. To demonstrate intercultural skills, you need to be open-minded, curious, and respectful, learn about other cultures and perspectives, and avoid stereotypes and assumptions. You also need to adapt your communication style, language, and behavior to the cultural context, and seek common ground and mutual understanding. Intercultural skills can help you work in a global and diverse environment, and foster inclusion and innovation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?