What are the key skills and competencies for virtual communication training?

1 Active listening

Active listening is the ability to pay attention, understand, and respond appropriately to what others are saying in a virtual setting. It involves not only hearing the words, but also noticing the non-verbal cues, such as voice, tone, pace, and emotion. Active listening also requires asking relevant questions, summarizing key points, and providing feedback to show interest and comprehension. To improve your active listening skills, you can practice using video calls, chat tools, or phone calls, and avoid distractions, interruptions, or multitasking.

2 Clear and concise expression

Clear and concise expression is the ability to communicate your ideas, opinions, and expectations in a way that is easy to follow, understand, and act upon. It involves using simple and precise language, avoiding jargon, slang, or ambiguity, and organizing your thoughts logically and coherently. Clear and concise expression also requires adapting your message to your audience, purpose, and channel, and using appropriate formats, visuals, or examples to support your points. To enhance your clear and concise expression skills, you can review your written and spoken communication, seek feedback, and edit or rehearse your content.

3 Cultural awareness

Cultural awareness is the ability to recognize, respect, and appreciate the diversity of values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. It involves being open-minded, curious, and empathetic, and avoiding stereotypes, assumptions, or judgments. Cultural awareness also requires adjusting your communication style, tone, etiquette, and expectations to suit the context and preferences of your interlocutors, and acknowledging and addressing any misunderstandings or conflicts that may arise. To develop your cultural awareness skills, you can learn about the cultures of your virtual team members, clients, or partners, and seek feedback on your communication.

4 Collaboration and coordination

Collaboration and coordination are the abilities to work effectively and efficiently with others towards a common goal in a virtual environment. They involve establishing trust, rapport, and accountability, and sharing information, resources, and feedback. Collaboration and coordination also require setting clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations, and using appropriate tools and platforms to communicate, plan, monitor, and evaluate the progress and outcomes of the project or task. To improve your collaboration and coordination skills, you can participate actively in virtual meetings, discussions, and brainstorming sessions, and follow up on your commitments and deliverables.

5 Self-management and motivation

Self-management and motivation are the abilities to organize, prioritize, and complete your tasks independently and proactively in a virtual setting. They involve setting realistic and achievable goals, managing your time and energy, and overcoming distractions, procrastination, or isolation. Self-management and motivation also require seeking support, feedback, and recognition when needed, and celebrating your achievements and learning opportunities. To boost your self-management and motivation skills, you can create a comfortable and productive workspace, schedule regular breaks and social interactions, and track and reward your progress.