You're looking to advance in your career. How can you improve your communication skills?

1 Listen actively

One of the most important aspects of communication is listening. Active listening means paying attention to what the other person is saying, asking relevant questions, and showing empathy and interest. Active listening can help you understand the needs, expectations, and feedback of your clients, colleagues, and managers. It can also help you avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and errors.

2 Adapt your style

Different situations and audiences require different communication styles. For example, you may need to use more formal language and tone when writing a report or presenting to a board, than when chatting with a coworker or sending an email. You may also need to adjust your style depending on the culture, background, and personality of the people you are communicating with. For example, some people may prefer direct and concise messages, while others may value more details and explanations. To adapt your style, you need to be aware of your own preferences and habits, and be flexible and respectful of others.

3 Use clear and concise language

Whether you are speaking or writing, you need to use clear and concise language that conveys your message effectively. Avoid jargon, slang, and acronyms that may confuse or alienate your audience. Use simple and precise words that express your point without ambiguity or redundancy. Use short and coherent sentences that follow a logical structure and flow. Use punctuation, grammar, and spelling correctly to avoid errors and misunderstandings.

4 Use non-verbal cues

Non-verbal cues are the gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, posture, and tone of voice that accompany your verbal communication. They can enhance or contradict your message, depending on how you use them. For example, smiling, nodding, and maintaining eye contact can show interest, confidence, and friendliness, while frowning, crossing your arms, and looking away can show boredom, hostility, or nervousness. To use non-verbal cues effectively, you need to be aware of your own body language and voice, and match them with your words and intentions. You also need to pay attention to the non-verbal cues of others, and interpret them correctly.

5 Seek feedback

Feedback is essential for improving your communication skills. Feedback can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and learn from your mistakes and successes. You can seek feedback from different sources, such as your managers, peers, mentors, or clients. You can also use self-evaluation tools, such as recording yourself speaking or writing, and reviewing your performance. When seeking feedback, you need to be open-minded, respectful, and willing to learn. You also need to act on the feedback, and implement the changes and suggestions that can help you communicate better.

6 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?