How have you improved your communication skills?

???? The BIGGEST factor has been my willingness to ask for any feedback, the more constructive the better. Having worked on Mindset also helps, so I don’t let it get to me. I can take everything I’ve learned, even from haters, to work on and adjust what I’m trying to do as a communicator. The fact that I am communicating in a way that promotes active listening with feedback is actually another great skill builder. ????

I have come a long way in how I communicate. First step is aware and being intentional. Knowing I have to get better and I can get better was next.

In communication it's important to be an active listener. Most of us listen to respond, but ideally we should listen to understand, analyse the same and then respond rather than react. I personally improved my communication by communicating with different industry professionals, understanding their challenges, analysing their situation and I keep trying to be a better listener. I believe in giving value to others, whenever we are communicating it is important to respect other people's views and allow them to put their points without being in fear of judgement or interrupted. Communication differs from person to person and that's why we are human beings. Conclusion: Being an active listener can help us to be a better communicator.

I think we inherently know what we are good at, and where we need more practice. You can also ask for feedback from others. Ask for feedback from multiple sources to confirm there is consensus. You may be very strong with written communication, but struggle when having to speak in front of a large group. You may have to communicate in a language which is not your native one. You may be a charismatic public speaker, but your written communication might be too long and wordy. Acknowledging the areas that you need to work on is the first step towards improving them.

My journey of improvement did not have an assessment of weaknesses. Although, I must admit, it would help to do so. I focused all my attention on exposing myself to a wide variety of language / literature - comics, short and long novels, encyclopedia, newspapers, magazines ... I became a voracious reader and my language improved on account of that. These days, writing has taken on many forms and there are also styles of writing along with hacks to communicate (from hook to structure to CTA). This specificity may not come naturally and the weakness analysis and specific learning sources will help here.

Throughout our careers, we frequently encounter significant changes. When embarking on a fresh endeavor, it is often more efficacious to derive knowledge from individuals rather than relying solely on written sources. This approach provides an expedited pathway. Investing time initially to acquaint ourselves with others and to listen their narratives is not a waste of time. Rather, it serves as a foundational enhancement to the structure we are constructing. This perspective, favoring the wisdom gained from others' experiences, is exemplified in the following quotes: "A fool learns from his own experience, a wise man from the experience of others." – Otto von Bismarck "Experience is the teacher of all things." – Julius Caesar

I agree with listening to podcasts or reading books and articles on communication skills. It is fine to have people whose writing, speaking, or presentation style you admire. However, I would strongly caution against intentionally emulating someone else. Their voice is theirs; your voice should be yours. Authenticity matters, and copying someone else's style is never a good idea. Be yourself.

In a recent training session I developed and conducted, I shared that bridging the communication gap requires these 5 human skills: 1. Authenticity - that is, you need to know yourself 2. Curiosity - that is, ask questions to learn about others 3. Don't judge - know your bias and set it aside - get help on this one! 4. Actively listen - imagine you have to repeat what's been said vs. what you're going to say next. 5. Empathy - after listening, gain an understanding so you can relate and connect more effectively. All of these should also be wrapped in Humility. Now, go have some fun!

Communication comes in many different ways. One thing is to be skilled in writing, the other- is to comfortably hear the sound of your own voice and speak/communicate with confidence. I like the concept of HOT communication- that is - Honest - Open - Two ways. 'Two-way' communication has a couple of variations. One can listen while the other one enjoys the sound of his/her voice; 2 may communicate with no resolve etc Two-way effective communication allows both parties equal ways of expression and feedback, leading to resolve or encouraging the relationship to flourish.

Its the most natural way of learning. Learning by observing others. We do it naturally ... learning from our parents, teachers, friends, actors etc. When one intentionally; it can be wonderfully. Conscious attention and thought given to what you like about a particular person's style, then analyzing that style to understand what exactly you liked and how you can use it along with your own style. This can take your own communication effectiveness to next level. You are learning from the best and adapting it to your own style rather than copying it.

This is key. The only way to improve at any skill is to practice. These are all great suggestions. If your writing needs improvement, keep writing. Whether it is social media posts, a blog, short stories email... just keep doing it. Ask for feedback from someone that you trust. If your public speaking needs improvement, practice at home. Practice in front of family and friends. Solicit their constructive feedback. Record yourself so that you can see how others perceive your public speaking. Are you speaking to loudly, or too softly? Do you use too many filler words? Is your body language sending the wrong message? Practice makes perfect and you will continue to improve as you go.

Yeah, I know this point looks cliche, but trust me it WORKS! I have always been so inclined towards enhancing my communication. Even today I watch english movies with captions, listen to songs with lyrics in order to train my brain to map the words with what's being spoken! If I feel that there is some new word or accent, I just try to copy the same then and there, it takes a minute, sometimes I am able to crack it, sometimes not that quickly, but what this PRACTICE do is it activates my brain, and sends a signal to consciously observe my communication, and enhance upon the same. If you take these conscious steps, then eventually this process will automate itself, & the practice would just seem like something very natural and organic.

1. When communicating, always think about your audience. By doing this, and imagining how your audience might hear it, can help you to structure your communication. 2. Communication is both non verbal and verbal, so think about these two different areas and ways of sharing a message. 3. Practice helps, we are communicating from the minute we are born and over time we develop different skills in being able to convey our messages. Tune into your audience and who might be engaging with your communication. 4. Be creative when communicating - tell stories to demonstrate your point if helpful, and remember what your key take homes are. 5. Reflect and refine. Remember that your communication is an art which can always be improved.

Practicing is birthing masters! Nevertheless what you are doing you need to do it often. But the key is to practice right. When it comes to technique - e.g. playing an instrument - you can easily learn and practice wrong habits which later brakes your further development. So try to find a master and get the best technique to practice that as often as you can.

Flexibility is key to communicating effectively with the vast majority of today’s society. Too many have come to believe their authenticity trumps the comfort of others. When two people attempt to communicate, if the only focus is being understood, any exchange of understanding becomes impossible. If there is at least one individual committed to understanding the other, rather than needing to be understood, then at least one person walks away with the meaning of the conversation. Now, imagine both people communicating are doing so with the intention to understand, rather than being understood. This one ‘hack’ creates much easier and more comfortable communications with anyone about anything. Mirroring is a helpful exercise to begin.

Learn by analyzing situations when it comes to interacting with people. Try to be good in analyzing cultures, behaviors, peer groups etc. The better you know with whom you are interacting with the better you can adapt yourself to the situation. And be always as kind as you can. Humor and smiling is welcomed globally.

Practice the 80 - 20 rule. Listen 80% ? Speak 20% It's harder than you think. But will help you tremendously in understanding your clients and what they need. Ask them questions, to clarify what they said. Everyone loves speaking - give them the opportunity to feel truly heard. You'll only win from this in the long run.

1. Repeat, reflect, respond are different ways that we can demonstrate active listening. 2. Also be curious, and present. Put away distractions and tune into the other person. 3. Watch changes in body language and be curious about changes in body posture or tone of voice.

Treat the other person or people as the most important people in the world. At that moment, if you're truly present, they are! Active and interested listening is the natural result of thinking this way and they will feel the connection and your respect. Letting go of worrying about what they think of you also relaxes you and opens your ears. Care more about how they feel around you.

Active listening means questioning. You need to learn to keep a dialog running but you are the one who is asking the most questions and talking far less than all others. Try to find out what are people's passion. What do they like the most talking about, how can you get them be more emotionally. And always give something back. When they open themselves you need to open yourself as well. Think of it in a way how you would make friendships with other people. In business you should try to gather partners not clients!

Feedback is essential for improvement. However, giving effective feedback is a communication skill in and of itself. Do you know how to offer effective feedback? Effective feedback contains two parts at minimum – the specific detail you are commenting on and an explanation of your opinion or interpretation. For example, if you are offering feedback to someone about their public speaking, you may comment on their eye contact (the specific detail) and explain why you thought it was effective or ineffective (your opinion or interpretation). And this approach to feedback works in reverse, too, where you can transform someone’s opinion or interpretation into insights and action items about specific details for your own growth.

Here are some keys to unlocking the door into the wacky world of comedic communication that captures attention: 1. Refer to something that people can relate to in their minds, especially from popular culture. Example: Forrest Gump. 2. Shift the messaging structure, using different wording, so you can tap into what you want to say (about humor, for example). Example: Humor is as humor does. 3. Provide a call to action. Invite people to respond. Example: What are you doing to create comedic communication today? Note: Creating comedic communication is an active process of making meaning. Making meaning is an act of invention. We create. We do. We invent. How are you creating comedic communication? Share your secret sauce.

Be curious! Being curious is such an important part of our communication with others. Don't be afraid to let your inner child-like curiosity come out and ask questions to learn more. You might be surprised how much you're missing and what new worlds there are to explore!

Based on my experience: To improve communication skills, some key factors need to be practiced everyday: Open communication, Actively listening, Accept any feedback to improve any weakness. Respectfully over than justment once heard from others.