Tonnes of information is available on the internet about communication skills. After all, it is one of the most important skills on earth!
In today’s article, I’m going to share in depth with you about the three types of communication skills we all know about:
- Verbal Communication
- Non-Verbal Communication
- Written Communication
Although we use these various types of communication on a daily basis, it’s important we do so optimally. As that’s when they truly become a differentiator for us. They make communication faster and easier. And also improve the quality of our work, relationships and contribute to our overall success.
So, let’s get started…
Verbal communication
People define verbal communication in different ways. Some take it as the ‘words’ used in a conversation based on the definition of ‘verbal.’ They then further categorise Verbal Communication into Oral and Written Communication. Oral referring to the ‘words’ used in verbal conversations and written referring to the ‘words’ in a written communication.
Others take it to be the communication associated with speech. This would include the words that are used along with other components of voice like tone, modulation, pace, etc.
For the sake of simplicity, I’m going with the second categorisation. Verbal communication for us, would therefore be about the ‘What’ and ‘How’ of speech. In other words, it’s about the words and how they are used while communicating with other people.
Words are extremely important in any form of speech; whether it be in a face to face conversation, telephonic conversation or a presentation. They have the power to make or break relationships. And its therefore important that we chose our words wisely. They also indicate our level of professionalism and are therefore to judge us on the same.
The way we use our voice while speaking the words is also very important. And has actually been found to carry almost 5 times the weightage of words in a face to face conversation. So, one can use the same words using a rude and irritated tone or using a calm and pleasant tone and have very different results!
If you want to enhance your verbal communication, work on your choice of words. After you say something, try to think of a better way to say it. Also work on the way you say the words. Be aware of your tone, pace, etc. See whether you can improve your modulation. Ask others about your fillers and try to minimise them. Also work on your listening and questioning skills.
Non-Verbal Communication
Interpersonal communication is a lot more than just speech. And includes many non-verbal cues and behaviours during an interaction that say a lot. These include various forms of body language like facial expressions, gestures, postures, etc. In fact, these are said to form more than 50% of a face to face communication. As they say, actions speak louder than words!
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Enhancing our non-verbal communication can be rather difficult at times. This is because we may not be aware of our unconscious actions and the signals our bodies are giving others through them. Therefore, the easiest way to improve our non-verbal communication is through feedback.
However, before asking for feedback, we recommend attending a communication skills training. Such sessions help you understand what various actions mean at a deeper level and how you can change them. For example, if you tend to cross your arms while speaking to others, it may signify that you are not open to them and their views. Knowing this makes it easier for you to create a lasting change. You realise you need to actually work on the unconscious lack of openness, which will automatically create a change in your body language. After all, your body just reflects and responds to your deeper thoughts, emotions, motives, assumptions, personality and perception. And you therefore need to work on these to create a real change!
While working on your inner state, also ask people you regularly interact with for feedback. This will help you catch your unconscious habits more easily post which you can change them.
Written Communication
Written communication can be the most difficult and trickiest form of communication. Which is why we give it a fair amount of time in our communication skills trainings! The reason being, we are unable to observe body language or hear a person’s voice over an email. Which leave us at the mercy of gathering meaning from just words!
Written communication is however very crucial. It creates a record of the communication and can be re-read multiple times. It therefore provides the best proof of the communication and a good reference for future.
Many forms of written communication have emerged and are emerging. From memos and letters; to e-mail, Whatsapp and other forms of chats. Therefore, it’s important we devote enough time to enhance our writing skills.
A good way to do so is accessing journals, newsletters, formal letters, books of literary authors and letters of famous leaders. Attending communication skills trainings aimed at improving written communication can also provide you with some good feedback.
Another useful way is proofreading. Reflect on what you have written multiple times before sending it. Do your words project the correct tone? What meaning can the other person derive from what you have written? Is there any ambiguity? You can also show it to someone else for their suggestions before you hit the send button.
Having exceptional communication is not restricted to a specific role. Every person needs it. You too!
So, what are you waiting for? Attend a communication skills training program today and master your communication skills!
