Effective communication is an essential skill for any professional. No matter your industry or occupation, strong communication abilities not only improve efficiency and results but can also help workers advance in their careers since employers place a high value on effective communication competencies that are highly transferable across different industries.
However, being an effective communicator means more than just choosing the right words and non-verbal cues such as tone, timing, delivery method and similar factors. A competent communicator understands the factors that influence communication processes including listening, persuasion, organizational structure, context and more.
In the online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies program from William Paterson University (WPU), students will learn an abundance of successful communication theories and strategies, as well as how those translate to numerous professions and industries. This flexible degree also gives graduates the necessary understanding and competencies for listening, group work, technology, persuasion, language and conflict management skills to adapt tactics to apply to any situation or workplace.
Here are some simple communication strategies to help improve interactions in any professional setting.
Practice Active Listening
Career resource website The Balance Careers defines active listening as “paying close attention to what the other person is saying, asking clarifying questions and rephrasing what the person says to ensure understanding.” These follow-up practices not only help to ensure the clarity of the message but also reassure the speaker that they are being heard and that the receiver values the message.
Demonstrate Empathy and Respect
Building a strong rapport with colleagues helps enhance communication, and one of the best ways to do that is by showing empathy and respect. Job website Indeed describes workplace empathy as “not only (understanding), but also (sharing) in the emotions of others.” Sometimes, this can simply mean listening and sympathizing with a person’s issues, rather than trying to “fix” or “solve” every problem. It’s important to understand someone’s emotions and respond appropriately and respectfully.
Choose the Correct Delivery Method
Not all messages are equal. Sometimes certain methods of communication are more effective than others, depending on the nature of the content, the makeup of the audience or other variables. Good communicators understand how to assess the receiver and message and decide on the best delivery method. For instance, with data-driven projects, it’s worth considering alternative formats such as graphs, tables or other visual representations. Bullet points are often a better choice for large presentations rather than long blocks of text.
Another example is the importance of the audience in choosing the platform. What platform is your audience most familiar with? Email, social media or something else? The more audience-appropriate your platform, the more people your message will reach.
Check for Clarity and Concise Language
Your message is made up of word choices, the foundation of any communication process. Taking the time to carefully choose your words helps prevent confusion and ensure that you’re saying what you mean. Balance Careers also suggests striving for brevity: “Say what you want clearly and directly,” no matter the medium. One way to do this is by practicing what you need to say or writing it ahead of time. Prioritizing concise communication also shows that you value your listeners’ time.
Utilize Feedback
Feedback is a valuable tool because it is a direct response to a person’s work or style. By soliciting and listening to feedback, we can hone our skills and improve interpersonal relationships and communication. Taking feedback also demonstrates an interest in improvement. On the flipside, giving feedback is also important, not only to improve work but also to praise work that is already outstanding. Keeping feedback constructive and respectful is essential, as it can be a powerful collaborative tool when we use the process correctly.
Learn more about William Paterson University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies program
