How to Improve Personal Communication Skills as a Work Goal

Personal communication skills can help get you ahead at work.

Success in many areas of life depends on personal communication skills. You need communication skills for survival in academic settings, to foster personal and professional relationships and for conducting simple transactions like buying groceries and school supplies. If you're trying to improve your personal communication skills to get ahead at work, you can coach yourself without anyone's help. Observe yourself speaking in the mirror, and improve your posture, body language, tone of voice and facial expressions accordingly.

Instructions

1. Observe your personal communication style. Notice whether you’re shy, talkative, assertive, engaging or aggressive. Identify what you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses; research the Internet and self-help books for tips on how to enhance or improve your own specific style. Encourage feedback from colleagues, relatives and friends.

2. Master the language spoken at your job. Whether you’re a short order cook at a Mexican restaurant or a preschool teacher who translates the language of tantrums, know how to speak and understand the lingo.

3. Become an active listener. Look people in the eye when they communicate with you; nod appropriately to show you understand what they’re saying. Smile encouragingly. Summarize what people say once they’re finished speaking to ensure you’re both on the same page.

4. Address issues directly, immediately and respectfully. If something doesn’t sit well with you, say so. If you can’t resolve issues by politely addressing the matter, seek the appropriate authority for mediation and resolution. Don’t say anything behind a coworker or supervisor’s back that you wouldn’t say to his face. Conduct all your work interactions with integrity.

5. Respectfully assert your opinions and beliefs, even if they’re unpopular. Practice allowing everyone the right to their own perspective.

6. Perfect your body language. Personal communication isn’t just what you say; it includes non-verbal communication as well. Demonstrate openness and respect to everyone you communicate with; don’t roll your eyes, drum your fingers, tap your feet or cross your arms.

7. Be responsive, rather than reactive. In each situation, act in accordance with your own values and beliefs, rather than simply reacting to someone else.

8. Develop your ability to give and receive constructive criticism.

References

• Communication Transormation; Develop Your Interpersonal Communication Skills for Success at Work and Home; Felicia J. Slattery
• More Business: Improving Personal Communication Skills and Business Communication Tips
• "Inc."; A Crash Course in Communication; Jamie Walters, et al.; August 2000