How to Improve Communication Skills in the Office
One of the biggest problems in many workplaces is lack of communication. People aren't told what they need to know, or are told in a way they don't understand. The way coworkers speak to each other is sometimes rude, mean and just plain uncalled for. Healthy communication is essential to a productive, comfortable workplace, and it should flow in both directions: from management to employees and from employees to management. There are many ways you can improve communication skills in your office.
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Instructions
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Listen to co-workers patiently without interrupting. Pay attention to what they say and how they say it. Notice body language and facial expressions. Make eye contact with the person speaking, and use appropriate responses to show you're really listening.
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Speak clearly at a volume that's not too loud and not too soft. Change your pitch so you're not speaking in a monotone. Use words correctly, and know how to pronounce them. Speak at an appropriate speed. If you talk too fast, your words can run together and people won't understand what you're saying.
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Use appropriate facial expressions and body language when you speak. Don't overdo it; just let it come naturally. Using too much body language can distract the people you're trying to communicate with. Your facial expressions and body language should match your words and tone of voice.
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Explain your point of view and try to see the points of view of your co-workers. Be open-minded when it comes to their ideas. Ask for feedback and listen to responses. A suggestion box is a good idea.
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Be quick to praise and slow to criticize. When criticism is necessary, make sure it's constructive criticism, with helpful suggestions of changes that can be made.
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Talk to co-workers and allow them to converse about things that don't involve work. If workers are learning to communicate about other things, they will begin to communicate about things that have to do with work.
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