Body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions can tell you a lot about something or someone else, and knowing them can help you be a better communicator at work. Observe how you and other people try to communicate with babies. Or better yet, how do you interact with your pet? Do you know whenever they’re hungry, tired, confused, playful, stressed, etc.? How do you know whenever they’re in a good or bad mood? It is usually through nonverbal communication right? Or else I would be a little worries if your pet was talking to you.
You see, exchanging information, ideas and alike aren’t limited in verbal form. We also channel our thoughts through nonverbal communication that are: body language, gestures, expressions, tone and pitch of voice and others. Read more: These 10 Things Will Make You Highly Persuasive
The way you convey your message in whatever way you like may either advance or set a drawback in your career. Miscommunication can cause serious repercussions especially in a workplace environment. Good communication skills lead us beyond our goals. It is an essential skill that is likely required in all careers whether you’re a social media manager or an engineer.
Ways To Be An Awesome Communicator At Work
If you think you’re far from a good communicator, it is a skill than can be honed and gained overtime. So, don’t fret if you think you’ll never be as good as Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg when it comes to effective communication and relaying one’s message. Practice these simple 6 tips to help you become a better communicator at work, and lead yourself to being an awesome, captivating communicator.
1. Pay attention to their body language
Nonverbal communication is as important as verbal communication. Sometimes, even more essential than the latter. This is because our action says more than what we actually say. Observe their word choices along with their stance. Not that you’re mirroring them but rather, be aware of their nonverbals because that also helps you understand deeply what they are trying to convey.
2. Listen attentively
How can you be an effective communicator if you fail to listen and pay attention to the person? Stop thinking about what topic you’re going to bring up after s/he’s done venting out their office conundrums to you and most definitely, stop talking about yourself and listen to each and every word they say — understand their disposition.
By listening, you are showing them that you are interested and your ears and full attention stays on them in that very moment. This also illustrated that you are an active listener and willing to engage and exchange meaningful conversations with them.
Read more: Master The Art of Persuasion - Learn how to convince
3. Reach out to them
Especially whenever you need to and whenever you think they need someone to talk to. Observe their disposition: are they agitated the past few days or they seem different than usual, maybe? Even if they don’t ask you to, approach them and ensure they’re feeling and doing well. Being friendly isn’t bad thing in the workplace. Showing that you care for them and that you want to talk to them makes you seem more approachable and less intimidating — this works both for you and your colleague. Put down that poker face and wear your best smile. Always.
Read also: 5 Ways People Ruin Their Story Telling Potential
4. Be open to them
You’ll have a difficult time earning their trust if you won’t reveal as much to them. It would feel as if you’re hiding a dirty secret from them. Imagine being left in the office alone with your co-worker for 30 minutes, how do you think it would work out for the two of you? You’ve been talking about the weather and politics for days. That’s too boring now, isn’t it? Try opening up about a personal experience or certain event. This will slowly build up a foundation between the two of you which translates into building trust.
5. Maintain a positive attitude
If your opinion isn’t the same with the others and if you disagree with them, don’t blatantly voice out your negative comments. When you’re talking to someone, hands off to your phone and avoid getting easily distracted. Your attitude is everything so always keep a positive vibe and handle the negativity flawlessly.
Often times, we fail to communicate what we truly feel leading us to send the wrong signals. And most of the time, we let words come out of our mouths without them being processed in our minds first.
Got more tips to add? Don’t hesitate to share it with us and comment it below!
Read more: Great Speakers And Presenters Do These 9 Things
About the author: Aside from providing tips and hacks in personal and career development, Chie Suarez is also a resident writer for The Fordham Company — one of Australia’s top celebrity management companies and a major celebrity speakers bureau.
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