There are many skills that are needed for effective communication, these vary from the way you talk, the way you look, to what and how you say things. Firstly there are many general principles which are needed for confidently and effectively communicating to other people. Then there are specific useful principles for direct verbal and interpersonal communication, and also useful skills for writing communication.
Skills for General Communication:
Engaging the Audience:
Firstly it is important to keep your audience interested throughout a presentation. The reason for this is because if you do not then the audience may lose track of what you are talking about, and therefore may be confused by what you are talking about, especially if you ramble and do not come to a clear conclusion, they may not understand the point you were originally trying to make.
Using Technology:
It is important that you use software such as PowerPoint to show your work, this means that you can have extra information and pictures about what you are talking about on the PowerPoint behind you, although you must be careful not to right a block of text on the PowerPoint and then just read it straight off, the reason for this is because it may come across as rude towards your audience.
Answering Possible Questions:
At the end of the presentation you will likely be asked questions about what you have said, to avoid awkward questions do not talk about something which you do not know how to explain, and if you are going to include something in your presentation make sure you know exactly what it is and know how to explain what it does. When answering questions even when not sure about the answer, speak confidently as if you know exactly what to say, if you do it will seem that you know extensive knowledge about the subject.
Skills for Verbal Communication:
Body Language:
When speaking to somebody make sure you stand straight with your hands either side of you, the reason for this is because firstly standing with a straight back will allow you to speak loudly and clearly and allow a sufficient level of oxygen to reach you lungs. Secondly if you keep your hands either side of you it is more professional that keeping them in your pocket or fiddling with them.
Being Calm and Collected:
When talking to an audience it is important that you are calm and collected, the reason for this is because it shows confidence and also means people will respect you more as it looks although you have experience in talking to people. While if you stutter and sweat it shows that firstly you are not very professional, and secondly it may be difficult to put across what you are talking about as people will be focusing on how you speak, rather than what you are saying.
Skills for Written Communication:
Grammar and Spelling:
When writing something such as a CV by hand, or writing a letter to someone, it is extremely important that all of your grammar and spelling is correct, because if it is not than the employer will immediately disregard you application, the reason for this is because showing a professional level of English will show employers that you will be useful at any writing task.
Structure:
As with grammar it is important to structure when writing a letter, there are many ways you can structure a letter for example: Using sub-headings to put a point across, using paragraphs to show that your thought/point has come to a close, labelling a letter in a professional way (Dear....., Regards.....).
This shows there are many principles and skills required for written communication, if you can do these well, then communicating to someone either through writing or speaking should be much easier. These skills are very useful for general life as well as business life as they will make you seem more intelligent, while also being able to put your ideas across easier.
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