What Makes a Good Communicator

What makes a good communicator

Communication is the skill which made us distinct amongst the animals. Along with our ability to think, it has brought progress in the world. Since we have been born with superb inbuilt tools for communication, we often think we are born with good communication skills too. Wonder why? Just because we have been doing it all our life.

It is true that from childhood you have been given verbal and non verbal inexplicit instructions on how to behave and talk to people. In spite of this, how many of us interrupt while others speak? On the other hand, how many of us can confidently say we are good in handling interruption?

While we are talking to others, seldom do we stop and ask ourselves what is it that I am trying to communicate? There is no definite goal for most of our conversations. From the childhood, we are taught that those who can talk faster are usually sharper than others. I am not suggesting that every time you talk, you should stop and think of all words? Whenever you are expressing a thought to someone, it is a good idea if you have an overall picture of what are you trying to convey. If you have a picture or a sound in mind that you want to convey, it will be much easier to achieve your goal. This is not applicable just for people, every business also should train its employees on business communication skills so they can represent in an appropriate manner in the market place. It is not just the words that do the job, it’s a lot of other things too.
Many people believe that it’s their technical skills or better yet – the skills they don’t possess – that prevent them from professional success. While technical skill sets and experience will always be important when companies are making hiring or promotional decisions, possessing good communication skills can be the ultimate qualifier in deciding whether or not to move someone forward.
When two, three or more persons are being interviewed for a job position, usually the one who communicates in the best way gets it.

There are some key elements that go into being a good communicator. First of all you must be really interested in what others have to say, regardless if you are not interested in the topic or you get bored. A problem occurs when you stop listening, thinking that your conversational partner is saying one and the same thing all the time, but ironically, sometimes it turns out that you have missed vital information or a brilliant idea.

It is essential for a good communicator to know that asking the right questions and listening to the answers is not a time wasted. The “heart” of communication success is making others feel special. They have to feel validated and heard. Good communicators remember important dates, names and events. They should not hurry others along when they speak, even if they have something else important to do. They should not stare somewhere else – for example at the computer screen or through the window – when others are talking to them. It is proved by studies that truth is perceived to lie in the actions if there is a contradiction between one’s words and one’s actions.

If you are confused by what you hear, you should ask for clarification. Good communicators ask a lot of questions and then take actions toward goals. You should respect the other persons’ point of view.

You should get to the point quickly. Then it is easier for the listener to remember what you said. You should know the outcome you want from your conversation. Conversation should be like a tennis match, each person having a turn to give and receive.

By taking incremental steps to improve your communication effectiveness, you will reap long-term professional rewards.