by Farzeen Amin
Communication is the way to deliver our message towards the other end, however, the end can be one person, a group, a nation, a state or the whole world. The process includes more than just the verbal communication but the signs, signals, symbols, facial expressions and the body language are also important parts of communication. After having said that the tone of the words and the way they are said also changes the complete meaning of the communication completely so the tone of the verbal communication is also important to be considered as important component of Communication.
It is the art of communication which makes you stand out in the crowd. It is the only way to express and highlight your abilities. Remember that abilities are more than and beyond the physical appearance of a person. It is the communication skills which helps you to win in most of the situations. The better communication skills help you in interviews, negotiations, conflict resolution and throughout the life.
The art of communication is not the innate ability but it is learnt and practiced over the period of time. Here are some tips which can help you to develop better communication skills.
- Develop appropriate Accent
Pakistan has a beautiful variety of cultures and languages. The people from different ethnicities and regions come to big cities for higher education and better job opportunities. Most of us has particular accent of speaking Urdu and English influenced by the native languages. It is good to practice the languages in their own spirit and practice to speak in the right accent. The art of communication is much dependent on how you speak and what you speak.
Now even in Pakistan English has become the medium for every formal communication so you must work on the accent for better communication skills. However, it is learnt with continuous practice so don’t make a fake accent rather learn it through internet and books how to sound the words properly.
- Speak Calmly
Fluency and fast is not the same thing. In the efforts to leave an impact mostly people tend to speak quickly especially while speaking in English. You must lean the difference between being fluent and speaking fast incorrectly.
You must practice to speak without long pauses. Speaking right language in a row in important but your words must be very clear and understandable for others. So don’t rush into speaking wrong rather learn to speak correctly.
The people who take necessary pauses between the lines and speak calmly result in delivering more than people in haste. So be calm while you are speaking so that your message properly gets communicated. However, it is good to avoid to stopping to think in the same line.
- First Listen
You can communicate with yourself but mostly there are always other people involved in the process. So the process of communication is two ways rather than one way. The best practice to make better conversation is to “Listen” very carefully before you start speaking
Take a note that don’t speak just for the sake of getting dominance or scoring a point because it makes you look ignorant and illogical. Carefully evaluate the situation and frame your response accordingly. By listening to others it becomes further clear for you that what is the demand of situation. The carefully constructed responses in a conversation leave a lasting impact and also help you to clearly transfer your messages. Listening first helps in meaningful and constructive communication so learn to be a good listener if you want to communicate better.
- The Non-verbal Language
The No-verbal Language includes the facial gestures, hand movements, body language. Remember that actions are actually louder than your words. They become very obvious and prominent you play the non-verbal language and control them according to the environment, setting and situation.
While you are listening to others and in case you do not agree with them do not make a annoyed face rather keep your facial expressions calm and focused towards the other party. Learn to coordinate the expressions and body language with your words. It might sound easy but it is actually very difficult to control the non-verbal language and it is only learnt with practice and time. It is good to decently use your hand movements while you are trying to make a point as it will keep others attention towards yourself.
- Facial Expressions
The Facial expressions are a complete subject by it. It includes Eye contact, changes in the shapes of face. Your jaw movement, eye brows movement and even the wrinkles appearing on your face in stress, anger and frustration speak for itself. It is best to keep your face calm in a conversation. A mild smile on a face helps to keep the environment cool whereas, the eye contact with the person you are talking to is very important. Look at the person you are directed to for leaving an impact and making conversation more clear and direct. However, you must not stare in the eyes of other people rather look at them mildly and respectfully.
- Master the Timing
It is very important in communication to calculate time you have invested in a situation. You must take and give appropriate time to yourself and the other end for better communication. It is utmost important to know what to speak and what to edit in the conversation. Do not waste time in unnecessary details and be focused on the important points. You may add details only where it is necessary otherwise you will sound uninteresting and boring to the other person.
