How to Improve Your Communication Skills
Learn how to improve your communication skills and get more of what you want by following these steps.
Up next in How to Improve Your Communication Skills (68 videos)
Whether you're dealing with friends, family, a lover, or co-workers, you'll benefit from the communication skills taught in this Howcast video series.
You Will Need
- Clear speaking
- Key phrases
- Vocal skills
- Eye contact
- Hand gestures
- Listening skills
- Large vocabulary
- Open-ended questions
- Empathy
- Memory (optional)
- Anger management (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Enunciate clearly
Enunciate clearly and speak slowly enough to be understood. Get it right the first time.
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Step 2
Listen actively
Listen actively, reinforcing their message with statements such as, "Yes, I see." Restate their points with instant feedback like, "What I hear you saying is..." so they know they have been heard.
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Step 3
Animate your conversations
Animate your conversations by avoiding a monotone -- modulate your pitch. Deepen your voice by speaking from your diaphragm.
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Step 4
Establish eye contact
Establish eye contact, or you risk being perceived as insecure and incompetent. Use hand gestures to emphasize points.
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Remembering names is a sign of respect.
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Step 5
Expand your vocabulary
Study and use an ever-expanding vocabulary to gain attention and respect for what you have to say.
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Step 6
Use open-ended questions
Use open-ended questions starting with "what," "where," "why," and "when" to ensure a balanced give and take.
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Manage your anger or you will undermine trust.
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Step 7
Show empathy
Remain positive and show empathy. Refrain from making assumptions about others or weighing the conversation down with antagonism.
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Patients of doctors trained in communication are more likely to follow prescribed treatment.
