Building self-awareness of our verbal and non-verbal communication allows us to grow in our communication skills. What resources do you use to improve your awareness of your communication skills in the professional setting?
Building self-awareness
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Observe Effective Communicators: Pay attention to individuals you admire for their communication skills. Observe how they use verbal and nonverbal cues to engage their audience, convey their message effectively, and build rapport with others.
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Read Books and Articles on Communication: Immerse yourself in literature on communication skills and interpersonal dynamics. Numerous books and articles provide insights into effective communication techniques, nonverbal cues, and strategies for building strong relationships.
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Take Communication Skills Courses: Enroll in communication skills workshops or online courses to gain structured guidance and practical exercises for improving your communication abilities.
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Join Toastmasters International: Consider joining Toastmasters International, a non-profit organization that provides a supportive environment for practicing public speaking and communication skills.
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Seek Professional Coaching: Engage with a professional communication coach for personalized guidance and tailored strategies to address specific communication challenges.
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Practice Active Listening: Actively listen to others, giving them your full attention and demonstrating genuine interest in their perspectives.
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Emphasize Clarity and Conciseness: Strive to communicate your thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon and unnecessary complexity.
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Adapt Your Communication Style: Recognize that effective communication involves adapting your style to different audiences, situations, and cultural contexts.
By utilizing these resources and actively engaging in self-reflection, you can continuously enhance your self-awareness as a communicator and cultivate strong communication skills that will benefit you throughout your professional career and personal life.
Enhancing self-awareness of verbal and nonverbal communication is essential for developing effective communication skills in the professional setting. By understanding our strengths and weaknesses as communicators, we can identify areas for improvement and actively work on refining our communication style. Several resources can be utilized to enhance self-awareness and foster communication skills growth:
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Seek Feedback from Colleagues: Request constructive feedback from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors on your communication style. Encourage them to observe your verbal and nonverbal cues, and provide specific examples of your communication strengths and areas for improvement.
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Record Yourself: Record yourself during meetings, presentations, or casual conversations. Watch or listen back to the recordings and analyze your communication style. Pay attention to your tone, pace, word choice, body language, and overall delivery.