10 answers
Nahom
Student
Sioux City, Iowa
1
Question
Asked
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How can i get better at this?
How can I get better with communication with my peers and others and people around the world
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10 answers
Bob Echols
Retired lawyer and ethics officer--current blogger and author of the For Our Friends the Animals quartet.
26
Answers
Fairhope, Alabama
Updated
Bob’s Answer
Hi, Nahom.
First, let me assume you are asking how to improve the quality of your communication with your peers and others around the world. As you mention around the world, I'll also limit this answer to written communication, although my advice would also apply to oral communication as well.
The answer is learn, learn learn, and then practice, practice, practice.
Being good at communication is the same as being good at playing the violin. Although some people may have more innate talent than others, in the end to become good at the violin one must have a teacher to guide and correct errors, then one must spend hours actually playing the instrument.
Being a good communicator is the same idea.
Find someone whose written communication skills you admire and ask him/her to be a mentor to you. Then, before you send a message or post on line, send a practice message to your mentor and ask for feedback.
Learn from what your mentor tells you, and then apply that knowledge over and over as you write.
You will see that you will improve again and again with each lesson and with each time you put that lesson into practice.
By the way, don't be too critical of yourself. Every writer makes mistakes, creates copy that could have been better said, sees things in a post or email or letter that might have been presented differently.
That's good! That means you are spotting ways of improving.
So keep writing, learn, practice, and enjoy yourself!!
All the best
Bob
First, let me assume you are asking how to improve the quality of your communication with your peers and others around the world. As you mention around the world, I'll also limit this answer to written communication, although my advice would also apply to oral communication as well.
The answer is learn, learn learn, and then practice, practice, practice.
Being good at communication is the same as being good at playing the violin. Although some people may have more innate talent than others, in the end to become good at the violin one must have a teacher to guide and correct errors, then one must spend hours actually playing the instrument.
Being a good communicator is the same idea.
Find someone whose written communication skills you admire and ask him/her to be a mentor to you. Then, before you send a message or post on line, send a practice message to your mentor and ask for feedback.
Learn from what your mentor tells you, and then apply that knowledge over and over as you write.
You will see that you will improve again and again with each lesson and with each time you put that lesson into practice.
By the way, don't be too critical of yourself. Every writer makes mistakes, creates copy that could have been better said, sees things in a post or email or letter that might have been presented differently.
That's good! That means you are spotting ways of improving.
So keep writing, learn, practice, and enjoy yourself!!
All the best
Bob
Melissa Abbett
4
Answers
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Hi Nahom,
Our team of HPE volunteers came together to provide a few items that may help.
1. Try to understand the culture of the individuals you are working with.
2. Truly listen to others in a discussion rather than jumping in with what you want to say.
3. First understand how you best communicate before you try to understand how others do.
4. Remember that everyone does not have the same first language. Avoid slang and idioms.
5. Avoid abbreviations, spell them out in the first use.
6. Use the right technology for the communication. Should this communication be an email, Slack message, meeting, etc. Which will most successfully get the message across.
7. Stay curious and find a common ground. Sometimes it is easier to start a conversation if you find a commonality.
8. Offer them something of yourself. Share what you are an expert in or how you can support. Don't just expect something from them but have something to offer as well.
Our team of HPE volunteers came together to provide a few items that may help.
1. Try to understand the culture of the individuals you are working with.
2. Truly listen to others in a discussion rather than jumping in with what you want to say.
3. First understand how you best communicate before you try to understand how others do.
4. Remember that everyone does not have the same first language. Avoid slang and idioms.
5. Avoid abbreviations, spell them out in the first use.
6. Use the right technology for the communication. Should this communication be an email, Slack message, meeting, etc. Which will most successfully get the message across.
7. Stay curious and find a common ground. Sometimes it is easier to start a conversation if you find a commonality.
8. Offer them something of yourself. Share what you are an expert in or how you can support. Don't just expect something from them but have something to offer as well.
Sean Minnick
Sales management
4
Answers
Coppell, Texas
Updated
Sean’s Answer
The most important aspect of communication is listening with intent to understand and not listening to respond. Once you understand the other person's point, point of view, questions, etc, you will be amazed at how much more effective the communication will be. As part of listening to understand, it is critical to ask questions to validate what you are hearing.
Angela Cox
Consulting Program Partner Advisor
84
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Hi there! Communicating with people virtually can be challenging, especially when you're new to it. I have a few ideas that may help you feel comfortable with it -
1. Set yourself up in a quiet environment and make sure you have good internet connection. It can be very awkward if your internet cuts out or you're in a busy/loud space and have to move in the middle of the call.
2. Come prepared!
3. Take some notes if possible, in cases you talk to them again and want to be able to think back on your first convo.
4. Try not to multi-task while you're talking to them. Put your phone away if you're on a video call and try not to get distracted!
5. Maintain the communication! Keep up with people that you meet.
I hope this helps!
1. Set yourself up in a quiet environment and make sure you have good internet connection. It can be very awkward if your internet cuts out or you're in a busy/loud space and have to move in the middle of the call.
2. Come prepared!
3. Take some notes if possible, in cases you talk to them again and want to be able to think back on your first convo.
4. Try not to multi-task while you're talking to them. Put your phone away if you're on a video call and try not to get distracted!
5. Maintain the communication! Keep up with people that you meet.
I hope this helps!
Sindhura Sunkara
Manager
3
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Sindhura’s Answer
Communicating is all about feeling relaxed and getting some practice in. Choose a subject that you're at ease with and gradually begin to express your thoughts. There's no need to fret about being correct or incorrect, just focus on practicing in smaller, more intimate settings at first.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
464
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hello Nahom,
Effective communication is like a master key that opens many doors in life. While not everyone is a natural-born communicator, there are tried-and-true methods to boost your communication skills.
Listening is Golden: To excel in communication, you need to be a good listener first. The quality of communication often suffers when one party isn't fully attentive. By listening carefully, you not only grasp the essential details but also enhance your ability to respond effectively.
Stay on Point: Misunderstandings often arise from unnecessary information overload. Strive for clarity and brevity in your communication, without missing out on key points. This principle holds true for both written and spoken communication. For written messages, always proofread, and for verbal exchanges, practice focusing on what's crucial to the conversation.
Understand Your Audience: Knowing your communication partner is vital. You need to adapt your communication style to what they can understand best. For instance, using informal language with a colleague or superior might not be appropriate. Similarly, using acronyms without ensuring the other person understands them can lead to confusion. So, always consider your audience.
Use Assertive & Active Language: An assertive and active language style can effectively capture your listener's or reader's attention. They're more likely to hang onto your every word, ensuring your message gets across.
Non-verbal Communication: Body language can speak volumes even without uttering a word. In a video call or face-to-face meeting, maintain positive body language like an open posture and steady eye contact. This non-verbal communication is often subconsciously picked up by the other person, encouraging them to respond similarly.
Mind Your Tone: Misunderstandings often stem from inappropriate tone. Avoid being too loud or too soft, and never be rude or condescending. Always communicate with politeness and respect.
Be in the Right Mindset: Ensure you're in the right frame of mind before communicating. Emotions like fatigue, frustration, sadness, and anger can distort your message. Aim to be positive or at least neutral.
Speak Directly: Whenever possible, communicate directly with the intended person. In many organizations, messages often get diluted or distorted as they pass through multiple channels. Direct communication can prevent this.
Remember, communication plays a significant role in our personal and professional lives and should be taken seriously. The most successful and content individuals are often excellent communicators.
Effective communication is like a master key that opens many doors in life. While not everyone is a natural-born communicator, there are tried-and-true methods to boost your communication skills.
Listening is Golden: To excel in communication, you need to be a good listener first. The quality of communication often suffers when one party isn't fully attentive. By listening carefully, you not only grasp the essential details but also enhance your ability to respond effectively.
Stay on Point: Misunderstandings often arise from unnecessary information overload. Strive for clarity and brevity in your communication, without missing out on key points. This principle holds true for both written and spoken communication. For written messages, always proofread, and for verbal exchanges, practice focusing on what's crucial to the conversation.
Understand Your Audience: Knowing your communication partner is vital. You need to adapt your communication style to what they can understand best. For instance, using informal language with a colleague or superior might not be appropriate. Similarly, using acronyms without ensuring the other person understands them can lead to confusion. So, always consider your audience.
Use Assertive & Active Language: An assertive and active language style can effectively capture your listener's or reader's attention. They're more likely to hang onto your every word, ensuring your message gets across.
Non-verbal Communication: Body language can speak volumes even without uttering a word. In a video call or face-to-face meeting, maintain positive body language like an open posture and steady eye contact. This non-verbal communication is often subconsciously picked up by the other person, encouraging them to respond similarly.
Mind Your Tone: Misunderstandings often stem from inappropriate tone. Avoid being too loud or too soft, and never be rude or condescending. Always communicate with politeness and respect.
Be in the Right Mindset: Ensure you're in the right frame of mind before communicating. Emotions like fatigue, frustration, sadness, and anger can distort your message. Aim to be positive or at least neutral.
Speak Directly: Whenever possible, communicate directly with the intended person. In many organizations, messages often get diluted or distorted as they pass through multiple channels. Direct communication can prevent this.
Remember, communication plays a significant role in our personal and professional lives and should be taken seriously. The most successful and content individuals are often excellent communicators.
Kristen Wilson
Client Experience Coordinator
6
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
What an excellent question Nahom! Communication comes in many different forms and I believe it's just like any other muscle we have as humans: we must take good care of it. :) Writing letters and/or e-mails to friends, family and others you treasure in your life can be a great way of stretching your written communication muscle. Talking, really speaking, even if only to a mirror for practice can be a lovely way of practicing your oral communication muscle. Just taking a moment to breathe and remember that you're growing as a person can be important to our self communication muscle. Smiling throughout your day is a small act of kindness to yourself and to the rest of the people around you. Communication is ever evolving, just like each of us! Be patient with yourself and keep in mind that the learning is never over. Every day is another opportunity to stretch our communication muscles! Wonderful things are ahead for you my friend!
Patrecia (Trish) Rosito
Associate Director of Technology
31
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Patrecia (Trish)’s Answer
Nahom,
Are you eager to enhance your communication skills with your peers? Remember, consistent practice is the key to mastering any skill. Start by identifying areas where you feel you're not as strong, and then concentrate on honing these specific skills. Share your self-improvement journey with your friends. Let them know about the areas you're working on and trust them to provide constructive feedback, helping you to grow and improve.
In addition, you mentioned you're keen on improving your communication skills in general. Why not seize opportunities for public speaking, like open mic events? Or perhaps consider enrolling in classes at your local library designed to help you refine your communication abilities. Rest assured, there are plenty of clubs or classes at school that can aid in your growth as well. Keep going, Nahom, you're on the path to becoming an excellent communicator!
Are you eager to enhance your communication skills with your peers? Remember, consistent practice is the key to mastering any skill. Start by identifying areas where you feel you're not as strong, and then concentrate on honing these specific skills. Share your self-improvement journey with your friends. Let them know about the areas you're working on and trust them to provide constructive feedback, helping you to grow and improve.
In addition, you mentioned you're keen on improving your communication skills in general. Why not seize opportunities for public speaking, like open mic events? Or perhaps consider enrolling in classes at your local library designed to help you refine your communication abilities. Rest assured, there are plenty of clubs or classes at school that can aid in your growth as well. Keep going, Nahom, you're on the path to becoming an excellent communicator!
Rian Alam
Student
139
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Nahom!
One of the best things to do to improve communication is to just practice! Find situations that take you out of your comfort zone and embrace those as learning opportunities. For example, instead of sitting next to one of your friends in class, try sitting next to someone you don't know to try and start a conversation!
One of the best things to do to improve communication is to just practice! Find situations that take you out of your comfort zone and embrace those as learning opportunities. For example, instead of sitting next to one of your friends in class, try sitting next to someone you don't know to try and start a conversation!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This is good question indeed. Firstly, don't be shy and feel free to talk to different people.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Be open minded and relax
2. When facing some new friends, don't nervous and relax
3. Feel free to join the conversation with others politely
4. Take some communication classes
5. Try to have some causal talk with others
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Be open minded and relax
2. When facing some new friends, don't nervous and relax
3. Feel free to join the conversation with others politely
4. Take some communication classes
5. Try to have some causal talk with others
Hope this helps! Good Luck!