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Perfecting Workplace Communication Skills – Verbal Communication

Guest post by: Pramila Mathew

Article Overview: This article is the first of a two part series of improving and perfecting the art of communication in the workplace. It contains important and effective tips for verbal communication.

Perfecting Workplace Communication Skills – Verbal Communication

The Importance of verbal communication skills in today's business world cannot be undermined. It forms the foundation upon which all deals are based upon. Whether it is horizontal, vertical or lateral communication, evidence suggests that a good disposure, listening, comprehension and body language strengthens relationships and results in a healthy working climate.

Verbal Communication

In order to work effectively, team members must be aware of many important aspects like vision, mission, goals, strategies, roles and responsibilities. These are best communicated time to time through spoken words.

Important aspects of effective verbal communication:

1. Speaking to be understood

The most important and sole purpose of communication is to convey an idea, thought or message to the receiver in a manner that reciprocates the same effect. Hence it is important that you speak in a manner that is understood by the listener.

a)Be consciously aware of the words you speak. This is a good practice since it is not always possible to spend a few moments before you convey your thoughts.

To explain further, while the other person speaks, your entire concentration should be on what is being said, rather than upon the formulation of a reply. This enables you to assimilate information in a more effective manner, thereby helping you to make a more informed reply.

b)Occasionally ask for verbal acknowledgements to ensure that the listener has understood your point of view. This helps keep check-points for both the receiver of the message and you; it helps maintain the pace and flow of the conversation and steers it along the correct lines.

2. Speaking with etiquette

Etiquette has gained a lot of precedence in the present global business village. The multitudes of diverse cultures that currently work together has made it necessary to learn about the various acceptable protocols while you speak. The groundbreaking research by Geert Hofstede on Cultural Dimensions clearly explains how differences in cultural diversity affect the business environment.

1. Speaking the A-B-C

Verbal communication can be concisely summed up with the ABC - this well known abbreviation is expanded as follows:

A - Accuracy

B - Brevity

C - Clarity

Accuracy - Accuracy in verbal communication essentially means that you provide complete instructions or messages while you speak. It will help the listener to fully understand and comprehend your message.

Brevity - Brevity requires that you K.I.S.S. the message, i.e., Keep It Short and Simple.

Clarity - Clarity is an important element in communication. You need to consciously ensure that your thoughts are clutter-free and are directional, so as to enable proper reception of the idea that you have conveyed.

To conclude this article on verbal communication, there is one more vital ingredient to make it a success. No communication can be complete without tactful honesty; pitch it in and you now have the recipe for seamlessly successful and effective verbal communication in the workplace.

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Article Tags: Communication Skills Training, Training in Communications, Verbal communication Interpersonal Communication Skills, Workplace Communication Skills



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