types of communication skills

types of communication skills

Exploring the Different Types of Communication Skills

1. Introduction to Communication Skills

If a conversation does not include language, the comprehension and expression abilities relating to the language are not being tested. Communication abilities that are not based on language are not generally considered to hold the potential for developing the debilitating alternative master statuses that have characterized non-verbal communication as a core aspect of the social construction of disability. This could imply that it is the inability to communicate using a common language that disables and that the role of being disabled is located in the person with the social power who is causing the blockage.

In discussing how disability might affect higher education, or be affected by higher education, there is a focus on the fact that disabled and non-disabled people alike have difficulties conversing with people who have a different first language or who use a different communication method. Some might have particular problems understanding people who use grammatically incorrect or idiosyncratic second languages such as plain-language formats or even emoticons within computer-based communication.

Communication skills are generally understood to refer to an ability to use language (or other tools) to send and receive verbal and non-verbal messages. Language is the most commonly discussed structure through which we can express our feelings, thoughts, and emotions. It is also discussed in relation to how we can understand each other and interpret the conversations that we have.

2. Verbal Communication Skills

The most important factor in being a good speaker is being able to speak at the right pace. For those you regard as good speakers, go and listen to them and notice how variable the pace of their speech is. You need to pause at the end of sentences and when you are making major points. The pace also needs to reflect the subject matter. In general, you should feel as though you are speaking very slowly to your audience because you are able to process information more quickly than your audience can. It will take them a longer time to process whatever you say, and it will lead to better understanding if you speak slowly.

Verbal communication forms a large part of many jobs. You may find that you are acceptable, but not really good at it, or you may be terrifying and not notice it. Many people in the industry regularly complain about the lack of communication skills of many employees, including university graduates. To be an effective communicator, the first requirement is to be able to speak clearly. There are some people who have a noticeable speech impediment and for whom communication is difficult. Often, however, those with whom they communicate will make a greater effort to understand what is going on. There are also other speech habits that can hinder your ability to communicate well, such as using ‘filler words’ like ‘err’ and ‘you know’ and ending every second sentence you speak with a rising inflection as though everything you say is a question. If you fall into any of these categories, get some help as it will be worth it.

3. Nonverbal Communication Skills

When our words are inconsistent with the tone of voice they are spoken, we usually trust the tone over the words. You might remember an advertisement or show when the volume attraction had more of an impact on you than the voice of the speaker when breaking through to be more memorable. Tone quality usually provides a sense of the sender’s feelings and attitude, even if the verbal message is contradicting. Research suggests that the purer the tone, the more inclined you are to depend on the sender’s message. Because your leading medium for communicating with the audience, your body and its actions, particularly body motion, language movements, residence or distance from the public and natural call to action, hold a significant communication advantage in your speech.

The term nonverbal communication refers to the ways individuals concisely convey and receive meaning via means other than verbal language. Examples of nonverbal communications include facial expression, eye contact, gestures, tones of voice, and body positions. In effect, nonverbal communication serves as a backbone to our verbal messages. A speaker’s facial expression often reveals the initial message associated with a verbal message for the following reasons: it catches viewers’ attention, increases their involvement and absorption rates, establishes quicker connections, expresses more genuine enjoyment and approval, projects sincerity and attentive listening, and helps to manage the delivery of bad news. When it comes to expressing approval or liking or disapproval or disliking for the ideas shared in a speech, a speaker’s facial expression similarly influences audience members and keeps them tuned in. Note that support from animations and excitement levels from facial expression generally complement, rather than replace, verbal expressions.

4. Written Communication Skills

Remember, the goal of written communication is typically to inform, persuade, request, propose, report, or document. Decide what the main message of a document is and stress that message in the introduction and/or first paragraph. After suggesting the key message at the beginning, writers must back up the claim in the body of the paper. Make sure to include any resources or data that support the main assertion, and ensure this is written in a cohesive, story-like manner. Then, finish with a summary of findings and conclusions. When using technical jargon, acronyms, or other abbreviations, be sure to define them prior to using them in writing. By doing this, both you and any other stakeholders can ensure you are always on the same page.

Written communication skills are a critical part of our professional work. Research has shown that both resumes and cover letters that detail relevant experiences and skills can greatly improve the likelihood of receiving an interview. Prior to writing, carefully and thoughtfully assess both the audience and the purpose of the work. Consider what the individual(s) or entity with which you are communicating hopes to learn from the document and outline key messages and supporting details before ever putting pen to paper. For constructive and effective written communication, it is critical to be clear and concise. There is an abundance of reading to be done in both academic and professional spheres and time is not often on the reader’s side. Be brief and use short, concise words whenever feasible while avoiding jargon that can make the communication difficult to read.

5. Interpersonal Communication Skills

In some situations, personal conversations will involve more topics beyond work. Casual conversations in a social setting make the same rules – use good listening skills and avoid bad habits. Offering an opinion will not always end in agreement; differing opinions can lead to opportunities for learning and understanding others. Friendly, firm, and courteous responses can help maintain a healthy atmosphere when handling criticism. Personal criticism is part of every job; how you handle criticism will either foster good relationships or encourage negative reactions. Treat the person criticizing you as if they are trying to be helpful. If that’s hard to do, take some time to think about the criticism. You are not labeled as lazy, dumb, or arrogant if you disagree with the criticism; it’s the person, not the behavior that needs addressing.