How to Improve Interpersonal Communication Skills for Career Growth
Good communication skills are as essential as anything you need for survival in the job market. As you navigate your career, your communication skills can either make or break you.
There will be times when you need to speak during meetings, presentations, and networking events. How do you effectively express yourself if you don’t know how to communicate well?
You’ve probably seen people who get paid for speaking engagements. They might speak for just 30 minutes and get paid for it. Many people underestimate what good communication skills can do for them.
Keep in mind that communication is not limited to spoken words; written communication and body language also count.
This article will explore ways to improve your interpersonal communication skills, definitions, examples, and more.
What are interpersonal communication skills?
Interpersonal communication skills refer to the skills needed to effectively express yourself and interact with people at work, during meetings, events, presentations, face-to-face conversations, or even via emails.
These skills affect how you interact with others in professional settings, respond to feedback, listen, and grow personally.
]What about remote work, where communication isn’t face-to-face? You still interact with others through email and collaborative platforms like Slack, Asana, Trello, or ClickUp. How you communicate in these settings shapes how your boss or clients perceive you.
There are times when you might send tasks late, but the way you communicate the reason will determine the way your boss or clients will react to it.
Examples of interpersonal communication skills
Active Listening
Verbal communication
Non-verbal communication
Emotional intelligence
Collaboration and Teamwork
Conflict Resolution
Empathy
Written communication
Having strong interpersonal communication skills is one of the sharpest tools for building a successful career. Someone might appreciate how you handle a situation and decide to refer you for a job or share an opportunity with you.
Tips on how to improve your interpersonal communication skills
Be Confident
To develop strong communication skills, you must be confident. This earns you respect, makes people look up to you, and can even bring job offers and referrals. Whether speaking at an event or writing a message, let your confidence show.
Practice Active Listening
Imagine speaking to someone who talks non-stop without letting you say a word. How would you feel? Frustrated, right? That’s exactly how people feel when you don’t listen to them. To improve your interpersonal communication skills, actively listen to others when they speak. Make conversations two-way.
Listen carefully, pick up valuable insights, and respond appropriately. Maintain eye contact, nod, and speak when necessary.
Ask Thoughtful questions
If you don’t know something or need clarification, ask! Don’t be shy about asking questions during conversations. People appreciate when someone asks questions, as it helps prevent future errors and makes you learn more.
Adapt to Your Environment
Learn how to adjust to any environment you find yourself in. Be open to learning, and if you’re in a fast-paced setting, keep up with the pace. This demonstrates that you are smart, agile, and a quick learner which are qualities that can open doors to valuable opportunities.
Show Interest in People
Take the time to learn more about the people around you: colleagues, peers, and acquaintances. Don’t build relationships solely around work or projects. Show interest in their hobbies, passions, and other aspects of their lives. This strengthens connections and builds trust.
Use clear and concise language.
When communicating with others, ensure that your speech or writing is clear and easy to understand. You don’t need to be verbose to express yourself effectively. For communication to be successful, the listener must understand your message. If they don’t, then the communication has failed.
For written communication, prioritize clarity and brevity. For verbal communication, use simple words that are easy for people to understand. Avoid jargon. Always choose words that convey your message directly and effectively.
Handle Feebacks Graciously
Always express gratitude to anyone who gives you feedback, whether positive or negative. Embrace feedback as a tool for growth. Nobody is perfect, and constructive criticism is essential for success. People will be more willing to correct you when they know you are open to learning and improving.
The way you respond to feedback is not just about words; it also involves body language. Even if you disagree with the feedback, listen graciously.
Attend Networking Events
One of the best ways to improve your interpersonal communication skills is by attending networking events, whether physical or virtual. These events allow you to communicate with new people, exchange contacts, and strengthen existing relationships. Engaging with others outside of a work setting helps build meaningful connections.
Control Your Tone and Pace
When communicating, don’t speak too fast as if you are in a rush. Speak at a steady pace, which allows you to organize your thoughts while ensuring that your audience understands you. Also, be mindful of your tone. Sometimes, even if you are right, the way you express yourself can cause misunderstandings. Adjust your tone appropriately based on the context and audience.
Practice Consistently
The key to mastering interpersonal communication skills is regular practice. Be mindful of how you speak, write, use body language, and convey tone. Consistent practice will boost your confidence and refine your skills.
Related Article: Enhancing Communication: How to Improve your Communication Skills at your Workplace
Resources to Improve Your Communication Skills
Coursera
Coursera offers a wide range of communication courses designed to help you build strong communication skills. These include courses like “Active Listening: Enhancing Communication Skills,” verbal communication, and presentation skills.
Udemy
Similar to Coursera, Udemy provides various courses to improve communication skills. These courses are taught by experts who guide learners on how to effectively enhance their communication abilities.
Jobberman
Jobberman is a platform for job opportunities in Nigeria, but it also offers career development courses, including those focused on communication skills. Certificates are usually awarded upon completion of these courses.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning provides free courses covering different aspects of communication skills. These are short courses designed to enhance professional communication abilities.
TEDx
TEDx is a well-known program recognized for its expert speakers and public speaking prowess. Watching TedX talks can expose you to different communication techniques that you can leverage for career success.
Other platforms where you can improve and develop your interpersonal communication skills include edX, Alison, and Skillshare.
Final Thoughts
For a successful career, interpersonal communication skills are crucial. The more you engage with people and progress in your career, the more you need to refine these skills.
By participating in speaking engagements, taking courses, listening to experts, writing consistently, and networking, you can develop strong interpersonal communication skills that will make you stand out.
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