By Dr Janice Lo Yueh Yea

Communication abilities allow you to make our presence known to those present in a discussion or meeting.

Being able to communicate effectively with your colleagues will help you develop trust, strengthen professional relationships, enhance teamwork, develop a sense of belonging, and increase productivity.

Every professional ought to make an effort to improve their communication skills.

The good news is that this does not mean you have reached the end point in terms of improving your communication skills. It simply means that you should begin making small changes to your approach to communication right now.

That being said, let's take a look at what constitutes good communication skills and how we can improve them. Consider these tips “of being” to ensure that whatever information you share with others is clear and has the desired impact.

Being Assertive

Being assertive requires a healthy balance of confidence and humility. It's all about feeling at ease with yourself and your place in the world. It is a skill that can be learned (with practice), and it is worthwhile to learn.

For example, when we are irritated by the actions of others, our natural reaction may be to yell at them or avoid them. These strategies may feel satisfying at first, but they don't solve anything and can make the other person angry or hurt. As a result, everyone is irritated and nothing is resolved.

When it comes to assertiveness, there is a fine line between being confident and aggressive. When you have confidence, you are willing and able to express yourself without fear of repercussions. On the other hand, aggressive communication is when you bulldoze everyone else to get your point across.

Being a Storyteller

In comparison to mountains of data, people remember stories. As a result, one of the most effective ways to engage an audience and convey your message is to tell a story. It allows people to connect with what you're saying and see how it relates to their own lives.

The best way to make a case for yourself is to tell your own story, rather than retell the stories of others. For example, in a job interview, you can tell stories about your previous successes and explain how you plan to use those skills in your new position.

Being Calm

Knowing when to vent and when to wait is one of the skills required to be calm. Every word you say and every action you take has the potential to help or harm you. By remembering that no one is perfect, you can control which way the pendulum swings. You, your colleagues, your boss, and your clients are not flawless.

Workplace venting is acceptable, but it must be done with tact. Save it for an open-door meeting with a boss who is interested and open to hearing what's really going on at work — even if he or she isn't directly involved in the issue at hand.

For example, when things go wrong, remember to remain calm and carry on. Wait until the heat of your rage or frustration has passed before doing or saying anything that could be misinterpreted (or just plain wrong).

Being empathetic

Understanding other people's perspectives and approaching problems from their perspective is an important part of effective communication. The key is empathy. Empathy, or the ability to understand and share the emotions of others, is extremely important in communication.

It's difficult to relate to or help others if you can't see things through their eyes. That is why effective communication skills are critical. It benefits us in both our personal and professional lives.

For example, when we communicate with others, empathy helps us listen to and understand what they are saying. This can help us become more open-minded and willing to consider other people's points of view, even if they differ from our own. Finally, empathy leads to more positive outcomes because it demonstrates that you are interested in the other person and what they have to say.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Janice Lo Yueh Yea is Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya.