Alan Rasof gives advice on how to become a more effective communicator - both inside and outside of the office. From body language to being distracted, find out how your own communication skills can improve.

1. WAY S T O I M P R O V E Y O U R
C O M M U N I C AT I O N S K I L L S
Created by Alan Rasof

2. Being able to
communicate effectively -
inside or outside of the
office - is a critical life skill
to learn.

3. But, unfortunately, many people do not put an adequate
amount of effort into improving their communication skills
due to various reasons ranging from busy schedules to
allocating their time to learning different professional skills.

4. • However, communication is one of the most important skills to
learn continuously throughout your own life and should be
prioritized over most other skills.
• Here are some ways you can learn to communicate more
effectively…

5. First, body language is crucial when
it comes to communicating well with
others.

6. Whether you’re having a personal conversation with your
significant other about your relationship, or you’re giving a
presentation in front of your entire office, the way you
position your body can play a large role in how well others
interpret what you’re saying.

7. • For example, if you
tell your partner that
you are willing to
hear what he or she
has to say, but your
arms are crossed and
you are avoiding
making eye contact,
he or she will
probably assume
that you really aren’t
willing to listen.

8. In addition, if you are in
a work environment,
standing up straight
and using appropriate
hand gestures every so
often will help you
seem confident and will
give the audience the
perception that you are
able to persuade your
audience and know
exactly what you are
speaking towards.

9. On the other hand, if
you are slouching and
positioning your body
away from the audience,
your work peers and
advisors will probably
get the impression that
you do not want to
intellectually involve
your audience, and
could even put your
career in a sticky
situation.

10. In order to improve it,
work on a “power pose”
that you are comfortable
with that will help boost
your confidence before a
presentation at work.

11. In addition, develop strong eye contact
with whoever you are speaking to so they
know you are engaged and serious.

12. Another way to improve your
communication skills is to ask
questions and repeat
information that was given to
you.

13. • Many times, we zone out during conversations,
which is perfectly normal.
• But, in order to stay focused on what other
people are saying, make an effort to ask
questions pertaining to what they are talking
about.

14. • And better yet, repeating the last few words of a sentence will
further indicate that you are listening effectively and actually
care about what they are saying.

15. • According to an article published by Lifehacker.com,
asking questions and repeating phrases has many
benefits to help improve your communication skills:
• “It also helps for small talk and to fill in awkward
silences. Instead of trying to stir up conversation on
mundane topics like the weather, ask the other person
questions (eg.g., ‘Got any plans for the summer?’ or
‘What are you reading lately?’) and engage in their
answers. It’s more important to be interested than to
be interesting,” (Pinola, Top 10 Ways to Improve Your
Communication Skills).

16. • Lastly, living in this technologically advanced world, we
are often distracted by our cell phones, ipads, fitbits,
beepers, buzzers, and what have you - so please, when
you’re having a conversation - put them away.

17. • There’s nothing worse than going out to a restaurant and
watching dozens of adolescents and adults fixated to
their phones and not having any conversation at all.

18. Let’s face it - it’s just rude.

19. • So put away your distractions and look up at the person
you’re talking to, this could help our communication skills
vastly as a larger population.