The strategy "Enhancing communication skills" aims to improve effective communication in both personal and professional environments. One component is developing active listening skills, which includes actions such as avoiding interruptions, paying attention to non-verbal cues, and asking open-ended questions to foster further discussion. For example, by maintaining eye contact and taking notes, one can better engage with the speaker and recall details later.
Another component is improving verbal communication. This involves expanding one's vocabulary, speaking clearly, and using positive language. For instance, structuring your thoughts before speaking ensures clear delivery, and incorporating storytelling techniques can make your points more engaging and memorable.
Finally, the strategy emphasizes enhancing written communication. This includes proofreading documents, using active voice, and structuring writing with headings and bullet points. For example, before sending a report, proofreading it for grammar and clarity can make the content more professional and easier to understand. Seeking feedback from peers can help refine writing style and effectiveness.
The strategies
⛳️ Strategy 1: Develop active listening skills
- Practice reflecting back what the speaker says to confirm understanding
- Avoid interrupting the speaker during conversations
- Pay close attention to non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions
- Ask open-ended questions to encourage further discussion
- Minimise distractions by focusing solely on the conversation at hand
- Use paraphrasing to restate what the speaker has said
- Provide feedback in real-time to show engagement
- Maintain eye contact with the speaker
- Observe and respond to the emotional tone of the conversation
- Take notes during important conversations to aid recall
⛳️ Strategy 2: Improve verbal communication
- Expand your vocabulary through reading and learning new words
- Practice speaking clearly and at a moderate pace
- Use appropriate tone and volume for different situations
- Structure your thoughts before speaking to ensure clarity
- Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse the listener
- Incorporate storytelling techniques to make your points more engaging
- Use positive language that encourages and uplifts others
- Ensure your message is concise and to the point
- Incorporate pauses to give yourself and the listener time to process information
- Solicit feedback on your communication style and make adjustments as needed
⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance written communication
- Proofread emails and documents for grammar and clarity before sending
- Structure your writing with clear headings and bullet points
- Use active voice to create more dynamic and direct sentences
- Employ concise and unambiguous language
- Seek feedback from peers or mentors on written content
- Maintain a formal tone in professional communication
- Practice writing essays or articles to improve overall writing skills
- Utilise templates for common types of written communication, such as reports or emails
- Incorporate relevant examples to illustrate key points
- Take a break before reviewing and editing written work to spot errors more effectively
Bringing accountability to your strategy
It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to stick to it. We hope that the examples above will help you get started with your own strategy, but we also know that it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day effort.
That's why we built Tability: to help you track your progress, keep your team aligned, and make sure you're always moving in the right direction.
Give it a try and see how it can help you bring accountability to your strategy.
