by D. P. Noe

Created on: October 25, 2010

If you practice good communication skills, it can be your key to success in your professional and personal life. There are two ways that we communicate to each other, verbal and non-verbal. Examples of verbal communication are the words you speak and also the words that you write.. Examples on non-verbal communication are the tone of your voice, your facial expressions, your personal mannerisms and gestures that you use. Using all of these skills effectively will enhance your communication skills.

Communication involves the sender of the message, this is the person that is communicating the information. The person at the other end of the conversation and is listening to the message is the receiver of the communication. These roles are never stagnate because both the sender and receiver will often exchange roles during a conversation.

There are guidelines that you should always keep in mind about effective communication skills:

* Never ramble with your words, speak slowly and articulate your words well. If you talk low, mumble or speak rapidly, your message will be lost.

* If you need to communicate an important message, it is better to use short words and stay away from longer sentences. You want to ensure that your message is coming across clearly.

* You gestures and mannerisms need to align with what you are communicating. If your gestures or mannerisms do not represent what you are saying, your message can become confusing.

* if you are seeking information when you are communicating, keep your questions simple and to the point. Simple yes or no questions are an effective tool to utilize when you are seeking further information.

* if you add appropriate humor and laughter to your communication, it can help to engage the person or audience that you are communicating with.

* Your environment can become a main distraction because noise can negatively affect the message you are trying to communicate.

* Trust is a major factor in communicating your message. Stay away from criticism because it can put up a wall to effective communication. If you choose to be critical, do it carefully so that it does not offend the person or audience you are speaking with.

* Keep in mind that language difference can interfere with your message. Make sure you have an awareness of any language issue that may arise and clearly communicate so that there are no misunderstandings.

If you learn the importance of your verbal and non verbal communication style, you can become a better communicator and enhance the effectiveness of your communication. Remember that the words that you speak can have a very powerful impact. If you are looking to influence or educate, your communication technique is key to become an effective communicator.

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