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What Is Effective Communication? Skills for Work, School, and Life

Discover how improving your communication skills can benefit your career, education, and personal life.

[Featured image] A group of professionals in business suits sit in front of microphones at an international press conference.

Communication is a part of everyday life, whether we communicate in person or on the countless digital platforms available to us. But how much of our communication actually reaches the intended audience or person the way we hoped? Effective communication requires us to be clear and complete in what we are trying to express.

Being an effective communicator in our professional and personal lives involves learning the skills to exchange information with clarity, empathy, and understanding. In this article, we’ll define what effective communication looks like, discuss its benefits, and offer ways to improve your communication skills.

What is effective communication?

Effective communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data so that the message is received and understood with clarity and purpose. When we communicate effectively, both the sender and receiver feel satisfied.

Communication occurs in many forms, including verbal and non-verbal, written, visual, and listening. It can occur in person, on the internet (on forums, social media, and websites), over the phone (through apps, calls, and video), or by mail.

For communication to be effective, it must be clear , correct , complete , concise , and compassionate . We consider these to be the 5 Cs of communication, though they may vary depending on who you’re asking. 

While the effectiveness of communication can be difficult to measure, its impact is hard to deny. According to one study, surveyed companies in the United States and United Kingdom with at least 100,000 employees lost $62.4 million per year on average due to poor communication. On the flip side, companies led by effective communicators had nearly 50 percent higher total returns to shareholders over companies with less effective communicators at the helm [ 1 ].

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Benefits of effective communication

The benefits of communication effectiveness can be witnessed in the workplace, in an educational setting, and in your personal life. Learning how to communicate well can be a boon in each of these areas.

In the workplace, effective communication can help you: 

Manage employees and build teams

Grow your organization more rapidly and retain employees

Benefit from enhanced creativity and innovation

Become a better public speaker

Build strong relationships and attract more opportunities for you or your organization

Read more: Why Is Workplace Communication Important? + How to Improve It

In your personal life, effective communication can lead to:

Improved social, emotional, and mental health

Deeper connections with people you care about

New bonds based on trust and transparency

Better problem–solving and conflict resolution skills

Say it with your body

In face-to-face conversation, body language plays an important role. Communication is 55 percent non-verbal, 38 percent vocal (tone and inflection), and 7 percent words, according to Albert Mehrabian, a researcher who pioneered studies on body language [ 2 ]. Up to 93 percent of communication, then, does not involve what you are actually saying. 

Positive body language is open—your posture is upright and receptive, your palms are open, you lean in when speaking or listening, and nod encouragingly. Negative body language can include biting your lip nervously, looking bored, crossing your arms, putting your hands on your hips, or tapping your foot impatiently.

How to improve your communication skills

Communication, like any other skill, is one you can improve upon with practice. Here are a few ways to start improving your communication skills, whether at home or on the job.

1. Consider your audience.

Who are you communicating with? Make sure you are aware of your audience—those you intend to communicate with may differ from those who actually receive your messages. Knowing your audience can be key to delivering the right messages effectively. Their age, race, ethnicity, gender, marital status, income, education level, subject knowledge, and professional experience can all affect how they’ll receive your message. 

If you’re advertising a fast food restaurant, for example, you might want to deliver your message to an audience that’s likely to be hungry. This could be a billboard on the side of a busy highway that shows a giant cheeseburger and informs drivers that the closest location is just two miles away. 

Or suppose you’re announcing your engagement to your family. You might host a gathering afterwards to celebrate, send them photos of the engagement in a group chat, surprise them in conversation over dinner, or tag your family members in your announcement on social media. Your chosen form of communication will depend on your family dynamics.

2. Practice active listening.

Active listening is the practice of giving your full attention in a communication exchange. 

Some techniques include paying attention to body language, giving encouraging verbal cues, asking questions, and practicing non-judgment. Before executing your communication, be sure to consider your audience and practice active listening to get to the heart of their needs and desires. This way, you can improve your communication as a counselor, social worker, marketer, professor, colleague, or friend. 

Here are some examples of active listening in practice:

If you work in marketing, you might engage in social listening to gather consumer data on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. 

If you are a professor, you might take advantage of end-of-semester feedback forms and act on your students' needs by hosting one-on-one meetings during office hours. Likewise, your students might choose to participate in discussions after your lecture or at least sit attentively and ask questions.

If you are a team leader, you might read Slack messages from your teammates, gauge that they are frustrated with the workload, and respond by resetting priorities for the next few weeks. This communicates to the team that their voices are heard.

If you are a parent, you might have a disagreement with your child about finishing their homework, but if you probe deeper with open communication, they may confess that their teacher made a discouraging comment that left them unmotivated.

Read more: What Is Active Listening and How Can You Improve This Key Skill?

3. Make your message as clear as possible.

Once you have successfully identified your audience and listened to their intentions, needs, and desires, you may have something to communicate. To do this effectively, turn to the 5 Cs of communication to ensure your message is:

Compassionate

Prepare to communicate in a way that achieves most of these characteristics.

4. Use the right medium or platform.

Using the right medium or platform to communicate matters. Effective communication requires you to consider whether you need to meet in person or if Zoom would suffice. Is your message casual enough to use WhatsApp, or would a formal email be more efficient and thorough? If you are catching up with a friend, do you two prefer to talk on the phone or via old-fashioned letters? Whatever you choose should be intuitive and appropriate for you and your current situation.

You might assess the priority level and the type of communication needed. In a marketing campaign, is there a visual component on Instagram or is it a spoken podcast ad? Will the platform be a Facebook post, product placement in a film, or a printed poster hung in cafes? For a university lecture, do students prefer to be online or meet in person? Will there be a discussion afterward, and would it be fruitful to conduct it in a pub, cafe, or in a field outdoors? 

By considering your audience, practicing active listening, clarifying your communication, and choosing the right medium or environment, you are well on your way to exercising communication effectiveness.

Effective communication starts here

Start building better communication with Improving your Communication Skills from the University of Pennsylvania, Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills from the University of Michigan, or Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation from the University of Colorado Boulder. 

Article sources

PRovoke Media. " The Cost Of Poor Communications , https://www.provokemedia.com/latest/article/the-cost-of-poor-communications." Accessed January 17, 2024.

The University of Texas Permian Basin. " How Much of Communication Is Nonverbal? , https://online.utpb.edu/about-us/articles/communication/how-much-of-communication-is-nonverbal/." Accessed January 17, 2024.

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term paper on communication skill

Term Paper on Communication | Process | Direction | Management

term paper on communication skill

Here is a compilation of term papers on ‘Communication’ for class 11 and 12. Find paragraphs, long and short term papers on ‘Communication’ especially written for school and college students.

Term Paper on Communication

Term Paper Contents:

  • Term Paper on Communication Networks

Term Paper # 1. Meaning and Definition of Communication:

The first executive function is to develop and maintain a system of communication. It is an indispensable activity in all organisations. It is the nervous system of an organisation. The members of the organisation are informed about the internal and external happenings relevant to the task and interest. The success of the organisation depends on co-ordination which can be achieved effectively by communication. Without communication the very existence of the organisation is in danger.

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It is a managerial skill based on human behaviour. It is the process of passing information and creating understanding from one person to another. It is a system through which two or more persons exchange ideas and understanding among themselves. The communication may be written or oral.

The word communication is derived from the Latin word ‘communis’ which means common.

If a person effects a communication, he has established, a common ground of understanding. So communication involves imparting a common idea and covers all types of behaviour resulting therefrom Communication means to inform, to tell, to show or to spread information.

It may be interpreted as an interchange of thinking or information to bring about understanding and confidence for good industrial relations. It brings about unity of purpose, interest and efforts in an organisation.

To have a better understanding of communication the following definitions can be relied upon.

Louis. A. Allen- “Communication is the sum of all things, one person does when he wants to create an understanding in the mind of another. It involves a systematic and continuous process of telling, listening and understanding.”

According to Theo Haimam “Communication is the process of passing information and understanding from one person to another. It is the process of imparting ideas and making oneself understood by others.”

Newman and Summer are of the opinion that “Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions or emotions by two or more persons.”

Keith Davis has defined communication as “The process of passing information and understanding from one person to another. It is essentially a bridge of meaning between people. By using this bridge of meaning a person safely cross the river of understanding that separates all people.”

So communication may be defined as an interchange of thought or information to bring about mutual understanding and confidence. It is the information intercourse by words, letters, symbols or messages. It is the exchange of facts, ideas and viewpoints which bring about commonness of interest, purpose and efforts.

Term Paper # 2. Characteristics of Communication:

On the basis of the above definitions we can deduce the following characteristics:

1. It is a Two-Way Traffic:

Messages, directions, opinions etc. are communicated downward by management to employees. Similarly grievances, complaints, opinions, point of view etc., are communicated upward by employees to management. Communication is complete only when the message has been understood by the receiver and his response is known to the sender. It is not merely the transmission of message but also the correct interpretation and understanding of the message.

2. Communication is a Pervasive Function:

Communication is vital to all managerial functions. Planning collects information about plans, policies and objectives. Organising involves information about tasks, authority and responsibility. Staffing, direction and control also require proper communication between management and employees. Thus communication is important to all managerial functions.

3. Communication is a Continuous Process:

The system of communication is a continuous process as the performance of the organisation is continuous. Communication is the nervous system of an organisation. To make the organisation active always the communication system is to be ever active. It is the ever active communication keeps the organisation vibrant. So it is a continuous process.

4. Communication Aims at Developing Mutual Understanding :

An effective understanding is reached between the sender and receiver which promotes co-operative human relationship towards the achievement of organisational objectives.

Term Paper # 3. Communication Process:

For communication there must be at least two persons are required. They are:

(i) A sender

(ii) A receiver.

The sender conceives the idea, puts it in such terms that can be conveyed, decides the channel of communication and conveys it. The receiver receives it, tries to understand and finally takes an action according to the information or direction received from the source.

So the entire process of communication involves the following six steps:

(a) Ideation,

(b) Encoding,

(c) Transmission,

(d) Receiving,

(e) Decoding and

(f) Follow- Up Action.

(a) Ideation:

This means the message that should be sent. It is the content of communication and a basis of message. This is the crucial step as it provides the start for the process.

(b) Encoding:

In this step the sender organises his ideas into a series of symbols, charts or words which he feels will communicate the message effectively by the receiver. In choosing the mode the situation plays an important role.

(c) Transaction:

In this step the sender chooses the path for communication through which a message is to travel to the receiver. Channel may be mass media or inter-personal channel. In selecting a channel, its effectiveness and to what extent the channel is free from disturbances is to be considered.

(d) Receiving the Message:

The receiver must pay necessary attention in receiving the message, in understanding and translating it into an effective action.

(e) Decoding:

This means translation of symbols encoded by the sender into ideas for understanding. Understanding of the message by the receiver is the key to decoding process. The communication becomes ineffective if the receiver does not understand the message properly or pretends to misunderstand it. This occurs as the perception of two people is quite different.

(f) Follow-Up-Action:

This is the response by the receiver of the communication received from the sender. He may store the information received, perform the task assigned by the sender or like to ignore the message. In any case, the communication is complete as soon as the receiver responds.

Out of six steps the first three are taken by the sender and the last three by the receiver. There are two more steps. They are acceptance and feedback. Acceptance of the message is identified by the sender where there is motivation and co-operation from the receiver. The sender wants a feedback to see that his message generates a response to the sender.

This will facilitate him to evaluate the effectiveness of the message and he can modify his subsequent messages wherever necessary. These two steps acceptance and feedback are necessary for generating an effective long-run working relationships. So in communication process there are five rules and they are receiving, understanding, acceptance, action and feedback. If these five steps are complete from the receiver’s side the communication is effective and successful.

Term Paper # 4. Principles of Effective Communication:

To make the communication system effective, the following principles or factors must be followed by the management:

(1) Principle of Clarity:

The message to be transmitted must be clear and easily understandable so that the receiver is to interpret in the same sense and spirit in which it is to be communicated. There must be no ambiguity. So the communicator must be very clear about the message to be communicated.

(2) Principle of Attention:

To make the message effective, it is necessary that the receiver’s attention must be drawn to the message to be communicated to him. Each one of us is different in behaviour, sentiments and emotions which decide the degree of attention. Action speaks better than words is the point to be remembered as the passing of communication is to evoke response from the receiver of the communication.

(3) Principle of Consistency:

This principle implies that communication should always be consistent with the plans, objectives, policies and programmes of the organisation. In consistency in message always create confusion in the minds of people which is highly detrimental to the interest of the organisation.

(4) Principle of Adequacy:

Information should be adequate and complete in all respects as incomplete information delays actions and destroys understanding and relations.

(5) Principle of Integration:

This means the integration of personal objectives with that of organisational objectives. This is possible only when communication is complete and promotes co-operation among employees to achieve organisational objectives.

(6) Principle of Time:

Information should be communicated at the right time. The communicator must consider the timing of communication so that the desired response is created in the minds of receivers.

(7) Principle of Credibility:

The communicator’s action must follow in tune what was stated in a message. This will ensure believability and seriousness in communication. He should demonstrate that he is worthy of trust and communication of true and correct message is taken up to ensure credibility.

(8) Principle of Informal Communication:

In every organisation there is an informal organisation and informal communication spreads fast through its network. It cannot be avoided. So managers should know to use this channel effectively and at the same time they should know when to be formal and when to use the informal channel to their advantage.  

(9) Principle of Feedback:

The communicator should know that the communication has reached the sender or not and he has understood it in the same sense in which it has been communicated or not. Further the receiver has agreed to the proposal or not. This can be observed only by his response either inviting or to be inferred by his performance. This is called the principle of feedback.

(10) Principle of Communication Network:

Communication network means the route through which the communication has to flow till it reaches the destination of the receiver. A number of networks may exist at a given point of time but the management should consider the effectiveness of the communication network and its effect on the behaviour of communication.

So to make communication effective the above said principles are to be followed. This minimise the problems of the organisation and will promote better co-operation and industrial relations.

Term Paper # 5. Importance of Communication :

In the present competitive world communication plays an important role. Either in manufacturing units or servicing units competition, complex methods of technology, large scale operations and specialisation has increased the importance of communication. No manager can perform well without effective communication.

It is compared to the circulatory system in the human body. The success of the communication system ensures the success of the business.

The following points will highlight the importance of communication:

(1) Ensures Smooth Functioning of the Enterprise:

Communication is the basis of existence of an organisation from cradle to grave or birth to burial. All organisations need an effective communication for its smooth and successful functioning as it ensures co-ordination of both human and material resources.

Further every aspect of functioning relies on co-operation of employees which can be achieved only by effective communication. With the stoppage of communication the functioning of the organisation comes to a complete halt. So it is required for the smooth functioning of the organisation at all stages.

(2) Basis of Managerial Functions:

Communication plays an important role in the discharge of managerial functions. Every function of management relies heavily on communication for its success.

Its importance in performing these functions can be discussed as follows:

a. Planning and Communication:

Planning means pre-determining the future course of action in the background of organisational objectives, policies, programmes, procedures etc. These are to be conveyed to the employees in writing for their understanding and performance. They are responsible for translating all these into actions.

b. Organisation and Communication:

Organisation involves creating an effective set up for performance, departmentation and delegation of authority and responsibility. For the successful functioning of the organisation communication is a must. An effective communication informs different persons, different departments and groups to know their powers and jurisdiction. In essence communication holds the key for successful functioning of the organisation.

c. Direction and Communication :

Direction includes leadership and motivation. For the successful functioning of an organisation a good leader needs an efficient system of communication. The effective two way (upward and downward) communication is necessary creating a good relationship and understanding between superior and subordinates.

Motivation means developing a positive frame of mind for performance in the minds of employees. This can be achieved only by establishing a proper communication system. Good communication assists workers in their adjustments with physical and social aspect of work. It is the basis of participative and democratic pattern of management.

d. Co-Ordination and Communication:

In the present day set up the designing of organisations is made on the basis of specialisation and division of labour. To achieve organisational objectives co-ordination is needed. Co­ordination can be achieved by effective communication to develop mutual understanding about organisational goals and very personal interaction.

e. Control and Communication:

In control evaluation of performance is done in the light of pre-determined objectives. The management identifies deviations and tries to locate them. It tries to remove such deviations in the subsequent plans. It requires proper communication.

(3) Maximum Production and Minimum Cost:

Every organisation tries to achieve maximum output at minimum cost. For this purpose an effective internal and external communication system must be established. Internal communication is needed for maximising output by coordinating both material and human resources. Minimisation of cost can be achieved by establishing good understanding and human relations. On the external field efficient communication is needed for improving public opinion, having contact with government departments and getting market information in order to achieve the primary goals.

(4) Decision Making and Implementation:

Communication is needed for collection of information for decision making and for its implementation. The employees are to be informed about decisions to be taken. So communication is basically needed for this.

(5) Development of Human Relations:

The human resources is considered as the most active and effective factors of production and they are responsible and instrumental in establishing co-operation, industrial peace, good working conditions and working environment. All these things are possible only when there is free flow of downward and upward communication.

Downward communication facilitates the management in informing employees what it wants and how it can be performed. Upward communication helps employees in representing their grievances, suggestions and modification to policies to the higher ups. This creates confidence and trust in the minds of employees and promotes better human relations.

(6) Develops Good Morale:

Morale motivates human beings to work in right spirit. Good communication develops the confidence and trust of workers and develops a better sense of understanding and co-operation in employees. Thus it promotes job satisfaction.

(7) Time and Effort Effective:

Communication helps in saving time and effort. A manager can keep in touch with his employees only in case of deviations and call for explanations wherever necessary. This can be done by going through the reports. Thus manager’s time and effort on supervision is made more effective and purposeful.

(8) Facilitates Public Relations:

Every organisation is to confront various groups like customers, trade associations, shareholders, government, suppliers, trade unions, advertisers, research organisations etc. The organisation is to develop a good image of the enterprise with the public and create a favourable attitude towards the organisation. For this effective communication is needed.

So communication is a vital element for the existence of the organisation. Its importance was rightly remarked by Chester I. Barnard as it is the “first executive function is to develop and maintain system of communication”.

Term Paper # 6. Channels of Communication :

Channel of communication means the medium path or route through which the message is transmitted from the sender to the receiver. Though there are numerous channels through which information passes from one person to another in an organisation. This constitutes the network.

The important elements of a network are:

(a) Determining the information to be communicated and the person to whom it is to be communicated.

(b) Transmitting information accurately and at proper time.

(c) Processing and interpreting the data before transmitting the information and

(d) Maintaining information record till required.

Communication channel is divided into two types known as:

(1) Formal communication

(2) Informal communication.

(1) Formal Communication :

Formal communication enforces a relationship between different positions. This is associated with the formal organisation structure. It is a deliberate attempt to regulate the flow of organisational communication so as to make it orderly and to ensure smooth, accurate and timely flow of information. It is the path of line authority linking two positions in an organisation. This is also called as the channel of command.

The formal communication has the following merits. They are:

(a) Helps Line Executives:

The executive can have an effective control over subordinates and make them answerable for their performance. This can be successfully achieved by fixing responsibility of the subordinates.

(b) Develops Better Understanding:

Formal communication develops a better understanding between superior and subordinate by enabling them to understand the attitude and behaviour of both. This makes communication more effective.

(c) Better Solutions and Decisions:

The superior can find better solutions to problems and can take prompt and correct decisions due to their good knowl­edge about the organisation and its problems. This strengthens the good relationship between superior and subordinate.

The demerits of formal communication are:

(a) Contingencies:

No organisation can force every happening so action based on unforeseen event cannot be formalised by communication.

(b) Workload:

The workload of line managers increases enormously as they are responsible for all communications. It takes the time of the superiors.

(c) Distortion:

There are chances for distortion and it affects the accuracy of the message due to transmission congestion.

(d) Delay and Red Tape:

Passing of information may be taken up on priority basis. So the free flow of communication may be affected. This may result in delay and red tape.

Forms of Formal Communication:

The formal communication may take any one of the following forms:

(a) Downward communication

(b) Upward communication

(c) Horizontal communication

(d) Diagonal communication.

(a) Downward Communication:

This means the flow of communication from the top to the bottom for various levels along with the scalar chain. The main purposes of downward communication are to advise, inform, direct, instruct and evaluate subordinates and to provide organisation members with information about organisation. So they make and take the form of orders, instructions, rules, policies, programmes directives etc. It specifies the extent of subordinates, authority and responsibility.

Its major objectives are:

(i) To give specific task directives about job.

(ii) To inform about organisational procedures and practices.

(iii) To provide information about rationale of job.

(iv) To tell the subordinates about their performance.

(v) To provide ideological type information for employees.

Evaluation:

It’s merits are:

i. Helps in explaining employees about company policies, plans and programmes.

ii. To maintain effective control over the performance of subordinates.

iii. It brings satisfaction to people and helps to motivate them.

It’s demerits are:

(i) The passing of communication through various levels may lead to delay, filtering and distortion.

(ii) By the time it reaches the lowest level it may possibly be get distorted and there may be change in shape. This may lose the very objective of communication.

(b) Upward Communication:

This is the reverse of downward communication. This communication moves from the bottom to the top of the organisation through various levels. This means the supply of information from below to the top.

There are two possibilities:

(i) Feedback of information in response to the communication of the management to know the response of the subordinates.

(ii) Secondly, Voluntary communication from the subordinates to carry their complaints, suggestions, intelligence, reports, innovative ideas, opinions etc.

The main merits in upward communication are:

(i) It gives right feedback from employees about policies and procedures promote confidence.

(ii) It helps the management in locating problem areas in the organisation.

Its demerits are:

(i) The top management may not consider the suggestions of the lower management and due weightage may not be given so they may ignore the suggestions.

(ii) There may be status differences. The lower level employees may not communicate freely due to lack of social and verbal skills.

To make it effective the top management is to follow the open door policy to know precisely what is happening in the organisation. The upward and downward communication is also called as vertical communication.

(c) Horizontal Communication:

Other name Lateral communication. This refers to communication between departments of an organisation that generally follows the work flow and provides a direct channel for co-ordination and problem solving. The departments may be headed by one superior or two different heads. The main object of this communication is to co-ordinate the efforts of different departments. This type of communication is common between the line executives and staff specialists.

Its merits are:

(i) Facilitates co-ordination of different departments of equal level.

(ii) It removes duplication of work and minimises wastage of time, money, labour and materials.

The main limitation of this form of communication is it gives rise to differences in approach and vision of different functionaries as they may advocate from their own angles. Further this may affect efficiency and productivity.

The success of this communication depends on the ability and willingness of experts to view each other’s point of view and to adjust so that problems may be dealt with effortlessly.

(d) Diagonal Communication:

This means the communication between people who neither in the same department nor on the same level in the or­ganisation. It cuts across departmental lines. It generally takes place when members of an organisation cannot communicate effectively through other channels.

Cost accountant wants the marketing staff to send a report to him directly. There is diagonal communication. This helps in saving time and to speed up action. The main drawback is that it violates the principle of unity of command.

(2) Informal Communication :

Other name- Grapevine. It is an unplanned and un-patterned set of information flows which cut across the formal structure. This takes place in all organisations when employees spontaneously interact and exchange information concerning their work and other matters not necessarily related to work. This is social and personal in nature. They exist outside the formal channel and they do not adhere to the organisation’s hierarchy of authority.

Its features are:

(a) It arises from social interactions of people.

(b) It is a natural and normal activity as it is an essential part of the total human environment.

(c) Another feature of grapevine is the speed with which it functions. It is possible for the grapevine to leap hundreds of kilometers very quickly.

(d) It co-exists with the formal communication and supplements it.

(e) There is no formal path for this communication.

The objectives of informal communication are:

(a) They satisfy personal needs, such as the need for relationship with others.

(b) They try to influence the behaviour of others.

(c) They serve as a source of job related information which is not provided by formal channels.

(d) They counter the effect of boredom or monotony.

The merits of informal communication are:

(a) It helps in achieving better human relations in the organisation by providing the required speed and humanistic touch to the formal communication system.

(b) It links even those people who do not fall in the official chain of command.

(c) Informal communication fill in the gaps in the formal system and lend the much needed flexibility to it. It is a powerful tool in their hands to get information on organisational and other matters, which they would not get if they depend exclusively on the formal communication system.

(d) Its speed is very fast as it is free from all barriers.

(e) It’s acceptable to all employees as it is not authority and control oriented.

(f) It is multi-dimensional. There is no channel of command. It may go to any extent. All limits to direction and degree of communication are self-imposed. This promotes co-operation sound lines.

The demerits of Informal communication are:

(a) Informal communication is not authentic. It very often carries half- truths. rumours and distorted information with an alarming rate of speed.

(b) It may lead to generation of rumours in the organisation.

(c) It is not dependable as it may not be accurate always.

(d) It may lead to leakage of confidential information.

(e) No action can be taken on the basis of informal communication as it lacks authenticity of formal channel and such communication may be erratic.

Rumour and Dealing with Rumour :

Rumour is the most undesirable feature of grapevine and it has given grapevine a bad reputation. To define it, is grapevine information that is communicated without authentic standards of evidence. It is an untrue part of grapevine. Generally it is incorrect and it is undesirable.

The reasons for its origin are:

(a) Because people are malicious as they spread rumours.

(b) Anxiety and insecurity of employees in the organisation is another reason.

(c) Employees try to make use of it as their wish fulfilment.

(d) They also use it for applying pressure on management.

(a) Its general theme is maintained but not its details.

(b) It gets twisted and distorted when it passes through from one to another.

(c) It spreads like an epidemic and does the maximum damage on the organisation.

So it is the duty of the management to deal with rumours effectively.

The steps that can be taken in this regard are:

(a) The cause of the rumour must be properly assessed and they should be dealt with accordingly.

(b) The management has to pass the correct message in time.

(c) Place the facts about misconceptions before the people.

(d) The message should contain only facts and not opinions.

(e) Every employee’s help must be taken to combat rumours.

An efficient and successful manager can make use of grapevine to strengthen formal channels of communication in the following ways:

(a) It is a permanent part of the formal structure and it should be used to facilitate effective communication.

(b) Managers should have complete knowledge of what grapevine is communicating and its reasons for doing so.

(c) The management is to provide inputs into the grapevine so that it will reach maximum employees.

(d) All levels of management are to be provided with only total and accurate information.

Term Paper # 7. Media of Communication :

In communication with the object of promoting understanding and exchanging information three main media are used.

(3) Pictures.

These are the most important and powerful media of communication. Information through words can be transmitted orally or in written form. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.

A. Oral Communication:

Here transmission of information is attempted with the help of spoken words. Here exchange of information takes place either in face to face situation or through mechanical devices like telephone. Meetings, lectures, interviews counselling, public address system, conferences are some of the techniques used in this regard.

(a) It is more effective communication system.

(b) It saves time and money.

(c) It facilitates easy exchange of information and can promote proper understanding and get the right feed-back.

(d) It is the only way in emergencies.

(e) It fosters friendly and co-operative spirit.

(f) Facilitates immediate and evaluation of communication.

(g) Improves morale and motivation of employees and it generates a feeling of participation.

B. Written Communication :

Communication is reduced to writing in conveying information. This is resorted to when there are large number of employees and they are scattered in far off places. This is in the form of written words, graphs, charts, diagrams, pictures etc. This is the most used common form of communication. This helps in determining the responsibility.

The objectives of this communication are:

(a) To give information.  

(b) To receive information.  

(c) To give orders and instructions.  

(d) To record recommendations and decisions in a meeting.

The merits of written communication are:

(a) Helpful when the sender and receiver are at far off places.

(b) Lengthy messages are to be sent and that too for large number of people then written communication is most suitable form.

(c) It is the satisfactory and effective form of communication in organisations for policy matters, service conditions, secret orders and instructions etc. Further they are needed for future reference.

(d) Written communication gives enough time for the receiver to think, analyse and decide the course of action if any.

(e) It minimises disputes, organisational frictions, back passing etc.; if it is complete and perfect in its drafting.

(f) Written communication has permanent effect on the receiver.

(g) They are more clear and specific as they are drafted. It serves as a reliable record for the future and can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.

The merits of written communication are considered as demerits of oral communication and vice versa. The use of both the methods is to be done sensibly and effectively. In any case the basic idea is to see that the communication is effective.

Differences between Oral and Written Communication :

(i) Nature:

Oral communication is expressed through spoken words. Written communication is expressed in writing. Oral communication is informal in nature but written communication is formal.

(ii) Understanding:

Oral communication may not be complete. It may not be understood properly and at times it may be difficult to understand. Written communication is to be complete and chances for understanding are better. No ambiguity in statement.

(iii) Verification:

Oral messages cannot be verified but written messages are verifiable.

(iv) Precise:

Oral communication may not be precise but written communication can be precise.

The suitability of both forms of communication is given below:

Oral communication is effective in the following situations:

(a) Used for instructing and counseling subordinates.

(b) Used while dealing with Trade Union Leaders.

(c) Employees use this to ventilate their grievances and their suggestions.

(d) Employees give the necessary feedback to management.

Written communication is effective in the following cases:

(a) Used in important assignments and in fixing responsibility of subordinates.

(b) Where it is needed as the record for future reference.

(c) Employees and Trade Unions make use of this when they need a formal response from the management.

(2) Actions:

Here the mode of communication is actions, gestures, postures etc. This may be in the form of purposeful silence, manner and tone of the voice, handshake pat on the back, facial expression etc. This is used to supplement oral communication. This conveys feelings, emotions, attitudes, reactions and responses.

The main advantages of this form of communication are:

(a) It motivates subordinates.  

(b) It immediately conveys feelings, emotions, attitudes, reactions and responses.

Finally, as it is supplementary to oral communication all merits and demerits of oral communication are applicable to this form also.

(3) Pictures:

Pictures are also very powerful communication media. They make tremendous impact on viewers. It clearly transmits ideas, facts and information on par with any other media. Pictures create an indelible impression in the minds of viewers and used as simple and convenient way of reaching public.

Charts, maps, graphs, models, posters etc.

Term Paper # 8. Communication Networks :

Communication Network means a set of channels within an organisation or group through which communication travels. It mainly depends on the nature of channels of communication and the number of persons involved in the communication process.

There may be three types of communication networks in the organisation viz, wheel, circular and free flow:

(1) Wheel Communication Network:

In this network all communications are to pass through the manager who acts as a central authority like the hub of a wheel. All the employees are to receive instruction, and guidance from one person.

The wheel network is represented by the following diagram:

Wheel Communication Network

(2) Circular Communi­cation Network:

In this network the communication moves in a circuitous fashion. Each employee is to communicate with his two neighbourhood colleagues only. The passing of information is slow in this network. The adjacent diagram 5 represents circular communication flow.

Circular Communication Network

(3) Free Flow Communication Network:

In this network no restriction on the flow of communication. Everyone is free to communicate with everyone in the organisation.

The diagram given below explains the flow pattern:

Free Flow Communication Network

Related Articles:

  • Term Paper on Supervision | Process | Direction | Management
  • Elements and Importance of Communication Process | Business Management
  • 4 Important Skills Required to Make Communication Effective
  • Term Paper on Direction | Functions | Management

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66 Communication Skills Examples (A to Z List)

communication skills examples and definition, explained below

Employers will often ask us to prove our communication skills during an interview. To do this, don’t just tell them about your communication skills – demonstrate them!

Communication skills come in all shapes and sizes. Being a good communicator involves not just what we say, but a range of other aspects like how we speak, our active listening abilities, nonverbal communication cues, and the ability to adjust our message for our audience.

Below are 66 of the best communication skills you can have in an A to Z list. Have a scan to find the communication skills that you want to demonstrate to your future employer.

Communication Skills Examples

1. acknowledgement.

Acknowledging others’ points of view can help diffuse tense situations, build relationships, and show that you’re listening. By showing that you understand where someone is coming from, you can better collaborate with them towards a resolution.

Related Article: 41 Top Examples Of Communication

2. Active Listening

Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to fully engage with the speaker, understand their message, and provide feedback. It helps people know that you respect their points of view while also helping you to take-in information more effectively.

3. Active Voice

Using active voice in your communication can make your writing and speaking more clear, concise, and impactful. Active voice is when the subject of a sentence performs the verb. For example: “I am writing a paper.” This is opposed to passive voice, which would be something like “A paper is being written by me.

4. Asking Questions

Asking questions is a key communication skill because it shows that you’re interested and engaged in the conversation. It also helps you to get more information from someone to help you to understand them more effectively and make better decisipns.

5. Assertiveness

Assertiveness is the ability to express yourself confidently and stand up for your needs and beliefs. It’s a balance between being too passive and too aggressive. Being assertive can help you better manage difficult situations, express yourself more effectively, and build healthier relationships.

See More: List of Examples of Assertiveness

6. Authenticity and Honesty

Authenticity and honesty are important communication skills because they help create trust. When you’re authentic, you’re being true to yourself and your beliefs. And when you’re honest, you’re sharing accurate information that people can rely on.

7. Body Language

Your body language is a nonverbal form of communication that can influence how others perceive you and respond to you. It includes your posture, facial expressions, eye contact, and hand gestures. By changing your body, you can change the message in your communications.

8. Boosting

Boosting is a strategy that involves emphasizing important points. It involves using strong adverbs and adjectives such as strongly and amazing in order to emphasize and draw attention. The opposite of boosting is hedging, which can also be useful in some situations.

Hedging involves softening language. It can be useful when giving feedback or demonstrating thoughtfulness. For example, if you wanted to hedge the term “You’re always late! I should fire you!”, you could say “You’re often late and I need you to try harder.” By changing ‘always’ to ‘often’, you’re likely being more honest but also less aggressive.

10. Brevity

Brevity is the ability to communicate effectively in a concise manner. It’s important to be clear and to the point in your communication, especially when time is limited. As a professor, I find my students appreciate brevity because it shows I respect their time and don’t want to waste it.

11. Calibration

Calibration is the act of adjusting your communication style to match your audience. For example, you might speak more formally to a boss than you would to a friend. By calibrating your communication, you can ensure that your message is better received.

12. Clarification

Clarification involves making sure that you understand someone and that they understand you. It’s important to clarify things when there is potential for misunderstanding. This can be done by asking questions, repeating back what you heard, or providing additional information.

13. Clarity

Clarity is the act of making something clearer or easier to understand. When communicating with others, clarification can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and reduce misunderstandings. Some people are far better at communicating complex ideas in a clear way than others.

14. Conciseness

Conciseness is the quality of being brief and to the point. In communication, conciseness can be achieved by using clear language and avoiding unnecessary details. It’s important to strike a balance between being too brief and providing too much information. Conciseness is that perfect middle ground.

15. Confidence

Confidence is key in communication because it helps you to project authority and credibility. When you’re confident in your abilities, it comes across in your words and actions, making it more likely that others will listen to you and take you seriously.

16. Congruence

Congruence is the alignment of your words, actions, and beliefs. When you’re congruent, people can trust that you’re being honest and authentic. This alignment helps build credibility and rapport. It’s embodied by the phrase “actions speak louder than words.”

17. Conciliation

Conciliation is the act of making peace or restoring harmony. In communication, it can involve strategies like apologizing, seeking ways to move forward, forgiveness, and finding common ground. It’s important to be able to conciliate with others when there is conflict so that you can resolve the issue and move forward.

18. Consensus Building

Consensus building is the process of coming to an agreement with others. It involves active listening, compromise, and respect for differing opinions. When you’re able to build consensus, it shows that you’re able to work well with others and find common ground. This is a valuable skill in any workplace, and in particular, a vital skill for leaders.

19. Consideration

Consideration is the act of thinking about someone and their perspectives. In communication, it involves taking others into account and being mindful of their needs. For example, if you’re considering your audience when giving a presentation, you might choose to use simpler language so that everyone can understand. Similarly, if there are people in your audience with vision impairments, you would make sure you didn’t provide information in an exclusively visual format.

20. Consultation

Consultation is the act of seeking advice or input from others. In communication, it can involve getting feedback on a proposal or idea, or asking for input on how to best proceed. Consultation shows that you value others’ opinions and are willing to consider them before making decisions. This can help build trust and rapport.

21. Cooperation

Cooperation is working together with others to achieve a common goal. In communication, it can involve compromise, collaboration, and respect for differing opinions. When you’re able to cooperate with others, it shows that you’re able to work well with others and find common ground. This is a valuable skill in any workplace, and in particular, a vital skill for leaders.

Go Deeper: Cooperation Examples

22. Creative Writing

Creative writing is the art of using words to create a piece of writing that is original and expressive. It involves using your imagination to come up with new ideas and ways of looking at things. Creative writing can be used in many different ways, such as novels, poems, short stories, or even marketing copy.

23. Debate and Rebuttal

Debate and rebuttal are two important skills for communicating effectively. Debate involves presenting opposing arguments in a respectful way, while rebuttal involves responding to those arguments. Both skills require you to think on your feet and be able to defend your position. Effective communicators will be able to debate in ways that convince their opponents of their positions.

See More: Rebuttal Examples

24. Dress (What you Wear)

Your appearance, including your clothes, can communicate a lot about you. The way you dress sends nonverbal cues about your status, professional identity, and level of authority. When you go for a job interview, it’s important to dress in a way that shows you’re taking the meeting seriously. Similarly, if you’re giving a presentation, you might want to dress in a way that projects confidence and authority.

25. Email Etiquette

The tone in an email conveys a message just as much as what is written. Steps like using an appellation (Dear Name), a professional tone, avoiding abbreviations, and proofreading your email before you send it can help show your communication skills to the person you are emailing.

26. Eye Contact

Eye contact can show interest, attentiveness, and respect. It can also make you appear more credible and trustworthy. People with strong communication skills make eye contact both when speaking and listening as a way to demonstrate that they are fully present in the situation. However, overly staring at someone can be taboo, so this is a communication skill that takes some time to master!

27. Facial Expression

Facial expressions are an important form of nonverbal communication . A soft smile can encourage someone to continue speaking, while a furrowed brow may discourage people. Good communicators often maintain an animated face, with smiles, eye contact, and even subtle nods of the head, to engage in active speaking and listening.

28. Following-Up

Good communicators remember to follow up on a discussion that was previously had. For example, if you had an interview for a new job, following up with an email a few days later thanking them for the opportunity can show interest, engagement, and enthusiasm. Similarly, as a boss, you might follow up on a discussion with a staff member to see if they took action on what you agreed upon. This can help improve results, whether it’s in the workplace or for job applications.

29. Friendliness

Being friendly makes you more approachable, helping you with your overall skills in communication. It can make people more likely to want to listen to you and engage in conversation. If you’re friendly, it shows that you have good social skills and are easy to talk to. This is a valuable skill in any situation where you need to communicate with others, whether it’s at work, school, or even just meeting new people.

30. Gestures

Gestures are a form of nonverbal communication that can reinforce or replace verbal messages . For example, you might use gestures to show agreement, emphasize a point, or express pleasure or displeasure. Good communicators know how and when to use gestures to support and reinforce their message. Some people, such as teachers, will also use gestures without even speaking to subtly direct and manage their students.

31. Giving Examples

Good communicators are specific. They don’t provide vague commentary. Instead, they give very clear and explicit examples. This is especially important with essays, where precision and clarity are often valued. Giving examples can also help to build trust, as it shows that you know what you’re talking about and that you’re not just making things up.

32. Giving Space and Time

Sometimes, the best thing you can do as a communicator is to give someone the space and time they need. This is especially true when someone is upset or angry. If you try to force them to communicate before they’re ready, it will only make the situation worse. Good communicators know how to Respect personal space and boundaries, and they’re patient enough to wait for the right time to engage in discussion.

Humor is a great way to build rapport, make people feel comfortable, and get your point across. It can also be used as a tool to diffuse tense situations. However, not everyone appreciates the same type of humor, so it’s important to use it sparingly and only when you’re sure it will be well-received. It’s also sometimes inappropriate to use humor in some situations, so its use needs to be culturally appropriate.

34. Medium Selection

A medium is the means through which a message is communicated (e.g., spoken words, written words, pictures, etc.). The selection of medium is important because it can affect the clarity, effectiveness, and even the meaning of the message. For example, a text message may be misinterpreted if the receiver doesn’t know the sender’s tone, whereas rich media such as face-to-face conversation can usually avoid such misunderstandings. Good communicators carefully select the most appropriate medium for their message and their audience.

35. Mirroring

Mirroring is a form of nonverbal communication in which you match the body language, tone, and energy level of the person you’re talking to. It’s often used as a way to build rapport and make people feel comfortable. When done correctly, mirroring can make you appear more likable, trustworthy, and competent. However, it’s important to be aware that mirroring can also come across as fake or insincere if it’s not done naturally.

36. Multimodal Communication

Multimodal communication is the use of multiple modes (media) t communicate a message. For example, a multimodal message might include spoken words along with visual presentations. Multimodal communication is often more effective than uni-modal communication because it can provide more information to the receiver to understand the message. If you need to prove your communication skills, consider demonstrating them by using multiple modes of address at once.

37. Naming (Saying People’s Names)

One of the simplest but most effective ways to build rapport is to say people’s names. This is a strategy that is taught in the famous book How to win Friends and Influence People . It makes the interlocutor feel seen and valued, and it helps you to remember them better. When you’re talking to someone, make an effort to catch and use their name often.

38. Open Door Policy

An open-door policy is a way of communicating that encourages openness and transparency . It’s often used in business settings, but it can also be applied to personal relationships. The basic idea is that people should always feel free to come to you with any concerns or questions they have, no matter what or when! This can help to build trust and improve communication. If you want to adopt an open-door policy, make sure that you’re approachable and that people feel comfortable coming to you with their concerns.

39. Open-Ended Questioning

Open-ended questions are questions that can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” They require the respondent to elaborate on their answer. For example, instead of asking “are you feeling okay?”, you can say “what’s on your mind?” These types of questions are useful for getting people to open up and share more information than they would if you just asked closed-ended questions.

40. Closed-Ended Questioning

Closed-ended questioning is usually discouraged, but it has some value in some contexts. For example, if you need quick and simple responses that won’t slow your down, you can ask for a simple yes or no answer to a quick check-in question. This is common, for example, in the restaurant industry. Your server doesn’t say “What do you like about the meal?” Rather, they say “Is the meal okay?” so you can give a quick nod and the server can get on with their job.

41. Paralinguistics

Paralinguistics is the study of nonverbal communication that accompanies speech. This includes things like tone, volume, pitch, and rate of speech. Paralanguage can give extra meaning to the words that are spoken, and it can be used to build rapport or convey emotions. For example, saying someone’s name with a warm tone can make them feel appreciated, while saying it with a cold tone can make them feel unwelcome.

42. Personal Space (Proxemics)

Personal space is the distance that people like to keep between themselves and others. It varies from culture to culture, but in general, people like to have more personal space when they’re talking to someone they don’t know well. Respecting personal space can make people feel more comfortable and help you to build rapport.

43. Posture

Your posture can communicate a lot about how you’re feeling. For example, slouching often conveys boredom or disinterest, while standing up straight often conveys confidence. If you want to appear more open and approachable, try to avoid crossing your arms or legs, which can make you seem closed off.

44. Prompting

Prompting is a way of giving someone a cue to continue speaking. It can be verbal, like saying “yes” or “go on,” or nonverbal, like nodding your head. Prompting shows that you’re interested in what the other person is saying and that you want to hear more. It’s commonly used in teaching, where the educator uses a prompting signal to try to get students to provide more information and further demonstrate their knowledge.

45. Providing Examples

Examples can be exceptionally useful for helping get across a point. Providing examples is a way of clarifying your point by illustrating it with a real-life example. This can be helpful if you’re trying to explain a concept that’s difficult to understand, or if you want to make sure that everyone is on the same page. When providing an example, try to choose one that’s relatable and easy to understand.

46. Providing Handouts

Handouts can supplement an oral message, helping people to further understand what you are communicating. They can be useful for giving people something to refer back to after a meeting or presentation as well as a way to help people follow along with what you’re saying. Handouts can also be used as a way of providing more detailed information about a topic than you could include in a presentation.

47. Public Speaking

Not everyone is a skilled public speaker. So, people with the ability to get in front of a crowd and confidently entertain them have a communication skill that many other people don’t have! Good public speakers can command an audience’s attention, project confidence, keep people engaged, and think quickly on their feet. Examples of excellent public speakers include Barack Obama and Tony Robins.

48. Questioning

Questioning is a fundamental communication skill. It involves asking questions to gather information, clarify understanding, or encourage someone to continue talking. There are different types of questions that can be used for different purposes. For example, open-ended questions are often used to encourage someone to keep talking, while closed-ended questions are often used to gather specific information.

49. Rapport

Rapport is a feeling of harmony or understanding between people. We could describe it as a “connection” between people, and it’s an important part of effective communication. Building rapport can make people feel more comfortable talking to you, and it can make it easier to resolve conflicts and disagreements. Excellent communicators can get up in front of a group of people, or have one-to-one conversations, and leave the situation having built a warm relationship with the people across from them.

50. Reading Body Language

Reading body language is the ability to understand the nonverbal cues that people use to communicate. This can include things like facial expressions, eye contact, and body position. Being able to read body language can help you to better understand what someone is really saying, even if they’re not using words. As a result, it helps you to more effectively craft your response so it’s catered to the needs and, importantly, emotions of the person you’re taking to.

51. Responsiveness

Responsiveness is the ability to quickly and accurately respond to the communication of others. As a general rule, I try to respond to all emails within 24 hours. This is an essential communication skill for me as a professor because it helps my students to learn more effectively, helps to quickly clarify confusion among my students, and lets them know I am there for them.

52. Role Playing

Role playing is a technique that can be used to help people understand a concept or scenario. It involves acting out a situation in order to explore different possible outcomes. This can be helpful for exploring what might happen in a difficult conversation, or for understanding how to respond to someone in a difficult situation. This communication strategy is most regularly used in business and therapy settings.

53. Scanning (with eyes)

Scanning is a strategy used in public speaking to improve your rapport with your audience. It involves using our eyes to ‘scan the room’ and make eye contact with the people you are talking to. Scanning can help us to better understand our audience’s reactions and identify whether we have said something that has confused or distracted our listeners. It’s also a strategy commonly used by teachers who scan their students to ensure they’re keeping up with the lesson.

54. Sharing

Sometimes, the best way to make yourself come across as relatable and to get people to open up is to share our own experiences. This makes people more comfortable with reciprocally sharing. When we share, we should aim to be vulnerable so that others feel comfortable being open with us. However, it’s also important to be aware of the boundaries of what is appropriate to share and what isn’t. We don’t want to overshare or make people feel uncomfortable.

55. Silence

Silence can be a powerful communication tool. It can be used to show that we’re listening, to give people time to think, or to emphasize a point. When used effectively, silence can make us appear more confident and in control (often called a ‘strategic pause’). However, it’s important to be aware of the different types of silence and when they are appropriate. For example, too much silence in a conversation can make us appear disinterested, bored, or even rude.

56. Simplifying

Simplifying our message can be an effective way to communicate, especially when we’re talking to people who are not experts in the same field as us. When we simplify, we break down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable pieces that are easier for others to understand. This can be done by using analogies, metaphors, or other figurative language. This is essential when teaching people new and complex ideas.

57. Small Talk

Small talk is the kind of conversation we have when we’re just getting to know someone or when we’re trying to fill an awkward silence. Some people are great at small talk, but for introverts like me, it’s not easy. Samll talk is generally light and superficial, but it can be an important part of building rapport with someone. Small talk can also help us to learn more about the other person, find common ground, and make friends and professional contacts (i.e. a network).

58. Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful way to communicate. When we tell stories, we can engage our listener’s emotions and help them to understand complex concepts. We can also use stories to share our values, experiences, and beliefs. Stories can be used to entertain, teach, or inspire others. When done well, storytelling is an art form that can be used to create lasting memories. For example, great orators like Barack Obama know that stories help them to connect to audiences more than hard facts and data.

59. Summarizing

Summarizing is a skill that involves taking a complex message and distilling it down to its essentials. It’s a really important skill to have if you’re a project leader or educator. It’s particulary helpful when we need to share a lot of information in a limited amount of time, or when we’re trying to make sure our listener has understood what we’ve said. Summarizing can also help us to remember information more effectively. When we summarize, we should focus on the main points and omit any unnecessary details.

60. Supporting Evidence

Providing supporting evidence is a way to add credibility to our claims and arguments. When we make statements, we should back them up with facts, data, examples, or testimony from experts. This helps our listener to understand why we believe what we do and makes it more likely that they will be convinced by our argument. It can build credibility and help people to leave the conversation feeling confident in you and your knowledge.

60. Teaching

Teachers are, generally, excellent communicators. They have to spend most of their days thinking about the best ways to communicate new knowledge to people! When we’re teaching, it’s important to be clear, patient, and adaptable. We need to make sure that our students understand what we’re saying and that they are able to apply the new concepts. If someone asks you if you have good communication skills, you can provide your teaching skills as an example and explain how you teach people new ideas.

Related: A to Z List of Teaching Skills

Tone is the way that we express our emotions and attitudes through our words and actions. It can be difficult to control our tone, especially when we’re feeling emotional. But it’s important to be aware of how our tone might be coming across to others. For example, if we’re angry, our tone might be aggressive or confrontational. If we’re happy, our tone might be cheerful or enthusiastic. If we’re sad, our tone might be sorrowful or regretful. Our tone can influence the way that our message is received, so it’s important to be conscious of it.

62. Touch (Haptics)

Touch is an important nonverbal communication tool. It can be used to express affection, show support, or build rapport with others. When we touch someone, it sends a physical and emotional message. For example, a hug can communicate comfort or love. A handshake can communicate respect or appreciation. A pat on the back can communicate encouragement or congratulations. However, keep in mind that touch can also be seen as inappropriate, depending on the context and relationship. So it’s important to be aware of the cultural norms around touch before using this communication method.

63. Using Props

Props can be a helpful way to communicate, especially when we’re trying to illustrate a concept or make a point. Props can be anything from physical objects to visual aids. For example, if you’re giving a presentation on the solar system, you might use a model of the sun and planets to help your audience understand the concept.

64. Voice Intonation

Voice intonation is the pitch, volume, and rhythm of our voice. It’s an important part of communication because it can influence the way that our message is received. For example, if we speak in a monotone voice, our listener might tune out or become bored. But if we vary the pitch and volume of our voice, we can keep our listener’s attention and make our message more interesting. Voice intonation can also be used to convey emotions. For example, if we speak in a high-pitched voice, we might sound scared or nervous.

65. Voice Projection

Voice projection is the act of speaking loudly enough to be heard by our listener. It’s an important skill to have, especially in noisy environments or when we’re trying to reach a large audience. When we project our voice, we should make sure that we’re not shouting. Instead, we should focus on breathing from our diaphragm and using our resonant cavities to amplify our voice.

66. Volume Control

While voice projection can be a good thing, sometimes it’s equally important to know when to keep our volume down. This is especially true when we’re trying to be respectful or sensitive to others. For example, if we’re in a library or a place of worship, we should make sure to keep our voices down so as not to disturb others. Similarly, if we’re talking to someone who is hard of hearing, we should make sure to speak up so that they can understand us.

Communication is a vital part of our everyday lives. It’s how we interact with others, share information, and express ourselves. By understanding and using these skills, we can become better communicators and make sure that our message is received the way that we intend.

When an employer asks you to demonstrate your communication skills, they’re looking to see if you have the ability to effectively share information and express yourself. There are many different ways to do this, but some common skills include active listening, nonverbal communication, and using props or visual aids. Show-off your communication skills to the future employer so you’re not just telling them you’re good at communicating: you’re also showing them!

Chris

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Essays About Communication: Top 5 Examples and Prompts

Are you writing essays about communication? Check out our top essay examples and writing prompts to help you get started.

Communication is power and is critical to building a well-connected society. Communicating well is vital in working with people and shedding light on problems and solutions. Practical communication skills can help build relationships. 

If you’re writing an essay on communication and are having a hard time choosing a topic to focus on, here is our round-up of the best essay examples to get you started:  

1. The Benefits of Communication and Teamwork by Karenina Loayza

2. it’s time to tune in: why listening is the real key to communication by kate murphy, 3. a love language spoken with hands by ross showalter, 4. the role of body language in communication by ashley tulio, 5. the power of storytelling in marketing by dylan jacob, 1. how-to develop communication skills, 2. how-to write an inspiring speech, 3. should all leaders be good communicators, 4. theories of mass communication, 5. how are schools developing children’s communication skills, 6. communicating face-to-face vs. online , 7. marketing communications: what are they, 8. is communicating on social media effective, 9. is it possible to communicate effectively on virtual workplace platforms, 10. how-to communicate in the workplace.

“In one task, we were blindfolded and had to describe a set of irregular pieces. With varying degrees of English and different experiences of the world, it was like explaining an elephant to an alien.” 

Loayza narrates an exercise in class where they have to describe surrounding objects as accurately as possible to keep others from stumbling on them. The writer said the exercise demonstrated effectively the need for good communication skills for teams to succeed.

“Schools and universities have courses in debate, rhetoric and elocution, but rarely classes that teach listening. You can get a doctorate in speech communication and join Toastmasters International to perfect your speaking skills, but who strives for excellence in listening?”

Murphy muses on a world that glorifies the speakers but leaves no room for the listeners like her. She points out how social media has created a generation that prefers interacting behind the screen and filtering out opinions that do not resonate with theirs. Instead, Murphy emphasizes listening as a foundation for better human relations and offers solutions for how others can develop their listening for successful communication. 

“Will showed me that not everyone makes promises they don’t intend to fulfil. I don’t have to invest in someone who promises an action they’ll never do. Relationships only move forward once the work of communication begins.”

Showalter, a deaf man, laments how non-deaf ex-lovers have promised to learn sign language to better communicate with him – only to see these promises broken. Then, one morning, a remarkable man in his life sends a video message reviving hopes for Showalter and redefines his standard in relationships for the better. 

“Non-verbal communication can affect our words as it can reiterate our message, contradict our words, reinforce our statement, substitute the meaning of what we are trying to say, and complement what we are trying to say. Body language is something that is usually natural and is often done instinctively rather than consciously.”

Tulio, a communications specialist, stresses the importance of using body language for expression. She provides tips on maximizing gestures and body movement to convey emotions in person and through videoconferencing. 

“In marketing, storytelling provides an avenue to connect to consumers unlike any other. Brands are empowered to share and sell their values and personality in a form that feels less like advertising and more like a concerted effort to strengthen relationships with customers.

The author cites the viewpoints of a business school professor who explains how storytelling can shape the world’s perception of a brand. Finally, the author outlines the vital elements that make an exciting story capable of connecting with an audience and effecting action among consumers.

10 Writing Prompts On essays about communication

To further expand your horizon on the subject, you can work around our list of prompts that are interesting and relevant to date:

essays about communication: How-to develop communication skills

You can narrow down this essay to target employees, students, aspiring leaders, or those who want to improve their conversation skills. First, list down recommendations such as expanding their vocabulary and listening. Then, explain how they can incorporate this into their daily routine. 

Writing a speech that strikes a chord requires extra work in developing empathy and understanding the audience. Next, you can focus on providing recommendations for your essay, such as putting in a personal touch and linking this story to the broader subject. Make sure you also offer simple writing tips such as using the active voice as much as possible, keeping sentences short, and keeping the tone conversational. 

Cite research studies that detail why effective communication is a critical skill that makes a leader. Then, write about the organizational pitfalls of poor communication. Later, leaders who can speak engagingly and listen attentively to their team members can address these pitfalls. 

Communication theory is the study of processes in sending and receiving information. Discuss the four main theories of mass communication: the Authoritarian Theory, the Libertarian Theory, the Soviet-Communist Theory, and the Social-Responsibility Theory. Explain each one. Explain how each remains relevant in understanding modern communication processes. 

Interview schools within your community and learn about their language curriculum and other efforts to empower children to communicate well. You can also interview child development experts. Find out the biggest challenges in helping children improve how they express their thoughts and ideas. Then, find out what schools and parents are doing to address them. 

While you’d hear many people expressing a preference for face-to-face meetings, there are undoubtedly benefits to online meetings, which some usually dismiss. Weigh in on the pros and cons of in-person and online meetings, especially in the current scenario of an ongoing pandemic. 

What are the new marketing channels marketers are leveraging to reach their audience? Several surveys and studies show where most marketing campaigns allocate their budgets. One example is video content. 

An interesting angle would also involve looking at epic brand fails. Cite two or more cases, find a communication mishap common between them and provide what lessons can today’s brands learn from these epic fails. 

From interacting with loved ones and finding someone to date and love, social media has dramatically changed our ways of communication. It might be great to interview the elders who have experienced communicating through snail mail. Dive into their nostalgia and discover how they compare the experience of letter writing against instant chatting through mobile apps. 

Several apps today aim to transform workplaces to be more connected for interaction and communication. First, list down the top apps most used in the corporate world and discuss why these communication forms are preferred over email. Then, delve into the drawbacks and aspects of the apps that need improvements according to what business users say. 

Recent studies show that employees quit their jobs when they feel unable to talk about their needs in the workplace. Research the communication culture in the top companies in a specific field. How are they engaging with their employees? How are they driving conversations toward critical concerns?

TIP: You don’t have to write an extended essay. Here is a guide to writing a concise and organized five-paragraph essay.

For more help with writing, check out our best essay writing tips for a stress-free writing process. 

term paper on communication skill

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

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Essays on Communication Skills

Faq about communication skills.

Improving Communication Skills Problem Solution Essay

Introduction, aspect of interpersonal communication that needs work, causes of lack of assertiveness, improving lack of assertiveness.

Human beings are structured to interact and this is through communication, verbal or otherwise. Hence, it is of utmost importance that we are able to communicate effectively with various people in different places and situations. However simple communication may seem to be, there are times that we do not get our point across to the other party for one reason or another.

The problem is mostly on us as the conveyors of the message and at all times, improvements need to be done to ensure clarity in communication. In this paper, I will tackle a personal barrier that hinders interpersonal communication (IPC), how it affects communication and how best to improve.

Interpersonal communication has been defined as the process in which we share out our “ideas, thoughts and feelings to another person” (Foundation n.d., p.1). However, this process encounters obstacles along the way and the sources vary, one of them being the communicator.

A personal area that needs to be improved is the lack of assertiveness which is a big hindrance in communication. Assertiveness is one of the four styles of communication, the other three being; passive, aggressive and passive-aggressive communication (Kardol n.d.). Assertiveness can be defined as “standing up for rights and expressing feelings in an honest, open and direct way which do not violate another person’s rights” (Grey Owl, 2004, p.1).

Lack of assertiveness would therefore mean: the presence of the belief that as an individual, “I do not have the right to ask for what I want”; fearing getting a negative feedback from the recipients of the message; a defensive approach in communication while guarding oneself from those who might take advantage; and finally inadequate skills (Kardol, n.d. p.2).

What causes a lack of assertiveness? There are many contributors to this i.e. self-esteem, incompetence or self-fulfilling prophecy. Self-esteem is the “evaluation and judgment or how we feel about ourselves” (Edwards, 2007, p.4). If it is low, then chances are there will be tendencies to avoid speaking in public. If it high on the other hand, our communication will be effective (Grey Owl 2004). Self-esteem also influences our self-image and will determine how the listeners receive our message (Edwards 2007). Low self-esteem is also likely to get negative feedback from the listeners.

Self-fulfilling prophecy on the other hand is the way in which “we predict, or prophesize something to be true” (Edwards, 2007, p.4). This can either have a positive or negative impact especially with the outcome we expect. For instance if I truly believe I will fall on the stage when delivering a speech, chances are that it will happen and it will be because the idea will have been deeply synthesized in my mind to the point of becoming a reality.

Another hurdle to assertiveness is incompetency. If we do not feel confident enough to fulfill the role assigned to us due to lack of knowledge, then chances are we look down ourselves and feel ‘we do not have the right to ask’ since we do not even know our duty in the first place. A person who is knowledgeable on the other hand is able to accomplish their tasks confidently (Foundation n.d.).

How then can lack of assertiveness be improved to ensure effective communication in the long run? Engaging in self-talk, visualization, seeking to become knowledgeable; are some ways to improving assertiveness. Self-talk for instance is a way of counteracting low self-esteem. Becoming knowledgeable will involve initially getting acquainted with the “communication process and fully understanding it in order to know how to deliver messages correctly (Foundation n.d., p.2). Being knowledgeable gives confidence (Foundation n.d.).

In the article by Grey Owl (2004), being assertive involves knowing one’s right and it is on this premise that improvement should be made. These rights include: “rights to have and express your own feeling and ideas, rights to be listened to and taken seriously, right to ask for what you want, right to get some of your own needs met, rights to be treated with respect, right to say ‘no’…and not feel guilty, right to ask for information from others” (Grey Owl, 2004, p.2). With a full knowledge of these rights, then one is on the pathway of assertiveness.

Visualization is the other way in which self-esteem can be improved and consequently achieving assertiveness in the process. It involves foreseeing positive results instead of negative ones. Alternatively, one can use a positive self-fulfilling prophecy in order to obtain good results.

Assertiveness is of great importance since it “helps individuals to be clear on what they want and to act in a positive, honest, direct and self-enhancing way without diminishing self” (Grey Owl, 2004, p.2). It also puts emphasizes on both sides of the story i.e. both parties can air their opinions and views without infringing anyone’s rights (Grey Owl 2004).

Effective interpersonal communication will be best achieved by identification of the barrier. In this case lack of assertiveness. Once this is done, then solutions to improving assertiveness will not only improve the communication but will ensure the right results are achieved.

Edwards, C. (2007). Theories and Principles of Interpersonal Communication. Web.

Foundation. (n.d.). Effective Interpersonal/ Intrateam Communication . Web.

Grey, O. (2004). Lack of Assertiveness . Web.

Kardol, C. (n.d.). Communication Skills . Web.

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The Importance of Good Communication Skill, Essay Example

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Communication skills are vital for workers in many fields and especially in a health care setting. Therapeutic communication between nurses and patients builds a trusting relationship and leads to effective delivery of health care to the patient. Effective skills of communication are essentially vital to facilitate building as well as maintenance of a cohesive relationship between a nurse in a health care setting to the patients and their relatives. The contribution of good communication is demonstrated by an understanding of the parties which in turn facilitates for development of alternative perspectives and addressing the needs of the patients as well as the nurses.

Nurses in a health care setting have the duty to learn the language that is unique to their profession and it is applied routinely in their place of work. Effective communication facilitates for overcoming of potential barriers that hinder achievement of the actual goal behind communication and a situation of mutual understanding. The common barriers include prejudice, the hidden agendas, defensiveness, stress as well as emotions. For a nurse to perform to full potential, it is imperative that appropriate attention is accorded to acquisition of appropriate skills of communication so as to sustain acceptability in the health care setting (Fischman, 2006, 92).

Communication is an important as well as an essential component in health care environment. The nurses play the role of intermediaries between the patients to the nurses and also between the patients to their families. They are therefore expected to have the potentials of building strong communication skills. The skills of communication should be manifested in both verbal as well as non-verbal forms of communication.

Nurses are therefore required to positively acknowledge the needs, emotions as well as the concerns of the patients which may be expressed verbally or even non-verbally. Not all the patients are vocal with respect to their feelings and needs and consequently, a variety of communication techniques are applicable to point out at their needs which nurses should have the skills and knowledge to understand.

The effectiveness of health care facility in care provision is governed by their efforts in bridging the barriers between culture and language. Communication errors are inevitable for the nurses who are inadequately trained to interact with the patients which consequently leads to major problems of communication among the nurses, the patients as well as their families (Fischman, 2006, 88, 90, 92).

Nurses have the first priority of interaction with the patients and this requires that their listening skills are exceptional. This is specifically important in the case of the vocal patients who openly reveal his or her needs to the nurses. As part of good communication skills, the nurse should be courteous as well as friendly as they deal with such patients. The nurse should be focused on the needs of the patient so as to build trust in their relationship.

Problems of poor communication between the nurses and the patients are common and they usually result to an inadequacy of treatment, errors, excessive pain and in some cases, death. Acquisition and application of communication skills, which can be simple and also inexpensive, can significantly reduce such cases. Provision of quality health care is achievable if the right communication channels are put in place, Shafer, (2007) advocates for a proper understanding of the emotions of the patient by health care providers as the attend to treatment needs of the patients (Shafer, 2007). Nurses should attend programs some existing programs which enhance their communication skills.

Works cited

Fischman, Josh. “Bridging the Language Gap. Some hospitals make non-English-speaking patients feel right at home”. U.S. News World Report , 141(2), 88, 90, 92, 2006.

Shafer, Emily. “Doctor-patient communication critical to patient care, expectations often not met”. HemOnc Today , 2007.

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Essay: Communication skills essay

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Communication skills are all around us, from the day we are born until the rest of our lives. How many times have you seen communication skills required for a job in the classifieds and wonder what it actually means. A communication skill is some type of skill used in communication, From talking, body language to even listening. Many things can effect the way one can convey his or her communication skills to others. All of these skills are very personnel to one another. Everyone has different ways of expressing some kind of communication skill within them. One communication skill is speaking, by far one of the most important skill we posses. To be a good speaker one must be able to convey ideas clearly and briefly. One must also have a clear and pleasant tone to his or her voice. This makes the person you are talking to more attentive, thus, more interested. The speaker must also be aware of his environment and the people he is speaking to. Environment plays a lot with what you say and try to convey to people. If you hear a bird chirping, you might incorporate it to what you where just about to say. This makes the person you’re talking to even more comfortable with what you are trying to convey with your thoughts and ideas. This is how different things can effect one’s communication skill, speaking. A second communication skill is body language, a very personal way of expressing yourself without words. One’s body language can carry a whole conversation without even saying a word. Sign language is an excellent example of this, one can spend there whole life communicating only with there body. Still one can be able to understand exactly how a person is trying to express themselves. Speaking and body language goes hand to hand, without gestures when talking one cannot truly explain certain things to someone. Also there is no visual effect for the person listening. When there is sound as well as some kind of visual movement one is more interested in what someone is trying to say. Through body language one can tell if a person is sad or happy, glad or mad. Body language conveys a lot of expression to are inner feelings and thoughts. Body language can show many things about you and the way you think. It can also show the way a person reacts to what you try to convey to them. If the listener isn’t responding one must try and change the topic without losing the listeners focus. One can only know this threw the listener’s body language. Body language is essential to a good way of showing and conveying ones’ ideas. A third and final major communication skill is listening, one of the most useful communication skills. A good listener is someone who can concentrate and not loose focus on a subject. When someone listens to someone sometimes they might start daydreaming or think of something else and loose focus on a speaker’s subject. Listening is what connects people together. One “cannot speak if no one is listening,” without a listener there would be no need for a speaker. Listening is a skill that takes a long time to develop and to really understand how to listen. One can hear but are they really listening to what is said?. One way to make a listener’s job easier is to have a speaker who is clear and brief. This way the listener won’t drift away and the speaker has stated his or her point. This way the listener has understood what has been said and can make his or her own interpretations. An active listener is a listener who is involved with what the speaker is trying to say. He or She for example may nod, lean forward or make eye contact and Also may take notes. This shows that the speaker has done his job successfully and the listener is responding and being active to what has been said. A listener can be biased and not even listen this does not effect the speaker cause he or she maybe responding to others. These effects show how important listening is to everyone and what an important communication skill it really is. Communication skills will be around us forever and will continue to thrive and develop as time goes by. These effects on communication skills showed that one can interpret different things through one’s communication skills. As one improves their communication skills it shows us how to talk, listen and communicate better with one another. As the world progresses we will see more people taking more time to develop this skill to there fullest. One will understand to control the effect’s communication skills causes and how to handle them.

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The No. 1 soft skill you need to get hired right now, according to LinkedIn–and how to mention it in an interview

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The difference between landing a job offer or a rejection can come down to how well you adjust to a fast-paced environment and interact with your colleagues. 

Communication is the top skill companies are hiring for right now, while adaptability is a soft skill that's "increasingly in demand" across a wide range of industries, according to new research from LinkedIn. 

LinkedIn's 2024 Most In-Demand Skills list , published Thursday, determined the hottest skills in the job market based on which skills appeared most in job listings on the platform between May 2023 and October 2023, as well as how many members who have been hired recently possessed this skill. For the second year in a row, communication topped the list. 

The job search and networking platform also looked at which skills were popular from May 2022 to October 2022 and compared it to the same period in 2023 to explore which competencies saw the biggest spike in demand, crowning adaptability as the "skill of the moment." 

Here are the 10 most in-demand skills employers want to see on your resume right now, according to LinkedIn:

  • Communication
  • Customer service
  • Project management 
  • Problem-solving

"Communication is one of the most widely needed, transferable skills, relevant to almost every job and industry," LinkedIn career expert Catherine Fisher tells CNBC Make It . 

The need for better communication in the workplace, she adds, is the direct result of changes to the post-pandemic workforce: the rise of AI, the widespread adoption of remote and hybrid work as well as five generations , each with different communication styles and workplace jargon, now working together.

Employers want to hire people who can quickly adapt to these ongoing changes, says LinkedIn vice president Aneesh Raman. "Adaptability is the best way to have agency right now," he notes in the report. "At the core of managing change is building that muscle of adaptability." 

Now that hybrid work is the norm in offices across the U.S., employees are expected to communicate effectively with leaders, colleagues, customers and employees across an expanding range of channels and platforms, adapting to new tools and processes, Fisher explains. 

What's more, as a growing number of employers experiment with AI, Fisher points out that they're also recognizing its limitations, underscoring the need for workers that possess "uniquely human skills" such as communication to compensate for the shortcomings of of emerging technologies.

"At its core, communication is essential for connecting, inspiring, building trust and getting work done effectively," she adds. 

In addition to adding these skills to your resume and LinkedIn profile, you can show a hiring manager that you are adaptable and a strong communicator by mentioning specific examples of how you've used these skills in your past experiences during an interview. Or, if you're angling for a promotion or raise, be sure to practice these skills in team meetings, group projects and interactions with your manager.

Effective communication can include asking detailed questions during meetings, providing feedback or leading presentations, says Fisher, while adaptability can include learning new tools to improve productivity or reprioritizing tasks to help your team meet their goals. 

Want to land your dream job in 2024?  Take  CNBC's new online course How to Ace Your Job Interview  to learn what hiring managers are really looking for, body language techniques, what to say and not to say, and the best way to talk about pay.

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More From Forbes

How ai will impact technology careers of the future.

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Office Standup Meeting between an Engineer and a Scientist discussing an automation project for ... [+] their factory.

In the last two decades “learn how to code'' has become commonplace advice shared across many High Schools and Universities worldwide when asked how students should prepare for careers of the future.

What they don’t tell you is that more than 50% of jobs across top technology firms like Google GOOG and Meta require exactly zero coding skills.

This narrative misses a very important fact. That beyond just writing code, even the most technology forward businesses have to excel at solving other types of problems, problems that require a myriad of different skills.

Like the ability to evaluate, learn, and use new technologies to solve problems. Not build them.

And skills that require sophisticated levels of written and verbal communication, research and collection of data, the ability to plan and manage complicated projects, the skill of decision making when faced with competing priorities or stakeholders, and more.

If coding isn’t the future, then what is? And how can you ensure that you’re learning skills that will still be relevant 5-10 years from now?

Doing What AI Can Never Do

In a recent interview with global higher education community FOHE , Paul LeBlanc, education innovator and President of Southern New Hampshire University, said that as AI evolves most likely taking over highly manual or repetitive jobs, “human-centered” professions will be in more demand than ever before.

Human decision making is nuanced, often relying on a combination of data, past experience, and gut instinct.

While computers are infinitely better than humans at anything systems oriented they lack the ability to judge a situation based on qualitative factors like relationships and human motivation.

Furthermore, the complex nature of organizing humans toward a unified goal, like curing cancer or educating the masses, depends on something that a computer can never replicate or instill - trust.

As technology evolves the need for educated individuals that understand how to leverage relationships and develop trust to solve complicated problems will be high.

People will be valued for their ability to adapt their knowledge of relationship building and problem solving to an ever growing list of new technologies, sectors, and job titles.

Skills that can only be learned by being in the room with other humans tackling problems that don’t have clear solutions and require creative thinking and collaboration.

Learning How Engineers Think, Not The Code Syntax They Write

Steve Jobs built one of the most important technology companies of the century, but he had never written a single line of code.

Instead he obsessed over design, usability, and learning everything about the products that he was building.

To do this and to motivate the most brilliant engineers he could recruit he had to learn how to think like them.

Which likely meant spending countless hours understanding how they thought about engineering problems that had never been solved before.

With Artificial Intelligence, product innovation is no different.

In fact, as AI gets better at writing, deploying and debugging code without human intervention we’ll need humans that understand how to clearly communicate business use-cases to a machine, and the requirements and context necessary to solve a particular problem.

Doing this effectively doesn’t require learning Python or C++, but it does require understanding how computers make decisions and the human instructions required to solve whatever problem comes to mind.

This is why today technology companies run by engineers who also have a strong business foundation excel.

But in the future this ability will not require an engineering degree, but simply foundational knowledge of how technology innovation happens. Knowledge that can be acquired through a combination of self-study and innovative education alternatives that allow you to learn from professionals directly.

Prioritizing Advanced Written And Verbal Communication Skills

It’s easy to see when someone is a good communicator. They are thoughtful with their approach, diplomatic in their execution and know how to use logic and reason to compel others toward certain actions.

Similarly, it’s blatantly obvious when someone doesn’t understand social cues for when to be formal or informal, or when they take so long to get to the point that you get lost simply trying to decipher what they are trying to say.

The latter group will always have difficulty in advancing their career regardless of discipline until they learn to communicate more effectively.

And the former group will seemingly get new opportunities handed to them, even when they lack the direct experience in that role.

As technology evolves individuals with exceptional communication skills will stand out even more from the rest.

They’ll be chosen as leaders when going up against someone with inferior communication skills and superior domain knowledge.

They will persuade others to fund their businesses, or join their initiatives.

They will organize talent around new technological advancements, and know how to use technology to test their hypotheses and take advantage of newly invented markets.

How do we know this to be true for the future of technology enabled careers? Because humans have always been rewarded for being excellent communicators.

The only difference is the current context of the world we live in and how individuals today actually acquire new skills.

For people looking to build these skills to stay competitive the answer is straightforward.

Find opportunities that will help you learn by doing. That will force you to learn how to communicate with executives and operators alike.

And if you can’t get these opportunities, create them yourself.

Test a new product idea through real customer feedback, giving you an excuse to reach out to and speak with talented people in your domain.

Create a blog or podcast that attracts like minded individuals that want to collaborate.

Join or organize communities that will expose you to people outside of your most immediate circle thereby accelerating your knowledge of what being an effective communicator actually means.

Tools like AI will undoubtedly change the way we live, work and think about our careers.

But the physical world we live in will never cease to depend on capable people that learn how to effectively leverage the tools at our disposal, including highly complex and intelligent pieces of technology.

Future proofing your career then becomes fairly simple. A combination of learning how to be technologically savvy, and learning how to use new technology to understand and solve the never ending challenges that humanity faces.

Sergei Revzin and Vadim Revzin

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What soft skills are employers looking for in 2024?

Jan 29, 2024

What soft skills are employers looking for in 2024?

The landscape of the world of work continues to evolve from everything we thought we knew. Gone are the days of simply going to college, getting a job, and settling in; today’s employers seek qualities that reflect our humanity—the ability to connect with others, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Technical know-how is still crucial, but soft skills are becoming more important than ever as our jobs adapt to modern needs, rather than trying to neatly fit us into a well-defined box. To be successful in both our personal and professional lives, we need to continually hone our soft skills to sync up with the demands of the ever-evolving workplace.

So, what exactly are employers looking for when it comes to soft skills in 2024? To find out, we connected with two career coaches to learn what soft skills are trending this year, how to build upon yours and acquire new ones, and how to convey your soft skills on your resume , cover letter, and during interviews .

What are the most valuable soft skills for employees to have in 2024?

According to Tiffany Waddell Tate, founder & CEO of Career Maven Consulting , communication skills, creative problem-solving, and emotional intelligence top the list. Tate emphasizes the significance of these skills, noting, “The ability to engage and inspire, especially in remote and hybrid contexts across the globe, is key in today’s dynamic work environment.”

She also notes being self-aware and attuned to the experiences of others is crucial for tapping into empathetic leadership during workplace challenges, providing a foundation for effectively managing change and stress . In Tate’s words, “These skills not only make you a well-rounded candidate but are essential for thriving in the ever-evolving professional landscape.”

Career counselor and coach Lynn Berger echoes Tate’s sentiments, also pointing out how today’s hybrid and remote work environments will demand flexibility and strong communication skills from candidates. Berger also includes active listening as a valuable part of the communication piece to ensure that messages are both being clearly delivered as well as received.

How can job hunters work on developing their soft skills, and how can they tell what they need to work on?

Knowing the soft skills employers are looking for in 2024, you can begin to assess yours and what you might need to work on. “The best way to identify what you need to work on is to ask for feedback from your leaders and peers about how you show up as a colleague, with clients, and other stakeholders within your organization or community,” Tate notes.

Seeking input from trusted individuals provides valuable insights into areas that may require attention. Tate continues, “Stretch yourself outside of your comfort zone on new projects and experiences where you can apply the feedback you gather.” This hands-on approach to skill development is underscored by Tate’s belief in the effectiveness of “professional development experiences that emphasize applied learning you can use in your day-to-day work life.” By combining constructive feedback and immersive experiences , individuals can actively work towards refining their soft skills and professional growth.

Berger points out that everyone’s strengths and weaknesses vary. “Some people are naturally good at certain things and some aren’t,” she begins. “So look at what’s challenged you in the past and where the gaps were so you can start to fill them in.” She continues that while it’s good to lean into your inherent strengths, don’t shy away from your perceived weaknesses and the things that don’t come as easily for you—after all, practice is what will help make them stronger.

How can you highlight soft skills on job applications, resumes, and during interviews?

According to Tate, it’s not just about possessing soft skills; it’s crucial to demonstrate their tangible impact. “You can present soft skills by using specific examples of how your ability has influenced impact or change for the people, projects, or places you’ve worked,” she suggests.

Tate provides personal insight on the topic, stating that her ability to communicate effectively across different levels of an organization has allowed her to keep key stakeholders informed as she manages cross-functional teams. Doing this allows her to complete project sprints on time while keeping everyone who needs to know what’s happening informed along the way.

She emphasizes the importance of quantifying your soft skills, stating, “It’s not just about what soft skills you have; it’s important to quantify how they help you get the job done, too.”

Key takeaways: What soft skills are employers looking for in 2024?

Let’s recap—here are the key things to keep in mind about sharpening your soft skills in 2024.

  • Essential soft skills: Employers will prioritize communication, creative problem-solving, and emotional intelligence in 2024, all of which are vital to adapting to the dynamic work landscape. As for employees, they’ll benefit from self-awareness and being attuned to other people’s needs.
  • Feedback and hands-on learning: Identify and develop soft skills by seeking feedback from leaders and peers. Make sure you engage in projects outside your comfort zone so you can actively apply the feedback for hands-on and applied learning.
  • Quantify impact: When highlighting soft skills, provide specific examples, showcasing their impact on people, projects, or places. Quantifying soft skills’ contribution is crucial in job applications and interviews.

As interpersonal relationships and effective communication play an increasingly pivotal role in job satisfaction and career advancement, developing soft skills sets you up for long-term professional success. Continuous learning and skill refinement are emphasized for both formal leaders and individuals seeking to thrive in the evolving workplace.

Berger’s takeaway message to candidates is to leverage the fresh start of a new year to challenge yourself. “You don’t want to become too dependent on everything that comes easily,” Berger begins. “It’s a good time to start to address the skills you want to strengthen.”

As for Tate, she adds that when people end up leaving a job, it’s usually not because they’ve maxed out their technical skills. Rather, it’s their experience with managers (and sometimes peers) and the interpersonal relationships that go awry. She highlights this as being the top reason why developing your soft skills is crucial. “Whether or not you lead a team formally, it’s important to continue learning, seeking feedback, and honing your soft skills—the heart of leadership skills—along the way,” she says.

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Bad news, graduates: LinkedIn says the hottest skill to have right now in 2024 can’t be learned in a textbook

Business woman on a video job interview with a young male candidate

The skills-based revolution isn’t the future, it’s already here: It’s been over a year since major employers like Google , Microsoft , IBM , and Apple , eliminated their long-held degree requirements for jobs to remove barriers to entry and recruit more diverse talent—much to the dismay of those who have splashed out thousands on a college degree.

Now, LinkedIn has put the final nail in the coffin for those hoping that a stellar education alone is enough to land you a killer job. 

That’s because the top skill of 2024 isn’t one you can learn from textbooks—or even a YouTube tutorial, for that matter.

According to the networking platform’s analysis of its 1 billion global users, the hottest skill to have right now is adaptability .

Its surging popularity comes as leaders scramble to understand what the rising popularity of artificial intelligence means for their businesses.

“As organizations come to grasp the full extent of what AI can do, they’re also coming to terms with all that it can’t do—those tasks that require the uniquely human skills that all businesses need,” warns Dan Brodnitz, global head of content strategy at LinkedIn Learning

It’s why being adaptable during these uncertain times is “indispensable,” Brodnitz says, adding that it will only “become even more important as the pace of change increases.”

LinkedIn reveals the most in-demand skills for 2024

LinkedIn also looked at those who have been recently hired among its enormous user base, as well as the skills listed in job ads to predict what the most-in-demand skills will be for the year ahead—and it provides more bad news for those who have just burdened themselves with huge debt for a degree.

Soft skills (nontechnical skills) are equally important to hiring managers as hard skills, according to the data.

What’s more, the pendulum is only going to swing further in favor of soft skills, according to the research.

Nine out of 10 global executives LinkedIn surveyed think that “human” skills are more important than ever, as we move into a new world of work thanks to AI, remote work, et al.

So, it’s not surprising that communication (a soft skill) ranks No. 1 on the 2024 list of overall most in-demand skills. 

“In an era of hybrid work, employees communicate across an ever-expanding range of channels and platforms,” Brodnitz explains.

“Since in-person collaboration is no longer the default, effective communication from company and team leadership across channels helps connect, motivate, and inspire your teams.” 

Other soft skills to make the list include teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership—which shouldn’t be snubbed by those at the start of their career.

Unlike management, which is about delivering measurable results, leadership is more about influencing change and motivating others.

“Regardless of your position in the org chart, leadership skills continue to be business-critical,” Brodnitz insists.

Meanwhile, the hard skills that continue to capture employers’ attention include customer service, project management, and analytics.

Top 10 skills for 2024

1. Communication 2. Customer service  3. Leadership  4. Project management  5. Management  6. Analytics 7. Teamwork 8. Sales  9. Problem-solving 10. Research

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