I have more than 5 years of experience as an admin cum Senior Assistant in a manufacturing company. Currently, I am facing challenges in qualifying for interviews due to my poor communication skills. When I speak English, my pronunciation is unclear, and I often make grammar mistakes, leading to confusion.
Please help me improve myself.
Regards,
Naresh
From India, Chandigarh
Acknowledge(8)
Amend(0)
12Please help me improve myself.
Regards,
Naresh
From India, Chandigarh
Acknowledge(8)+3 more
Amend(0)
Hi Naresh, it was nice to talk to you about the mentioned subject. Earlier, I also had the same problem. I tried a formula that helped me improve my communication skills. Here's what I did:
1. Improved reading skills (I read one article at least 7 to 8 times).
2. Read loudly and chewed on the information in my mind.
3. Understood the various meanings of each word.
4. Checked how many words I could read in 60 seconds (Good - 250).
5. Checked my thinking speed; normally, what you have present in your mind will be said 1.5 times faster than that. This will help you to read a person internally.
Regards,
GS.
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(5)
Amend(0)
1. Improved reading skills (I read one article at least 7 to 8 times).
2. Read loudly and chewed on the information in my mind.
3. Understood the various meanings of each word.
4. Checked how many words I could read in 60 seconds (Good - 250).
5. Checked my thinking speed; normally, what you have present in your mind will be said 1.5 times faster than that. This will help you to read a person internally.
Regards,
GS.
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(5)Amend(0)
Perhaps you should conduct a thorough self-analysis with the help of some friends. Then, attend some mock interviews and get feedback. Sometimes, we are not clear in our communication because we are unsure of the answers or are unprepared. You must prepare for the interview and work on answers to sure-shot questions like:
- Tell me something about yourself.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why should we hire you?
When you are prepared, you will be able to give answers confidently.
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(1)
Amend(0)
- Tell me something about yourself.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why should we hire you?
When you are prepared, you will be able to give answers confidently.
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Improving Communication Skills: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here is the way:
1. Buy a tape recorder.
2. Narrate before it to record what you did today.
3. Play to listen to the quality of your narration.
4. Observe the poor qualities and amend.
5. Go on changing the topics until you become satisfied with your own communication first.
Even stutterers and stammerers can set themselves right by this method.
Best of luck.
These corrections enhance the clarity and readability of the text.
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(5)
Amend(0)
Here is the way:
1. Buy a tape recorder.
2. Narrate before it to record what you did today.
3. Play to listen to the quality of your narration.
4. Observe the poor qualities and amend.
5. Go on changing the topics until you become satisfied with your own communication first.
Even stutterers and stammerers can set themselves right by this method.
Best of luck.
These corrections enhance the clarity and readability of the text.
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(5)Amend(0)
Improving English Communication Skills
You need to focus on reading, speaking/listening, and writing. Spend an hour or two reading a good English newspaper. Also, listen to English news and try to focus on pronunciation. Lastly, write one paragraph of 10-12 lines every day and have it reviewed by your friend who is fluent in English.
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
You need to focus on reading, speaking/listening, and writing. Spend an hour or two reading a good English newspaper. Also, listen to English news and try to focus on pronunciation. Lastly, write one paragraph of 10-12 lines every day and have it reviewed by your friend who is fluent in English.
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
I can understand your anxiety and can only assure you that all this is temporary. The only thing that you have allowed to happen is that you have permitted your past interviews to come and haunt you, thus degrading your present. It can happen to anyone. So first and foremost, kindly dispel all fears from your mind that you lack something and do not blame yourself for the same.
Steps to Boost Confidence
As suggested by all the much more learned friends above, the first step is to get your confidence level up. Try doing this:
1. Read about any topic of your interest and prepare a gist.
2. Now, when you are free in your room/place of stay, stand in front of a mirror, look yourself in the eyes, and start talking about that topic. Keep your attention on the person looking back at you.
3. On the first go, you may find it a bit awkward, but after a few tries, you will hardly recognize the person looking back at you.
The above exercise will not only make you less self-conscious but will give a tremendous boost to your confidence and improve your public speaking.
Preparing for Interviews
Once you have mastered this part, start jotting down all probable interview questions and your answers related to your field. If you have a small recorder, feed in the questions one by one. Having done that, sit down at an appropriate time with the recorder and play the first question and stop. Start by answering it yourself. Continue until you have gone through all - with about 5 years of experience, you would be knowing most of the answers. For doubts, I am sure you can consult your friends, seniors, etc.
There is no doubt that the more you practice, the smoother your flow will be. Gradually, start twisting these questions as you deem fit and get your answers - you will be surprised at your ingenuity.
In addition to what I have mentioned, follow the guidelines as given by the other members, and you shall overcome all hurdles.
Wish you all the best!!
Regards,
Ashok
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Steps to Boost Confidence
As suggested by all the much more learned friends above, the first step is to get your confidence level up. Try doing this:
1. Read about any topic of your interest and prepare a gist.
2. Now, when you are free in your room/place of stay, stand in front of a mirror, look yourself in the eyes, and start talking about that topic. Keep your attention on the person looking back at you.
3. On the first go, you may find it a bit awkward, but after a few tries, you will hardly recognize the person looking back at you.
The above exercise will not only make you less self-conscious but will give a tremendous boost to your confidence and improve your public speaking.
Preparing for Interviews
Once you have mastered this part, start jotting down all probable interview questions and your answers related to your field. If you have a small recorder, feed in the questions one by one. Having done that, sit down at an appropriate time with the recorder and play the first question and stop. Start by answering it yourself. Continue until you have gone through all - with about 5 years of experience, you would be knowing most of the answers. For doubts, I am sure you can consult your friends, seniors, etc.
There is no doubt that the more you practice, the smoother your flow will be. Gradually, start twisting these questions as you deem fit and get your answers - you will be surprised at your ingenuity.
In addition to what I have mentioned, follow the guidelines as given by the other members, and you shall overcome all hurdles.
Wish you all the best!!
Regards,
Ashok
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
I hope you're now following the suggestions given above by our expert friends. To add on, I'd also like to say that to be fluent and comfortable in English, you need to keep speaking English with your friends, colleagues, family members, and whoever you meet. Please do not feel bothered or shy while speaking in English. After all, practice makes perfect. So, please read and practice every morning and evening whenever you're free; English grammar, newspapers/magazines (read aloud). Also, try to write something that interests you in simple English, perhaps related to a story, your company's admin policy, etc. Listen carefully to how your office colleagues, friends, relatives, or other people speak so nicely, and then try to speak in a similar manner. Forget about the tense and grammar you are using while speaking. You will automatically improve in all those areas once you are fluent and start speaking in English. After all, English is just a language. You must have some friends/colleagues who can speak many languages. Do you know how they learned? Because they tried, practiced, or else, the community or environment in which they were brought up belongs to people speaking that particular language. Hence, you need to create an English-speaking environment for yourself.
Wish you all the best!
Thanks and regards,
Bhumi Upadhayaya
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Wish you all the best!
Thanks and regards,
Bhumi Upadhayaya
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Thank you very much for such great advice and for providing that link. It's really inspiring to anybody, no matter what. Thank you once again for the good advice.
From India, Kochi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Kochi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
In addition to all the above, write small sentences. This will help you to speak small sentences correctly and gain clarity. I have corrected your posting and I am sending it by private mail to your ID. Hope that will guide you to write and speak well.
Regards,
V. Raghunathan
Navi Mumbai
From India
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Regards,
V. Raghunathan
Navi Mumbai
From India
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Hello naresh, i’ve fluency, in speaking reading, what i have to try to remain with writting skills.
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Apart from the suggestions provided above, you could make it a point to read aloud the editorial of the newspaper, especially The Hindu newspaper. Also, try to speak only in English when you are at home and among your friend circle. People may laugh at you, but learn to ignore them. This way, you will develop the confidence to use the language.
All the best.
Regards,
Anita
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
All the best.
Regards,
Anita
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
You can improve only by OBSERVATION. Your listening skills and hearing skills should be concentrated upon. Try to observe people who are fluent. Listen to them with care. Take in all the necessary inputs.
To take necessary inputs, first, you have to identify where you are going wrong to correct yourself, which leads to perfection. Identify yourself as to where you go wrong. Then you can observe the same in others regarding how they pronounce such words or speak in such situations to handle yourself in the best manner.
As Anitha said, you have to do a lot of reading and try to speak in English in your friend circle, keeping your embarrassment and ego aside.
From personal experience, I would suggest you try talking in front of the mirror and practice so that you can judge yourself on how you are presenting yourself. Self-help is the best help!
Regards,
Bharghavi
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
To take necessary inputs, first, you have to identify where you are going wrong to correct yourself, which leads to perfection. Identify yourself as to where you go wrong. Then you can observe the same in others regarding how they pronounce such words or speak in such situations to handle yourself in the best manner.
As Anitha said, you have to do a lot of reading and try to speak in English in your friend circle, keeping your embarrassment and ego aside.
From personal experience, I would suggest you try talking in front of the mirror and practice so that you can judge yourself on how you are presenting yourself. Self-help is the best help!
Regards,
Bharghavi
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Real English Dictionary: Tips for Improving Communication Skills
Speak loudly with yourself in front of the mirror. Don't be shy whether you're right or wrong. Spend an hour or two reading a good English newspaper. Communicate in English with your friends; it doesn't matter whether it is correct or wrong.
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Speak loudly with yourself in front of the mirror. Don't be shy whether you're right or wrong. Spend an hour or two reading a good English newspaper. Communicate in English with your friends; it doesn't matter whether it is correct or wrong.
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
the best option is to watch hollywood movies with subtitles in English. it helps your mind to read and develop ability to speak more words in a minute.. works fine for me
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Good... It is really good guidance to improve English, I am also from Marathi medium. Now I can also improve my English communication by following all above suggestions. Thanks a lot Regards Kishor
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Important Forms of Oral Communication
Important forms of oral communication in the workplace include building interpersonal relationships, giving presentations, and debating viewpoints effectively. It is essential to master oral skills for both in-person and over-the-phone interactions.
Important Forms of Written Communication
Similarly, important written communication involves writing professional emails without SMS slang, putting together concise reports, and creating visually powerful PowerPoint presentations.
Enhancing Communication Skills
The key to excelling in oral and written communication is to enhance your communication skills, which is easier than you might think. Here are some tips to help you improve:
Improve Pronunciation and Diction
There are a few tricks to make a vernacular accent more globally understandable:
- Ensure that 'air' comes out of your mouth when saying the letters 'T, P, K' and the sound 'Ch.'
- Focus on elongating your vowel sounds, which will naturally slow down your rate of speech.
- Sing English songs out loud.
- Watch news shows on channels like CNN and BBC.
- The website Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online is great for pronunciation help.
- Consider purchasing books on pronunciation and language that come with audio cassettes.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Important forms of oral communication in the workplace include building interpersonal relationships, giving presentations, and debating viewpoints effectively. It is essential to master oral skills for both in-person and over-the-phone interactions.
Important Forms of Written Communication
Similarly, important written communication involves writing professional emails without SMS slang, putting together concise reports, and creating visually powerful PowerPoint presentations.
Enhancing Communication Skills
The key to excelling in oral and written communication is to enhance your communication skills, which is easier than you might think. Here are some tips to help you improve:
Improve Pronunciation and Diction
There are a few tricks to make a vernacular accent more globally understandable:
- Ensure that 'air' comes out of your mouth when saying the letters 'T, P, K' and the sound 'Ch.'
- Focus on elongating your vowel sounds, which will naturally slow down your rate of speech.
- Sing English songs out loud.
- Watch news shows on channels like CNN and BBC.
- The website Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online is great for pronunciation help.
- Consider purchasing books on pronunciation and language that come with audio cassettes.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
English Speaking Tips
Get over any fear you might have of making mistakes. You will make mistakes. Be patient with yourself. Learning any language can be frustrating, but frustration won't help you, so let it go.
Grasp every opportunity you have to speak with people in English. Talk to friends who are also learning English. Go out together for coffee and only speak English to each other!
Read short stories out loud and try to see, say, and hear the words to reinforce your memory. Record yourself and play it back later. How does it sound?
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Get over any fear you might have of making mistakes. You will make mistakes. Be patient with yourself. Learning any language can be frustrating, but frustration won't help you, so let it go.
Grasp every opportunity you have to speak with people in English. Talk to friends who are also learning English. Go out together for coffee and only speak English to each other!
Read short stories out loud and try to see, say, and hear the words to reinforce your memory. Record yourself and play it back later. How does it sound?
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
The things you have learned are called knowledge! The application of knowledge is called wisdom! Application includes sharing, teaching, and making others understand.
So what you want to gain is left to you. Communication is a two-way medium wherein the sender is sending the message, and the receiver is understanding the message in the same way the sender is intending to interpret. Therefore, communication is complete only when the receiver understands!
So it is necessary to make the receiver understand instead of using complex and technical words called jargon, which takes more time for you to add comments on threads.
Regards,
Bharghavi
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
So what you want to gain is left to you. Communication is a two-way medium wherein the sender is sending the message, and the receiver is understanding the message in the same way the sender is intending to interpret. Therefore, communication is complete only when the receiver understands!
So it is necessary to make the receiver understand instead of using complex and technical words called jargon, which takes more time for you to add comments on threads.
Regards,
Bharghavi
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
The thread on English Communication has been very interesting. I am of the view that if a person has difficulty in composing sentences, they need to learn that art. In my opinion, the best way is to read comics—particularly those created by Anand Pai, such as Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle. These are written in a very simple manner—perhaps each sentence will have no more than 10 words. The meanings of these sentences are very clear because of the pictures. By reading these sentences frequently and learning the meaning and context with the help of pictures, a person will develop the ability to compose grammatically correct expressions for writing and, more importantly, for speaking. Comics are particularly helpful in preparing a learner to converse in informal situations—this is where many people lack confidence. By reading comics like Amar Chitra Katha and Chandamama repeatedly, a person learns to "think in English"—they do not frame a sentence in their mind and attempt to translate; their expressions are spontaneous.
Once they gain confidence, they can build up and develop, and only the sky is the limit. I am not joking—I am very serious and honest in saying that "for improving English, read comics" and do not forget to thank the genius Anand Pai.
Another Hint for Improving English
Another hint I wish to share: We must know what we want. If we encounter a word and do not know its meaning, we can refer to a dictionary. This happens when we read a report or letter. When we write, we want a particular word—an appropriate word—for the message we want to deliver. Here, we must consult a thesaurus, not a dictionary. When we have the idea in our head and we want the correct word for it, a thesaurus will help. Even if you encounter a new word and check its meaning in a dictionary, it is better to check in a thesaurus also. It will give words with similar meanings—but not identical meanings—so we may use the most appropriate word for the context in which we write.
Recommended Books for Good Formal English
For good formal English and for developing writing skills, there are several books—perhaps there should be Dummies and Idiot's guides also. I have found these books to be extremely good and useful:
1. "Writers Express" by Dave Kemper, Ruth Nathan, and Patrick Sebranek, published by DC Heath Company, USA—this is a very interesting book for children and learners. Children will love it.
2. "Nautical Miles"—it is a storybook, perhaps written to enhance the English skills of Indian youth. It should be very useful.
3. "Write Better, Speak Better" published by Reader's Digest. It is a kind of guide or reference book. It is a wonderful book and guides the reader to write in a lucid manner. I had the benefit of using this book when my career demanded writing a variety of things, right from a copy of an advertisement to replies to lawyer's notices. This is a very useful book and can be a companion for a lifetime.
I have seen postings seeking help with English communication earlier also. I want to specifically give one message to those who seek help: it is easier than it looks to learn and use English, particularly as they are now in an office and have opportunities to read and hear English. It is easy; let them cheer up, keep their eyes and ears open, and make consistent efforts. They will master English.
From India, Madras
Acknowledge(1)
Amend(0)
Once they gain confidence, they can build up and develop, and only the sky is the limit. I am not joking—I am very serious and honest in saying that "for improving English, read comics" and do not forget to thank the genius Anand Pai.
Another Hint for Improving English
Another hint I wish to share: We must know what we want. If we encounter a word and do not know its meaning, we can refer to a dictionary. This happens when we read a report or letter. When we write, we want a particular word—an appropriate word—for the message we want to deliver. Here, we must consult a thesaurus, not a dictionary. When we have the idea in our head and we want the correct word for it, a thesaurus will help. Even if you encounter a new word and check its meaning in a dictionary, it is better to check in a thesaurus also. It will give words with similar meanings—but not identical meanings—so we may use the most appropriate word for the context in which we write.
Recommended Books for Good Formal English
For good formal English and for developing writing skills, there are several books—perhaps there should be Dummies and Idiot's guides also. I have found these books to be extremely good and useful:
1. "Writers Express" by Dave Kemper, Ruth Nathan, and Patrick Sebranek, published by DC Heath Company, USA—this is a very interesting book for children and learners. Children will love it.
2. "Nautical Miles"—it is a storybook, perhaps written to enhance the English skills of Indian youth. It should be very useful.
3. "Write Better, Speak Better" published by Reader's Digest. It is a kind of guide or reference book. It is a wonderful book and guides the reader to write in a lucid manner. I had the benefit of using this book when my career demanded writing a variety of things, right from a copy of an advertisement to replies to lawyer's notices. This is a very useful book and can be a companion for a lifetime.
I have seen postings seeking help with English communication earlier also. I want to specifically give one message to those who seek help: it is easier than it looks to learn and use English, particularly as they are now in an office and have opportunities to read and hear English. It is easy; let them cheer up, keep their eyes and ears open, and make consistent efforts. They will master English.
From India, Madras
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Thank you for the helpful guide. I believe it will be beneficial for anyone who struggles with speaking in English.
Easiest Way to Learn Formal Letter Drafting
What is the easiest way to learn formal letter drafting? Are there any links or ebooks available? Please guide me.
Regards,
skbp79
From India, Calcutta
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Easiest Way to Learn Formal Letter Drafting
What is the easiest way to learn formal letter drafting? Are there any links or ebooks available? Please guide me.
Regards,
skbp79
From India, Calcutta
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Be confident when you are going for the interview. To prepare for your communication skills, you need to practice every day. Here are some tips:
1. Read newspapers aloud and record it, then listen to it.
2. Watch English news.
3. Read the dictionary; it will also help you.
4. Speak slowly, open your mouth, and speak.
5. Take note of your pronunciation as well.
Wishing you all the best.
Regards,
Sonyaa
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
1. Read newspapers aloud and record it, then listen to it.
2. Watch English news.
3. Read the dictionary; it will also help you.
4. Speak slowly, open your mouth, and speak.
5. Take note of your pronunciation as well.
Wishing you all the best.
Regards,
Sonyaa
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
You had expressed that you are having poor communication, which is affecting your career. So, I suggest one thing to overcome this problem - practice communication development daily through reading The Hindu newspaper. Observe and absorb vocabulary, and try to practice regularly.
Regards,
Raghu Rami Reddy.P
From India, Bhopal
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Regards,
Raghu Rami Reddy.P
From India, Bhopal
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Improving Fluency and Articulation
If your problem is fluency and articulation, or even grammar, start by choosing a storybook (or any reading material where the language is quite simple and interesting) or even an English Reader for the 9th or 10th standard, which will have interesting stories. Read it aloud, savoring the sentences and words. If you like some phrases you read, memorize one or two, and try to use them in your conversation. Then move on to more complex, 'drier' reading material.
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
If your problem is fluency and articulation, or even grammar, start by choosing a storybook (or any reading material where the language is quite simple and interesting) or even an English Reader for the 9th or 10th standard, which will have interesting stories. Read it aloud, savoring the sentences and words. If you like some phrases you read, memorize one or two, and try to use them in your conversation. Then move on to more complex, 'drier' reading material.
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
A lot of thanks to all of you for providing the valuable information above. I also have difficulties with English speaking. For example, if something is on my mind and I need to convey it to my boss, I may know how to say it in English but struggle to speak fluently.
I am actively working on improving my English skills. Let's see what happens.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
I am actively working on improving my English skills. Let's see what happens.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Improving English Communication Skills
If you can find someone to talk to every day and correct your mistakes, do that. Spend some time every day talking and learning. If not, then find a training program that will give you a lot of guided practice in English speaking.
Regards,
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
If you can find someone to talk to every day and correct your mistakes, do that. Spend some time every day talking and learning. If not, then find a training program that will give you a lot of guided practice in English speaking.
Regards,
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Please browse back to the beginning of this post. A lot of suggestions are there. You can also try to go through RELATED INFORMATION and POPULAR DISCUSSIONS that are available to the right side of this post. Do not worry about having studied in Marathi Medium. Most of the Indians study in vernacular (or their mother tongue, which is not English) and build up fluency over a period of time. Good luck.
Regards,
V.Raghunathan
From India
Acknowledge(2)Amend(0)
Regards,
V.Raghunathan
From India
Acknowledge(2)Amend(0)CiteHR is an AI-augmented HR knowledge and collaboration platform, enabling HR professionals to solve real-world challenges, validate decisions, and stay ahead through collective intelligence and machine-enhanced guidance. Join Our Platform.
English Communication Skills.doc
Communication skills for software engineers V.1.pdf