Hi All,
I am working in the HR Department of a reputable brand. My problem lies in lacking effective communication skills. Please note that language is not a barrier for me, but communication has become a hindrance to my growth. When I communicate with my subordinates and peers, I am comfortable. However, when I communicate with seniors or go for an interview, I get nervous, fumble, make mistakes, and leave a wrong impression.
I am hardworking and possess good job knowledge, but I am falling behind due to my poor communication skills. Please suggest how I can improve.
From India, Mumbai
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I am working in the HR Department of a reputable brand. My problem lies in lacking effective communication skills. Please note that language is not a barrier for me, but communication has become a hindrance to my growth. When I communicate with my subordinates and peers, I am comfortable. However, when I communicate with seniors or go for an interview, I get nervous, fumble, make mistakes, and leave a wrong impression.
I am hardworking and possess good job knowledge, but I am falling behind due to my poor communication skills. Please suggest how I can improve.
From India, Mumbai
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Hello there,
Can you please tell me which city you are located in? I am conducting a workshop on effective communication skills in January 2010 in Vizag. If you wish to attend, you may contact me.
From India, Hyderabad
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6Can you please tell me which city you are located in? I am conducting a workshop on effective communication skills in January 2010 in Vizag. If you wish to attend, you may contact me.
From India, Hyderabad
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There are 3 keys to success : You know more than others. You work more than others. You expect less than others.
From India, New Delhi
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From India, New Delhi
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Hi Rashgalli & Amruta,
It's simple - I had this issue too, but was able to sort it out easily. Whenever you know that you have to talk to a senior person in a while, or even inform them about something - please prepare mental notes on how you'd use the words and even the gestures. Practice this twice with yourself. This will work magic. And use this with a smile on your face - because facial expressions communicate more than verbal gestures. Make sure your eyes and cheeks are relaxed. Be confident about what you are going to talk about.
The more you know someone, the less you fear to talk to them. So for interviews also - try learning more about the company, and remember - interviewers are testing to know if you fit their requirements. So they would see how presentable you are. Drink a good amount of water - relax yourself, keep your mind away from any curiosity of knowing how things will end or begin.
From India, Madras
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It's simple - I had this issue too, but was able to sort it out easily. Whenever you know that you have to talk to a senior person in a while, or even inform them about something - please prepare mental notes on how you'd use the words and even the gestures. Practice this twice with yourself. This will work magic. And use this with a smile on your face - because facial expressions communicate more than verbal gestures. Make sure your eyes and cheeks are relaxed. Be confident about what you are going to talk about.
The more you know someone, the less you fear to talk to them. So for interviews also - try learning more about the company, and remember - interviewers are testing to know if you fit their requirements. So they would see how presentable you are. Drink a good amount of water - relax yourself, keep your mind away from any curiosity of knowing how things will end or begin.
From India, Madras
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In addition to Ash's comments, here are a few tips to make things better, especially when communicating with someone higher in the chain of command. Typically, these types of communications occur in two forms - Oral, and Written.
Oral - (Elevator speech)
1. The most important message comes at the top of your email
2. Make logical groupings of information you are presenting
3. Indent your messages properly, so that the logical grouping is readily visible
4. When you are communicating more than one thing, list them (bullet points)
5. A sentence has less than 15 words and a list no more than 7 points
6. A paragraph has less than 5 sentences, and an email has about two paragraphs
Finally, keep in mind that the senior managers are usually very busy. They don't have a lot of time to hear and understand your speech. They also have a lot of things to keep track of (not just you). So, give them information in a way they can easily understand and remember. This is no different than how you would communicate to a child (excuse my comparision, but it is true). Make it short, simple, and easy to remember.
Hope this helps.
All the best.
-Som G
From United States, Woodinville
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Oral - (Elevator speech)
Elevator speech means, you met someone very important as you are walking into an elevator. (S)He walked in with you. You have 30 seconds before (s)he gets off (or you get off) the elevator. (S)He asked you a question about your work (How's your work going?). What will you say?Written – Effective Writing is an art. When I was growing up, I would write an entire paragraph in one sentence. I used to be proud of doing that. It doesn't work that way in a professional environment. It didn't work then either (if my transcripts are any indication). Here are some thumb-rules for written communication.
Information about your work must be on your finger tips (top of your head) ready to spill. Organize such information in a manner that you can deliver quickly (like under 10, 20 or 30 seconds), even when spoken slowly. If you talk too fast so that you can convey more information, you will lose your audience. A good way of verbal communication is to talk slowly, succinctly, and pause for a second for a comma and 2 to 4 seconds for a period (.).
Here is how you can practice. Write down what you want to say. Write it in good punctuated English. Review it for the content, make sure it is meaningful, conveys the complete story and at the same time, takes you no more than 30 seconds to convey (when spoken slowly). Then, read it out loud. Every place you have a comma in your text, pause for a second, and where you have a period (.), pause for 2 to 4 seconds. These pauses will give the listener time to digest what you are speaking. It will also help you (eventually, when you perfect the art and are not writing things down anymore) to think about what to say next.
Writing down and practicing this way will help you avoid rambling (or appearing to be rambling). Eventually, you will perfect the art and will not have to write it down anymore. It will then become a matter of organizing information in your mind.
1. The most important message comes at the top of your email
2. Make logical groupings of information you are presenting
3. Indent your messages properly, so that the logical grouping is readily visible
4. When you are communicating more than one thing, list them (bullet points)
5. A sentence has less than 15 words and a list no more than 7 points
6. A paragraph has less than 5 sentences, and an email has about two paragraphs
Finally, keep in mind that the senior managers are usually very busy. They don't have a lot of time to hear and understand your speech. They also have a lot of things to keep track of (not just you). So, give them information in a way they can easily understand and remember. This is no different than how you would communicate to a child (excuse my comparision, but it is true). Make it short, simple, and easy to remember.
Hope this helps.
All the best.
-Som G
From United States, Woodinville
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Since you said it is not the issue of communication, then it could be the fear of facing people. Many people in the world face this. In your case, it is the fear of making a good impression in front of certain people. The reason being that communicating with these particular people is so important to you that you do not want to make a mistake and spoil your impression. Topics like public speaking skills, interview-facing skills, conflict management, and personality development can help a lot. You need to even change your mental attitude towards this. You need to overcome your fear by facing situations or interacting with the same people more often, could be personally or professionally. This would help you overcome this. You can do mock interviews or do actual interviews even without applying for that job because confidence goes a long way.
From India, Hyderabad
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From India, Hyderabad
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Dear Sir, I M from Mumbai, please let me know if you are conducting any Seminar in mumbai .... Regards Seema
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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Dear Asha, Please find my profile attached. Best regards Rajesh
From India, Delhi
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From India, Delhi
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Hi,
I learned from your message that language is not a problem for you and you find communication an issue. There is no reason for you to fumble before your boss while communicating, especially with the strong language skills you possess. Don't look at them as superiors; instead, consider them as the next step in your process. Your inputs might be crucial for management decisions, and if you refrain from contributing due to communication issues, you may fall behind. I have a few tips that might help you:
1. Do thorough preparation on the topic you need to discuss with your boss.
2. Ensure the quality of content (QOC) of the facts and figures you have collected is top-notch.
3. List the probable questions your boss might ask based on the material you have prepared.
4. Write down the answers to your anticipated questions.
5. Stay confident (having all relevant information on the topic boosts your confidence).
6. View the situation (your meeting with your boss) as an opportunity to make an impact.
7. Practice in front of a mirror.
8. Control your mental faculties.
9. Keep an open mind.
10. Focus on how effectively you can communicate with your boss.
11. Dress smartly and exhibit good body language (maintain eye contact, posture, and voice modulation).
12. It was in the past that you couldn't communicate with your superiors. From today onwards, you are the best.
Cheers and have a prosperous New Year!
Satish
09944803104
From India, Madras
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I learned from your message that language is not a problem for you and you find communication an issue. There is no reason for you to fumble before your boss while communicating, especially with the strong language skills you possess. Don't look at them as superiors; instead, consider them as the next step in your process. Your inputs might be crucial for management decisions, and if you refrain from contributing due to communication issues, you may fall behind. I have a few tips that might help you:
1. Do thorough preparation on the topic you need to discuss with your boss.
2. Ensure the quality of content (QOC) of the facts and figures you have collected is top-notch.
3. List the probable questions your boss might ask based on the material you have prepared.
4. Write down the answers to your anticipated questions.
5. Stay confident (having all relevant information on the topic boosts your confidence).
6. View the situation (your meeting with your boss) as an opportunity to make an impact.
7. Practice in front of a mirror.
8. Control your mental faculties.
9. Keep an open mind.
10. Focus on how effectively you can communicate with your boss.
11. Dress smartly and exhibit good body language (maintain eye contact, posture, and voice modulation).
12. It was in the past that you couldn't communicate with your superiors. From today onwards, you are the best.
Cheers and have a prosperous New Year!
Satish
09944803104
From India, Madras
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Hi,
I am sure the replies of so many well-wishers must have given you an insight and a roadmap on how you can communicate more effectively. The key is in the 3 P's: Preparation, Practice, and Performance. I would urge you to list out the specific tips given by the other citehr members into these three groups and then get a mentor to guide you and test you on the above. After the initial discomfort, since you are trying something new and different, you will recognize the gains. Remember to use the 3 P formula every time.
Best wishes,
Jacob
[Effective Written Communication, English Language Skills, Create Web Content](http://www.actspot.com) - Website
[Academy for Creative Training](http://www.poweract.blogspot.com) - Blog
From India, Mumbai
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I am sure the replies of so many well-wishers must have given you an insight and a roadmap on how you can communicate more effectively. The key is in the 3 P's: Preparation, Practice, and Performance. I would urge you to list out the specific tips given by the other citehr members into these three groups and then get a mentor to guide you and test you on the above. After the initial discomfort, since you are trying something new and different, you will recognize the gains. Remember to use the 3 P formula every time.
Best wishes,
Jacob
[Effective Written Communication, English Language Skills, Create Web Content](http://www.actspot.com) - Website
[Academy for Creative Training](http://www.poweract.blogspot.com) - Blog
From India, Mumbai
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I am also looking for help, especially in public speaking.
I have the same problem as above; I know I am poor in communication. However, I believe self-practice will improve me in the days to come. The most stumbling block for me is that I cannot stand up among people for a speech. I just lose myself and forget whatever I want to say. If anyone knows the key to improving public speaking, kindly suggest.
Lal Vaiphei
DM, HR
From India, Delhi
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I have the same problem as above; I know I am poor in communication. However, I believe self-practice will improve me in the days to come. The most stumbling block for me is that I cannot stand up among people for a speech. I just lose myself and forget whatever I want to say. If anyone knows the key to improving public speaking, kindly suggest.
Lal Vaiphei
DM, HR
From India, Delhi
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Here's what works for me when facing my seniors, especially at the board level:
1. What is the agenda for the meeting - given formally or hinted at the point I was called in.
2. Know your vital facts and statistics - this I can recite even if woken up from sleep - backing up your statements with facts, figures, scenarios, etc., gives you confidence and makes you come through as an authority. Some graphics would help if time allows. Still, remember to be honest because anyone can call your bluff - when you are not sure - ask for more time - promise to check facts and research more - then deliver on your promise.
3. Learn the key player and direct the key communication to him through eye contact or nonverbal gestures - if you can convince him, the rest will buy in.
4. Think ahead of what the trade-ins are in each meeting - who needs their ego massaged, who is the facts and bottom-line leader? Who cannot stand off-the-cuff remarks (discipline master types)? Then prepare your communication accordingly.
5. Check your appearance before you show up - that also can make or break your confidence. Also, do what you can to relax - breathe in, say a prayer - whatever works for you - you don't want your nerves to lead to a 'write-off' before you even begin.
Good luck - we all started somewhere, and one gets better with practice.
Winnie
From Kenya
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1. What is the agenda for the meeting - given formally or hinted at the point I was called in.
2. Know your vital facts and statistics - this I can recite even if woken up from sleep - backing up your statements with facts, figures, scenarios, etc., gives you confidence and makes you come through as an authority. Some graphics would help if time allows. Still, remember to be honest because anyone can call your bluff - when you are not sure - ask for more time - promise to check facts and research more - then deliver on your promise.
3. Learn the key player and direct the key communication to him through eye contact or nonverbal gestures - if you can convince him, the rest will buy in.
4. Think ahead of what the trade-ins are in each meeting - who needs their ego massaged, who is the facts and bottom-line leader? Who cannot stand off-the-cuff remarks (discipline master types)? Then prepare your communication accordingly.
5. Check your appearance before you show up - that also can make or break your confidence. Also, do what you can to relax - breathe in, say a prayer - whatever works for you - you don't want your nerves to lead to a 'write-off' before you even begin.
Good luck - we all started somewhere, and one gets better with practice.
Winnie
From Kenya
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