Day 171: Convey Your Thoughts Through Communication

Why do we need to improve our communication?
Any thoughts?

In my own views, it is a way for us to reach out to the world.
To convey our idea, our feelings and information or knowledge.

5 Methods of Communication:
1) Verbal Communication
2) Non Verbal Communication
3) Visual Communication
4) Written
5) Active listening

Verbal Communication
- It can be face to face
- Having discussion and talks through phone, whatsapp, zoom calls
- It also can be conducted in group discussion
- Having speeches at seminars, meetings or even conference

Benefits
- It saves time
- We can respond directly
- It allows immediate feedback
- Effective verbal communication can resolve conflicts such as disagreement or having tensions among people

Non Verbal Communication
- Body Language ie Eye contact, facial expressions, gestures.

Benefits
- It complements verbal communication
- When you give your presentation, you share your ideas and through non verbal communication with body language, it helps people to absorb and understand your message better.
- It enhances your delivery.

Visual Communication
- Graphics, illustration, imagery, symbols, charts

Benefits
- In this fast paced information era, people attention span is much shorter. Having Visual Communication helps people to communicate ideas faster and better. It pass on to other people easily. Eg Infographics, it translates complex information into visuals that allow people to understand the context easily.

Written
- It translates ideas into words

Benefits
- It drives inspiration
- It builds confidence
- It releases writer's thoughts and emotions
- It translates knowledge into words and pass on to others
- Journaling and blogging helps to give clarity

Active listening
- Listening makes us human

Benefits
- It opens up us up mentally and emotionally to other people
- It makes us sympathetic and empathetic to other party concerns and worries
- It develops patience and tolerance in the listening ears.
- Listening to others can help you to solve problems and see new opportunities
- In the event, it helps to avoid misunderstanding

Here are few tips I would like to share pragmatic approach on how to improve our daily communications.
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Daily-Communication-Skills

1) Identify the audience type
Who are you talking to?
At this moment, are they ready to listen?
Observe their non verbal communication as they will give signs

2) Know what you are talking about
Are you well prepared on the topic / subject matter that you want to share?
If you are not, it will give you a discount of credibility. It will be harder to build trust in future.

3) Choose the choice of words
Be precise in your language
Be objective and sensitive
Speak the audience's language so that they are willing to share and listen to you

4) Use short sentences and avoid jargons
Your content is relatable and easily understood to many people.
Keep it short and sweet.

5) Wait for your turn to speak
When you are having a conversation or a discussion, do not interupt as it is disrespectful and it will disrupt the person's train of thoughts.

6) Be truthful.
Do not make things up if you are unclear. Always ASK! You will build your self confidence. Even if you don't know everything, be willing to learn and be curious. Honesty is the best policy.

7) Practice
This may seem obvious but it is not. When you practice your communication skills mindfully over the years. I guarantee your communication skills will improve leaps and bounce.

Here is the recap: 5 Methods of Communication:
1) Verbal Communication
2) Non Verbal Communication
3) Visual Communication
4) Written
5) Active listening

Improve our daily communications
1) Identify the audience type
2) Know what you are talking about
3) Choose the choice of words
4) Use short sentences and avoid jargons
5) Wait for your turn to speak
6) Be truthful
7) Practice

Remember, effective daily communication is a lifelong learning skill that will never be obsolete.