5 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills in This Tough Economy
Posted: Saturday, February 14, 2009
by Kathy Hrach
Write On Results
If you're paying attention to the news, you know that our economy is hitting a few bumps right now. Jobs and customers are becoming scarce. Whether you are looking for a job, trying to keep your job, or prospecting for new customers - the one thing that makes you stand out above all others is good communication skills. Regardless of what industry you're in, you'll notice that the people who get ahead are those who can connect and communicate with others.
1. Write More
Writing helps you find your voice. When you find your voice, you become a better communicator. Your message means more to your readers. They believe you and want to listen to you. To become a better writer, you need to write more. You can write a journal or blog. It doesn't have to be something you share with others - just use it as an opportunity to practice and improve.
2. Read More
They say the way to be a better writer is to read more. Make it your goal to read everything you can get your hands on - newspapers, magazines, blogs, fiction, and non-fiction. Read about topics related to your career as wells as topics that are far outside your area of expertise. Create lists of books you want to read - so you never struggle with what to read next. Set aside time each day to read. Don't feel guilty, thinking that you should be doing the dishes or vacuuming the floor, tell yourself that reading is part of being a better communicator.
3. Work on Your Grammar
As a child, I thought Grammar was the most boring part of English class. I'm starting to learn that people don't take you as seriously if you use poor grammar. If you sprinkle words such as "like" and "you know" throughout your conversation, folks may not think you're very bright. The same goes for misspelling words and using bad punctuation. Work on your grammar and you'll sound like the smart person you really are. Popular grammar resources are The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White, and Eats Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss.
4. Get Out and Network
Even if you're not looking for a new job or a client, it's good to keep expanding your network. The more people you talk to, the more you learn about the world around you. And, networking can help you to become a better listener too - an important part of being a good communicator. Look in your local paper, get online and search for networking opportunities in your area.
5. Practice Speaking
Everyone gets nervous at the thought of speaking in front of a crowd. But, the more practice you have, the more comfortable you become. There are excellent groups like Toastmasters and a variety of training courses you can take to gain more confidence when speaking to groups of any size.
Rather than dwelling on bad economic news, shift your focus and work on improving your communication skills. Not only will you be more confident during the slow times, but you will also be much more successful when the economy turns around.
Kathy Hrach is Co-founder of Write On Results, a marketing agency that uses real pens and real writers to hand address their clients' envelopes for dramatically improved direct mail response rates. She writes the monthly Pen & Paper Marketing Blog.
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