With just a few more days left in 2017, we're sure you and everyone you know are busy coming up with lists of New Year's resolutions. Most lists focus on health goals (daily exercise, increasing water intake, etc.), but have you ever thought of your communication goals?Â
Whether you're a student or a professional, the way you communicate can affect your chances of getting an A+ or a promotion.Â
Here are eight simple ways you can up your game and become a more competent communicator in the coming year:Â
1. Send shorter emails.
We all get bombarded with dozens of emails on a daily basis, so keep your electronic missives short.Â
Best-selling author and entrepreneur
Guy Kawasaki says, ""Less than five sentences is often abrupt and rude, more than five sentences wastes time."Â
If your email is already two paragraphs long, you may want to schedule a meeting instead.Â
2. Stop Slide-reading!
We've all sat in on lectures or presentations where the speaker just read off their slides and did not even make eye contact with their audience.Â
Get rid of this unproductive habit in the new year! Remember that no matter how colorful or entertaining your slides may be, you are still the most powerful visual aid. Make sure you know the key points of your presentation by heart so that you wouldn't need to keep your eyes fixed on your slides.Â
This will give you the freedom to establish better eye contact with your audience, and make you a more credible presenter.Â
3. Mind your gestures.
Most of the time, it's not what you say but how you say it. You may try to mask your feelings with your words, but your body may give you away!Â
Crossing your arms in front of your chest is a classic gesture of defensiveness. When presenting facts, it's much better to keep both hands visible in front of you.Â
Another no-no to avoid? Pointing at people with the index finger. Many cultures find this gesture insulting. If you need to point at someone or something during a discussion, use your entire hand instead.Â
4. Purge filler words from your vocabulary.
Filler words such as "uhm", "ah", "like", and "y'know" do not add anything to what you're saying. They only make you sound insecure and distract your audience from the main message.Â
Don't be afraid of pauses. It's better to talk a bit more slowly but more deliberately, rather than pepper your sentences with filler words just to fill dead spaces in your speech.Â
Another tip? Next time you have to speak in front of an audience, record yourself. Count how many times you used filler words and try to decrease that number with every succeeding presentation.Â
5. Make reading a habit.
If you have time for cat videos, then you definitely have time for reading. Becoming a habitual reader will also make you a better writer and speaker. The more you read, the more you expand your vocabulary and the better you get at arranging your thoughts to flow more smoothly.Â
Reading on topics directly related to your studies or profession will also give you an extra confidence boost during discussions.Â
6. Keep your grammar and spelling standards high...even on social media.
Proofread before you post! In the age of screenshots, your misspelled tweets can last forever. Prospective or current employers may also see your social media posts, and your poorly worded Facebook rants may hurt your career.Â
7. Embrace opportunities for public speaking.
Not all of us were born with the gift of gab, but public speaking is a skill that you can develop with constant practice just like driving a car or playing the violin.Â
Use your family gatherings to practice public speaking. Being around people you already know may make the experience less nerve-racking. Give a toast at a cousin's wedding, or volunteer to be the MC at your little brother's birthday party.Â
In case you stumble with your words, you're sure that your audience still loves you no matter what.Â
8. Learn from your idols.
Think of the people who really capture your attention when they speak. They may be a celebrated motivational speaker or just your co-worker. Notice the way they carry themselves while they talk, and emulate their good habits. Did they use an interesting word in their speech? Write it down and incorporate it in your own vocabulary!Â
May 2018 be a year of more success and learning for you! We hope include these tips can help you become a more confident and competitive communicator.Â
If you want to seriously work on your communication goals, Elite is here to help. We provide personalized English language programs for learners of all ages. Book your FREE consultation session here!
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