By DeVry University
May 26, 2020
7 min read
May 26, 2020
7 min read
In everyday life, you communicate with people. Communication helps us connect with others, obtain and share information, work out conflicts and build relationships. It is one of many soft skills—interpersonal or "people" skills—that can help make you an asset to organizations, teams and even your family.
When it comes to the workplace, however, the importance of communication skills can be even more prevalent. Consider the potential impact on your career if the tone in your email was misconstrued. Or the possible conflict that may ensue if you misspeak while trying to resolve a disagreement with a coworker. Communication acumen is instrumental in every industry and role, regardless of level.
From interacting with the public in a client-facing position to discussing company business at the corporate level, communication skills are applicable everywhere. Your ability to communicate will help you lead teams, make contacts, resolve conflicts among team members and ensure positive employee relations. Whether you’re entry-level or running a company, communication impacts your success.
Plus, these skills are just as applicable in the online work environment. Remote work is often a standard in the modern world, making it even more challenging to convey tone and intent through digital communication.
If you’re looking for advice on how to improve your communication skills, it may be easier than you think. We've gathered a 5 tips to help you hone your abilities and become a more effective communicator in your education, work and daily life.
Remaining neutral while listening to another person speak.
Allowing pauses as they talk—rather than filling in before they finish.
Showing attentive body language such as nodding, smiling and making eye contact.
Asking thoughtful questions.
Restating what the person has said to be sure you understand.
Requesting clarification if you feel confused by something.
Summarizing their statements to confirm and validate their feelings and perspective.
By implementing these active listening strategies while talking with others, you are showing that you care about the conversation and the other person. These steps also require you to be fully attentive to the other person, instead of allowing distractions to interfere. Focusing on the other person's communication also keeps you from being too hasty about your feedback.
Processing time is helpful, no matter which side of the conversation you're on. Speaking out of turn can disrupt communication and cause others to feel as if they are not heard, but active listening allows for a natural flow of conversation and effective communication.
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In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. The University’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, www.tn.gov/thec. Naperville Campus: 1200 E. Diehl Rd., Naperville, IL 60563. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online compliant system https://complaints.ibhe.org/. View DeVry University’s complaint process https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-complaint-procedure.html Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.
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