Tips for Effective Communication

Most people have to communicate with someone in their lives, each and every day.  Every person is different and there are many different personalities and communication styles out there in the business world.  To ensure you are not offending someone or to make your point come across in a clear manner; follow these tips for more effective communication in your everyday life as well as in your job search.



Actively Listen – Showing that you are actively listening while having a conversation will show respect to the other person as well as demonstrate you are listening to what the other person is saying.  Maintain eye contact and a clear mind while the other person is speaking.  Concentrate on what is being said verses trying to figure out what you are going to say while the other person is talking. This will ensure that you are actively listening to what is being said.
Non-verbal Communication - Be aware of non-verbal communication.
Remember, most of what we communicate is not through words but through non-verbal communication such gestures, expressions, posture and signals. Watch for signals which indicate the listener is bored or not understanding what you are saying or asking.


Take a Moment – Before responding to questions or comments; take a moment to reflect on what was just said to you.  Try not to speak exactly what is on your mind in response because the words may not end up coming out as you want them to.  In other words, think about what you are going to say before responding.


Ask Questions – If you require clarification about what is being discussed, be sure to ask questions that you require answers to in order to make an informed decision or returning statement.  Be specific and as concise as possible. Keep your questions simple in order to get to the point as soon as possible.  Asking questions demonstrates that you are listening to what is being said by the other person.

Avoid fillers - Try not to use conversation fillers such as Ums...Ahs... etc. especially in communications regarding your job search. Fillers distract from the conversation at hand and may create a loss of attention by the listener.

Avoid Interrupting- Give the person time to complete his/her sentences. Try not to interrupt. Do not finish his/her sentences or put words in his/her mouth. Instead, hold an important thought or question in your mind and when the person has finished speaking, refer to it. If the conversation has passed the point you had in mind, refer back to your point in order to address your thoughts/ideas  in the conversation. Sometimes you may find that you no longer need to make your point as it is no longer relevant to the conversation at hand. Remember, it is okay to 'not talk.'

Remain Open Minded– Sure, you may have a strong opinion about the subject that is being discussed; however, ask yourself if it’s the right time to be sharing a strong opinion.  Keep open-minded during discussions. Try not to make assumptions and/or judgements. Refrain from using offensive language and comments which may offend someone.

Maintain a Positive Attitude - People will be more inclined to communicate with you if you maintain a positive attitude! They will also be more interested in what you have to say. This includes being positive in your sentence structure as well.

                                                                                                                               -Sunny + Sassy