How To Communicate Better: 11 Communication Skills And Techniques That Work

How can I communicate very well?

Learning how to communicate well can be challenging in some situations, but following a few basic rules can increase the chances of building good communication habits. Some experts recommend following the LARA method, which can help you keep communication healthy and productive: 

• Listen. Use active listening skills, like making eye contact, turning toward the person, and using non-threatening body language. 
• Acknowledge. When it is your turn to speak, say something that affirms what the other person is trying to communicate. If you’re unsure what point they are trying to get across, ask politely for clarification. 
• Respond. Once you clearly understand the other person’s point, summarize their point back to them and ask any additional questions. 
• Add. Contribute your thoughts and feelings to the conversation constructively. Be clear about what is on your mind and what you want to happen. 

What is the most effective way of communicating?

Becoming an effective communicator usually means thoroughly practicing communication skills. While communication comes naturally to some, many people will need to take deliberate steps to use and practice their communication skills before their communication becomes more effective. 

Below are some basic communication skills you can start practicing today: 

• Be clear and concise. Keeping your communication brief and only including necessary information can help others better understand your message. Flowery language, irrelevant details, or excessive repetition can all make communication harder to understand. 
• Mind your nonverbals. Your message is likely to be better understood if it is delivered in a non-confrontational manner. Don’t cross your arms, face the person you are speaking to, and make polite eye contact. Your body language should communicate that you are ready to listen. Evidence suggests that the message your body conveys may matter more than your spoken words.  
• Be a good listener. Give the person you are speaking to your undivided attention when they are discussing their point of view. Avoid interrupting, but ask open-ended questions to clarify your understanding when it is your turn to speak. 

Why is it important to communicate effectively?

Effective communication skills are usually required for both understanding and cohesion. If you’re communicating a point, you likely want that point to be fully understood by the people you are communicating it to. Effective communication helps the people you are speaking to internalize your message and understand your point of view. Communication is also necessary for people to operate cohesively. For example, consider a workplace where employees must work together on team projects daily. The team's speed, efficiency, and accuracy likely come down to how effectively the team mates communicate with each other. 

How do you show value and respect in communicating with others?

One of the best and most essential ways to show value and respect while communicating with others is through active listening. Listening actively shows people you are communicating with that their thoughts and feelings matter to you. Below are some tips you can follow while listening actively: 

• Use positive body language. Nonverbal cues are responsible for a huge portion of the message you are communicating. Adopt a nonthreatening posture. Avoid crossing your arms, and make sure your facial expression is neutral. The goal is for your nonverbal communication to convey a sense of openness and a willingness to listen. 
• Don’t interrupt. Wait for the other person to finish speaking their point, even if you want to interject earlier. 
• Paraphrase the other person’s message. Repeat what the other person has told you back to them in your own words to demonstrate understanding. If your understanding is incorrect and you need additional clarification, ask polite, brief questions until you understand the other person’s point. 
• Be clear and concise. When it is time to speak your own thoughts, avoid lengthy statements or rambling communication. The other person should have ample opportunities to demonstrate their understanding or request clarification. 

How do you maintain effective communication in the workplace?

Effective workplace communication can often be accomplished by developing a workplace communication strategy and creating a positive work culture. A workplace communication strategy is a framework within a workplace that outlines what is communicated to coworkers, managers, and customers and how that information should be communicated. Good communication is an important part of career development, and many employees may benefit from a more streamlined communication structure. 

Investing in a positive workplace culture is also likely to be beneficial. A positive culture is founded on trust, open communication, transparency, and empathy. Ensuring that a work culture supports good communication can increase employee willingness to communicate their points of view. Effective communicators usually portray a positive attitude, welcome contributions from others, and withhold judgment. They also likely monitor their nonverbal signals and use open body language to ensure that they are approachable. 

How can communication problems be solved?

Communication is a process. It may not start out strong or effective, but intentional effort and a willingness to improve can likely address most communication problems. Here are some things to make sure you avoid doing when attempting to address communication challenges: 

• Don’t interrupt the other person or allow yourself to become distracted. 
• Do not offer judgment or criticism unless requested; then offer it constructively. 
• Avoid cliches or other phrases that convey passivity or disinterest. 
• Don’t respond emotionally to a logical point. 
• Avoid planning your response while the other person is still speaking; make sure you listen to everything they say before responding. 
• Don’t give advice unless it is requested. 

How do you overcome communication barriers?

Many barriers can prevent good communication. No matter what kind of communication barrier you encounter, getting past it will likely require deliberate effort and a willingness to improve your communication skills. Below are some strategies to overcome common communication barriers: 

• Address Differences in Perception. Two people may have vastly different skills, knowledge, and attitudes. Coordinating with others to get “in the ballpark” may be necessary before initiating communication, especially in workplaces or other organizations. 
• Use Simple Language. Communication can sometimes become complicated because of complex language and the addition of unnecessary information. Keep communication simple and on-point by using basic language, offering concrete examples, and clarifying when requested. 
• Listen Actively. It is important you communicate a willingness to receive communication. Body language that conveys disinterest, a harsh tone, or interruptions can prevent other people from communicating effectively. 
• Keep Feedback Constructive. People may struggle to communicate due to a fear of unwarranted criticism or judgment. Avoid passing judgment and only give feedback if requested (or if necessary as part of your duties). If you give feedback, keep it constructive and focus on the positives when you can. 
  

How do you adapt communication to meet different needs?

Adapting communication to different needs likely requires that you assess how the communication environment has changed. For example, you may have a time constraint and need to communicate quickly. In that case, high-quality communication may not be efficient, and you may need to use tools like a group chat or other digital solutions to help coordinate communication. However, it is important that you follow up on communication to ensure that you are understood. 

You may also have to adjust your communication to suit the needs of the person you are communicating with. They might have a vastly different understanding of the situation than you do, or they may not have communication skills anywhere near yours. It is generally the better communicator's responsibility to help bolster communication effectiveness. If you notice that the other person is struggling to communicate, lean more on your own skills to ensure they feel heard and understood. 

How can I improve my communication skills in a relationship?

Open, empathetic communication is one of the key elements of a successful relationship. Communication skills are likely some of the most important relationship skills a couple can invest in. To begin improving your relationship communication, try following these tips from the Gottman Institute, an organization dedicated to studying what makes relationships work: 

• Be mindful of your language. Try to start with “I” statements and avoid conveying contempt with your words. An “I” statement communicates your feelings without blaming the other person. For example, saying “I miss spending time with you” instead of “You don’t care about spending time together.” 
• Watch your nonverbal communications. Make sure your posture, facial expressions, and tone of voice do not convey contempt, anger, or judgment. Good nonverbals are an extremely important part of good communication.
• Have validating conversations. The time dedicated to communication can sometimes become wholly dedicated to problem-solving, logistics, or other serious matters. Make sure you are taking time to have lighthearted conversations where both partners can communicate their feelings openly, not in an attempt to fix a problem, but merely to be heard and relate to their partner.