Tips for Students to Improve Communication Skills

As humans, we all want to make ourselves understood. This implies how important communication with others is. Communication includes speaking to others, writing to others, using body language, modulating voice, and making choices in how we phrase things.

We most commonly speak to each other to make our thoughts known, and that makes speech a very important form of communication. When speaking to others there are several things that should be kept in mind that will help ensure that we are being clear and that we are being understood. If the person we are speaking to is in the room with us, it is important to establish an eye contact. This shows that we are interested in the conversation. It is also important that we make sure to pay attention to the other(s) with whom we are talking. If we want others to listen to us, it is important to show that we respect them and are listening to them. We should also try to use language that is appropriate to the situation.

If the setting is formal, being polite is very important. Again, showing respect is a good way to be given respect and attention. In situations where you wish to convey anger, frustration, or hurt it is often more effective to use something called "I language". This means starting the statements about how you feel with the word I. For example, instead of saying "You frustrate me when you smoke in the house." you might say, "I feel frustrated when you smoke in the house." This helps the other person or people more easily accept what you are saying, as they do not feel they are being accused and they tend to become less defensive.

Writing is another very important form of communication. While types of writing may call on different word usage, it is usually a good idea to keep things efficient. Using smaller, more common words is ideal, especially in letters or papers. This will help ensure that the writing is understood well and the reader does not have to look up words that may be unknown to him or her. Being to the point is also important in letters and papers, as extra information can confuse the readers.

Body language and tone are also important to be aware of. When speaking, tone of voice often indicates whether we are sincere, sarcastic, or joking around. Body language can give information to others about how we feel. If we look relaxed, for example, others tend to relax as well.