Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills at Work

Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills at Work Most people know communication is extremely important when dealing with a partner, but it can be just as important with coworkers and patients you work with as well. The fact is, only you know what you are thinking, and only you have the power to communicate your thoughts effectively to other people.

Take Time to Explain Whether you are trying to convey something to a patient or a coworker, be sure to explain yourself well. The subject at hand may have been on your mind for quite a while--you’ve had some time to think about it, the person you are talking to has not, and it may take a minute for them to comprehend what you are saying. Explain what you need to, making sure to include a reason for your thoughts, especially if it’s a decision likely to be met with opposition.

Related: Nursing Transformation Allow Communication in Both Directions Be sure to let the person or other people involved in the discussion speak, and let them know you are listening. Good communication is a two-way street. If the situation permits, plan a meeting to discuss any issues that require a discussion. An organized meeting with all involved parties can often provide results that will satisfy all parties involved.

Communicate Your Concerns When something is bothering you, it may prevent you from doing your best work. If you have regular group meetings with coworkers, this can be a great place for you to discuss concerns, and offer compliments when appropriate. Just be sure to bring up any issues that you are facing, meetings should allow enough time to discuss concerns, and this is the time to do it. Use terms like “I” instead of “you”, which sounds much less accusatory, and can put people on the defense, shutting down those lines of communication.

Related: 5 Ways to Get Rid of Hunger Pains When You Can't Take Lunch What to Avoid Aside from avoiding the “you” terminology, there are other things that create an instant breakdown in communication. Pay attention to your body language. The way you present yourself can make or break those lines of communication. If you are leaning forward and toward someone, that can be somewhat intimidating. The way you position your arms and hands can also signal how frustrated you are. Avoid crossing your arms, that comes across like you are simply done, and it may in fact end the conversation.

Don’t expect instant results. Allow some time for the person you are speaking with to absorb what you are saying, and don’t look for affirmation at that moment that they

understand or are in agreement with you on the subject. Avoid being distracted when having a discussion with a coworker, don’t check your phone, while talking or listening, it sends the signal that your mind is elsewhere and not on the subject at hand. Showing the other person you are paying attention to them is the same as telling them that you respect what they are saying, even if you may not be in agreement on the matter at hand.

Good communication skills are a must in the workplace, and when speaking with a patient. The better you communicate the more positive the outcome will be. You don’t necessarily have to agree on the subject being discussed, but you can convey a certain level of respect for the other person's opinion, and expect the same in return. Good communication skills are an asset, and will go a long way in building a good rapport between yourself and other people.

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