It\u2019s one of those buzz words you see on the person specification \u2018good communication\u2019 \u2013 but what does it mean, and how can you prove it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
People often think that good communication skills means speaking well \u2013 talking confidently and professionally, and perhaps having a good telephone manner. Whilst that\u2019s true, and a part of good communication is speaking, there\u2019s a huge chunk that people forget. Let\u2019s start with the big one: listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So often we spend most of the time someone is speaking, formulating our response. We also spend a good proportion of that response talking about ourselves. Don\u2019t worry \u2013 this isn\u2019t a guilt trip. It\u2019s human nature to try to understand situations\/ words through our own vision of the world, and often talking can be a way of processing that, but we need to understand when a little of that external processing is ok, and when it\u2019s a bit much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WAIT<\/strong>. It\u2019s an acronym that I\u2019ve found really helpful on a number of occasions \u2013 Why Am I Telling? It\u2019s the gatekeeper question to stop you over-sharing. Am I telling this person this thing\/ story\/ information because it\u2019s inspiring\/ interesting\/ helpful to THEM? If not, consider if it\u2019s right\/ necessary to share it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reality is, we communicate to build connections, to grow relationships \u2013 and that may also include some sharing, so on the other end of the scale, don\u2019t leave yourself at the door. You have a personality \u2013 a life, and it\u2019s ok (great in fact) to let others in on a bit of that so they can get to know you. I appreciate it ends up being a balancing act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What does this mean for the workplace? Well, in whatever form (talking and listening, writing and reading) I\u2019d say its pretty impossible to get or hold a job without communication of some kind, so it\u2019s a nut you\u2019re going to have to crack. It\u2019s great to practice it, to notice how you communicate, and to try using it in a more professional way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s talk about professional communication for a moment. That doesn\u2019t always mean crazy formal, but it does mean avoiding text-language abbreviations, using professional email etiquette, networking skills etc. It\u2019s important to differentiate professional communication as being distinctive and deliberate in comparison to chatting to friends. That doesn\u2019t mean it can\u2019t be informal sometimes, but that needs to be a deliberate tone for specific businesses and roles, rather than an accidental laziness with communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How can you practice your communication skills? Well, you probably do every day \u2013 just keep noticing your language, style, and your engagement with the listening elements of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want some more opportunities to practice great listening and communication, and a way of proving it on your CV \u2013 think about a part time job in retail or hospitality. Or consider volunteering \u2013 telephone befriending services are brilliant, and give something wonderful back to the community too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Listen <\/strong>(really listen!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speak <\/strong>(gently and professionally).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notice <\/strong>(what you\u2019re saying, your tone, volume, and how people react\/receive you)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Appreciate. Communication is a fine art \u2013 appreciate how in whatever form you communicate, it\u2019s powerful and precious\u2026 and practice makes perfect, and helps build community and friendships too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need any further help, you can email the Careers and Enterprise Team at careers@canterbury.ac.uk<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to find out more about jobs that suit your skills?<\/p>\n\n\n\n