4 tips for better communication

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Knowing how to communicate your ideas clearly can make or break your success i
n the workplace. Get your point across more effectively by honing your skills
with the following four tips.

1. Improve your writing
Whether you're generating letters, e-mail, memos, or proposals, good writing s
kills are key for workplace success. But since most of us lack Shakespeare's f
lair, the thought of writing can be intimidating. Online courses such as Execu
tive English, Basic Grammar and Writing, and Effective Business Writing can he
lp get your writing skills up to speed.
2. Train to listen better
Shhhhh! Sometimes the best way to communicate is to stop talking and start lis
tening. Being a good listener is a must for a positive and productive workplac
e. In addition to helping you gain perspective and insight, listening can also
make your colleagues feel valued, which in turn, may make them more receptive
to your ideas. Fine tune your listening with training resources such as The S
ix Essentials of Effective Listening and Manage Better by Listening.
3. Refine your speech
We all know the frustration of blurting out the wrong thing at precisely the w
rong moment. Awkward statements and ill-chosen words can make office interacti
ons tense and embarrassing. Learning to speak well is especially important for
presentations, meetings, and interviews. If you find yourself tongue-tied jus
t a little too often, consider a course such as No-Sweat Speaking, Introductio
n to Public Speaking, Captivate Your Audience, or Powerful Presentation Skills
.
4. Oh behave!
Understanding corporate codes of behavior is a crucial part of workplace commu
nication. Among other things, business etiquette determines the appropriatenes
s of both how and what you communicate. Brush up on your business finesse with
classes such as Office Etiquette: What Your Mother Never Told You and Custome
r Response Etiquette.