Refining Verbal Communication

What is verbal communication?
 
Verbal communication refers to the information which is exchanged or communicated with words. Written and oral are the two types of verbal communication. Telephonic conversations, E-mails, memos, notepad, public speaking etc. are some of the example of verbal communication.  It is basically the use of sound and the language to convey a message. 
It serves as a vehicle for expressing desires, ideas and concepts and acts as the primary tool for expression between two or more people.
 
Role:
 
Verbal communication is used to inform, whether it is to inform others of our needs or to impart knowledge. Clarification is a key component of verbal communication. Often, we do not articulate ourselves clearly, or our words or actions are misconstrued. Verbal communication helps to clarify misunderstandings and provides missing information.
 
Verbal communication is the vital tool to teaching and learning, as well as forming bonds and building relationships with other people. Verbal communication can also be used as a tool of persuasion. It creates an opportunity for debate, stimulates thought and creativity
 
Everyone has a unique style of communicating and perceiving messages. Communication not only deepens the relationships but it also has the power to be destructive and can critically hamper the relationships between people and eventually the results. It is critical to understand that more than “What We Convey”, it’s “How We Convey” makes the difference.
 
That is because there are plenty of things that makes a communication ineffective those challenges are not always attached with the message which is going to be conveyed but rather how it is conveyed. 
 
Following are the cases which may result in the breakdown of communication:
  • Unspecific message being conveyed
  • The misunderstandings between people,
  •  Language 
  •  Difference in opinion or perspective 
  • Technique of communication used
  • Lack of details
  • Lack of objectivity
 
Following are some of the important tips that can make your verbal communication an effective one:
 
Oral Communication
 
  • Brief responses to encourage continued talking include "mm-hmmm," "I see," "Oh?" "Right," "And?" "Go on," "Tell me more," etc. These don’t imply either agreement or disagreement. They simply mean "Yes, I hear you - please go on."
  •  
  • An open-ended question allows the speaker to share the actual thoughts. Ex- "Do you feel anxious about the meeting tomorrow?" can be replaced by "How do you feel about the meeting tomorrow?"
  •  
  • If there seems to be a disconnect, reflect what has been said by paraphrasing. "What I'm hearing is," or "Sounds like you are saying," are great ways to reflect back.
  •  
  • Make sure you maintain eye contact while communicating
  •  
  • Distraction or fidgeting is the sign of restlessness or impatience. If you notice such nonverbal sign. It is sure that it is not going to be a productive conversation so you can quickly wrap it up and postpone it or if the relationship allows at your workplace you can inquire such discomfort.
  •  
  • The power of the words, “I’m sorry,” is often more effective than an action.
  •  
  • "You know that's not right" can be replaced with "I see it differently than you do."
 
 
Written Communication
 
  • Only write what you need to say and no more. – “Be concise”
  • Make sure that the reader doesn’t having to go back to the beginning of the document to try and make sense of it. – “Be clear”
  • Put the necessary info for better understanding
  • Formatting and layout should be checked
  • There should be logical flow of sentences and paragraphs
  • Writing is ineffective with the grammatical errors
  • Be courteous with the words you choose to use.
  •  
HR Leadership Communication Verbal Communication Workplace Articulation