How to Become an Effective Communicator

Indeed Editorial Team

Updated March 10, 2023

Whether in your personal or professional life, interactions with others

can form a basis for success. To build strong relationships, it is important
to be an effective communicator. Communication can include verbal
skills such as speech and nonverbal cues like posture and facial
expression.In this article, we'll discuss why effective communication is
important and the best practice for becoming an effective
communicator.

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What is an effective communicator?

An effective communicator is someone who conveys their message

thoroughly and is receptive and responsive to others' input. Those who
are strong communicators speak in a clear, direct manner, using easily
understood language. They are typically assertive with their feelings and
viewpoints, but they are also open to suggestions from others. When
listening, effective communicators make eye contact and use affirmative
language like "I hear you" or "I understand your concerns."Some
common traits of effective communicators include:

Contributes actively to their workplace: Effective communicators are

likely central to a business's operations. These professionals know the
company's objectives and are adept at communicating with their
colleagues. They also know how to listen to others and take direction as
needed.

Are trusted by others: Since effective communicators speak honestly

and listen closely, they are typically among the first individuals' others
go to for advice. It can be easier to speak to someone openly when you
know your input matters.

Express themselves freely: Individuals with effective communication

skills understand the importance of being direct with their opinions or
ideas. During important projects at work, for instance, an effective
communicator will say when they think their team has a solid plan or if
something needs to be adjusted. However, they make sure to remain
assertive and respectful if they disagree with others.

Have their own style of communication: Part of being an effective

communicator is having your input be memorable. For example, when
your communications are unique, others may be more likely to
remember your ideas when they need another perspective. Your style of
communication can include the inflections in your speech, non-verbal
cues, and the use of humor or personal stories.

Can make complex topics simple: When communicating complex ideas,

effective communicators should know how to break down information in
a way that most people can understand. A literature professor, for
example, should be able to explain a poem for a class of students who
do not regularly read poetry. A marketing manager may use effective
communication to explain search engine optimization to stakeholders
who aren't familiar with driving web traffic.

Why is effective communication important?

Effective communication can help personal and professional

relationships function more cooperatively and productively. When you
know how to make your points clear and understand the input of others,
you will probably be a move valued part of a team. Workplace teams
who can speak and listen effectively are better equipped to further the
company's goals while maintaining strong
relationships.Related: Emotional Intelligence: Definition and Examples

How to be an effective communicator

Being an effective communicator requires continuous practice. You can

develop your communication skills by following these steps:

Know your purpose

Identify your audience

Have a plan

Listen actively

Speak clearly

Use appropriate body language

Be approachable
1. Know your purpose

There are many types of speech, including persuasive, informative,

instructive and others. Knowing what you hope to accomplish in
communication can help you plan your strategy. If you hope to inform
your audience, for instance, you may include statistics to give your
message credibility. A persuasive speech may include more emotional
appeals to help your audience identify with your message.

2. Identify your audience

It is also important to know who you're presenting to so you can make

effective decisions for your communication. For instance, if you're a
salesperson pitching a new product to a long-time client, you can
probably be more casual and humorous than if you were a doctor
presenting research findings at a medical conference. Many factors can
affect the way you structure your communication, including the
audience's age, professional statuses such as if they're your supervisor,
whether you hope to sell them something and others.

3. Have a plan

To communicate in a way that engages your audience, it is beneficial to

plan your input in advance. If you're a city planner pitching an idea for a
new park, for instance, you should know where the park will be located,
how the city can pay for it and other important points. You should also
consider any possible objections your audience may have and prepare
responses in advance. As a city planner proposing a new park, you might
consider whether citizens will think other uses of funds are more
appropriate, and come up with ways to address their concerns.

4. Listen actively

Active listeners are able to communicate their interest in what the

speaker is saying. This can include maintaining an upright posture and
eye contact and keeping other movements to a minimum. To
demonstrate interest, you should also periodically let the other
participant know that you understand what they're saying. In addition to
verbal confirmation, you can also ask clarifying questions like "What
would you like to happen now," or "How can I help you with your plan?"

5. Speak clearly

Speaking clearly includes a variety of factors, such as tone, volume and

pacing. Make sure your tone is appropriate to the audience, for instance,
being formal with a board of directors and casual with a group of friends.
If you're speaking to a group in a large room, a loud volume is likely
most appropriate. Additionally, ensure you're speaking at a pace that
listeners can follow.

6. Use appropriate body language

Whether you're sitting or standing, keeping an upright posture conveys

active listening. If you're in a small group, maintain eye contact so the
speaker knows you're invested in the conversation. In any size group,
keep distractions to a minimum, such as only looking at your phone in
the case of an emergency.Read more: Nonverbal Communication Skills:
Definition and Examples

7. Be approachable

In addition to practicing their skills within conversations, effective

communicators should give the impression that they invite more
communication. In a workplace setting, effective communicators are
eager to hear their colleagues' input and will likely have an open-door
policy or otherwise make it a priority to converse with others. When
individuals know their viewpoints are valued and welcomed, they should
be more likely to approach you with any concerns or ideas.