Communication either verbal or non-verbal (body language) or in the written form serves the purpose of letting the other party know what you want from them.
You want the other party to understand and remember your message. Thus your communication skills have to be effective for that to happen. Here are some suggestions to help improve your communication skills.
Let me first address the issue of communication in the written form. For you to effectively pass the message, you need to be able to translate your thoughts into the written word then write/type it down. This is relatively easy, as you are able to read what you have written and see if it makes sense to yourself before sending the message out. Here are some tips to help you.
Pre and con
The written message has to be precise and concise. No one wants to read a 1000-word article that makes no sense or is difficult to understand. Sometimes, too much detail will make the reader more confused, then when extra information is needed and you leave it out, is not good either. At the end of it, the reader will be more frustrated then before and whatever message you try to convey to them will be lost!
Focus on the main point
Stick to the point and let the reader know exactly what needs to be done (if there is any action to be carried out).
Writing standard
Needless to say, an article which reads smoothly and is easily understood will be well received.
Next, let me now focus on improving verbal and non-verbal communication skills - use your five senses - sight, touch, taste, smell and hear.
Sight
When speaking to another person, look them in the eye. Look, not stare! Studies have shown that you are speaking and do not look at the other person in the eye, the other party will assume that you are guilty or suspicious of something or that you are not sure of your facts (even though you are not!).
However, if you are the listener, and your eyes are wandering around the room, you are sending a non-verbal message to the speaker that you are not interested in what he has to say and that you can't wait to get out of this conversation.
Touch
If you notice, some people are quite physical, they will greet you with a hand shake or a hug, need to pat you on your shoulder or back during the conversation or a nudge when they laugh. Studies have also shown that when a person touches you, it means that he accepts you as a close friend, he is open to listen to what you have to say. Use this non-verbal communication skill wisely as you can also very easily offend the other party.
On the other hand, not touching the person when speaking, indicates a more formal relationship. This is not to say that he is not open to what you have to say to him.
Taste
Not eat the guy up! But choice of topic for discussion. For example, if you are at a party, choose a general topic to start off the conversation, or learn a couple of witty riddles to use for situations like this. Speak clearly and slowly to your listener especially if you tend to speak very quickly when nervous and if the listener is someone new to you.
Smell
Smell alcohol in the breath of your listener, especially at an informal business lunch/dinner, you know he's not going to remember much the next day. So try to get as much information from him or give to him before he passes the alcohol limit.
Reality check, please do not get offended, take a whiff at yourself, if you do have body or mouth odour (as most people do), it is offensive and puts people off even before you do your presentation. Take steps to reduce, eliminate or control the odour, it will help greatly.
Hear/Listen
When another person is speaking, listen to what he says. Sometimes, you even have to "hear" what is not said - what is implicated. What makes the speaker know that you are paying attention is when you show the interest by asking pertinent questions and contributing to the topic.
These are some very basic steps that you can use to improve your communication skills.
Good luck.
