How to Improve Communication Skills in College

College studies are not limited to memorizing books. In fact, college is a time when we can develop ourselves in every aspect – be it professional skills or personal growth. One of these important skills is – communication skill, that is, sharing your thoughts with others in a correct and effective manner.

Why are communication skills important?

Whenever you talk to someone – be it a teacher in the classroom, a friend in a group project or an outside company at a college fair – your way of talking determines how seriously the other person is taking you. Speaking, listening, understanding and responding correctly are the hallmarks of a strong personality.

Understanding communication skills

Often we think that speaking ability is everything, but the reality is much deeper than this. Good communication skills include many things:

• Verbal communication: What you say should be clear and purposeful. Like – “I did not understand what you said, can you explain it again?”
• Body language: Gestures of the hands, eye contact, and facial expressions – the nonverbal things which are very, very expressive by themselves.
• Active listening: Paying attention to what the other individual has said, understanding it thoroughly, and responding to it.
• Emotional awareness: Talking sense and being aware of one’s own emotions and those of others.
• Writing skills: Whether it is an email, a report or a social media post, clear and professional writing is very important.

Easy ways to improve communication skills

1. Become adept at active listening

Many people focus on speaking, but ignore listening. Good communication happens only when both parties listen to each other carefully.

Example: If your friend is telling about some personal problem, do not interrupt, listen by looking into the eyes and show sympathy.

Tips:

• Always look into the eyes while talking
• Avoid interrupting
• Ask questions when needed
• Respond with words like “yes”, “you said it right” in between

2. Improve your way of speaking

It is very important to speak clearly, confidently and intelligently.

Example: When you are speaking in a presentation, explain your point instead of using memorized words.

Tips:

• Avoid speaking too fast or too slow
• Stay away from useless words like “um”, “matlab”, “to”
• Think in advance about what to say
• Choose the language according to the knowledge of the listener

3. Pay attention to body language

What we don’t say also says a lot. Your body language tells whether you are confident or not.

Tips:

• Stand straight, don’t bend
• Make gestures with your hands but not excessively
• Keep a smiling face
• Look into your eyes and talk

4. Improve your writing skills

In college, you will have to write mails, project reports or applications many times. So, it is important to learn to write cleanly and effectively.

Tips:

• Always get straight to the point
• Don’t make grammar and spelling mistakes
• Choose the language according to the person who is reading (e.g. formal tone for the professor)
• Read it twice before sending

5. Increase your confidence in public speaking

Standing in front and speaking is not everyone’s cup of tea, but this art can be learned with a little practice.

Tips:

• Practice speaking in front of a mirror
• Record a video of yourself to see where you need improvement
• Join an organization like debate club or Toastmasters in college
• Present your point by giving a story or example, this makes the listeners feel connected
• Take deep breaths before going on stage, fill yourself with positive thoughts

6. Understand and increase emotional intelligence

If you understand the feelings of the other person while talking and control your own emotions, then the conversation becomes even better.

Tips:

• Avoid talking in anger or irritation
• When you feel bad about someone’s words, think first and then respond
• Respect the feelings of others
• Stay calm in difficult conversations

7. Learn to give and take feedback

Giving suggestions to someone for improvement is also an art, and one should also know how to take feedback.

Tips:

• Give suggestions, not criticism
• First praise the good work, then suggest improvements
• Take feedback with an open mind, don’t be defensive

8. Strengthen your vocabulary and language

If you have a good vocabulary, you can present your point in a better way.

Tips:

• Read something new every day – newspapers, books, blogs
• Note down new words and use them in sentences
• Practice writing and speaking

9. Understand each person’s style and adapt yourself

Everyone’s way of speaking is different. If you understand their style and communicate, the conversation will be better.

10. Keep learning continuously

Communication is not something that can be learned once. It improves with time and experience of conversation.

Tips:

• Take feedback from a senior or mentor
• Interact with different people
• Attend communication courses or seminars

Conclusion

Communication skills are not only useful in college, they stay with you throughout your life. Be it friendship, career or relationships – good communication is useful everywhere. If you keep paying attention to things like active listening, correct way of speaking, body language, writing and emotional intelligence, then your personality will improve.

So start with small habits from today itself – and become a person, whose name everyone can talk to. So people should listen carefully and understand.