Communication is one of the most important pillars of our daily lives, whether in a professional or personal context. In today's interconnected world, effective communication can mean the difference between success and failure. This article explores the essential foundations of verbal communication and looks at how it can positively impact our success in life and promote Social learning.
How do you define verbal communication?
The voice, tone, pronunciation or even the choice of our words and expressions refer to specific forms of expression and allow two or more people to exchange and understand each other. Body language and body signals, such as sign language, also play a key role. For example, a simple wave of the hand can transcend language barriers.
Clarity is crucial for effective verbal communication. It's important to use simple, accurate words to make sure your speech is understood the first time. Precise definition of terms used in a specific context is essential. For example, in the context of business, setting goals is crucial for a common understanding.
Second, communication is not unidirectional. Active listening is required to understand what the other party is saying, ask relevant questions, and provide appropriate answers. Active listening involves picking up on the verbal and non-verbal signs of your interlocutor.
It may seem obvious, but it's important to pay attention to your tone of voice. Your tone of voice can dramatically affect how your message is perceived: a friendly, positive tone can strengthen your relationships, while an aggressive or condescending tone can damage them.
Although the emphasis is on “verbal communication”, body language also plays a key role. Good eye contact and an open posture (avoid talking with your shoulders tucked in and arms crossed) can add a layer of sincerity and trust to your interactions. The direct look during a negotiation can strengthen trust between the parties.
So verbal communication encompasses not only the words we use but also how we use them, including grammar, tone, and rhythm.
Attention, our past experiences, our education and even our geographical origin can influence how we communicate. You notice it immediately via expressions and accents. Those who are fluent in a foreign language can more easily realize the importance of words. Our values and culture also influence how we perceive information and communicate. Thus, the types of verbal communication vary across cultures and businesses.
What is the impact of verbal communication on our professional life?
Good verbal communication can help us build strong connections with colleagues and customers, an essential point for a successful career! Communication skills are in fact vital for solving problems in an effective manner. Whether it is to identify a problem, propose solutions or make decisions in a group, communication plays a key role. Besides, effective leaders are often excellent communicators. They intuitively know how to choose the right tone and the right words. The ability to clearly communicate a vision and inspire others is essential for any leadership position. Knowing how to communicate also helps resolve conflicts peacefully and constructively. For example, well-thought-out marketing communication can improve a company's image with customers.
The ability to verbally structure one's thinking makes it possible to dialogue on a daily basis, to inform one's team, to ask for opinions, to prevent conflicts, to congratulate, etc. Corporate speeches must be carefully prepared to transmit clear and relevant information.
Overcoming obstacles and improving verbal communication skills
Active listening in verbal communication
Before speaking, you must first be able to listen and see. Effective active listening shows interest in your interlocutor and therefore helps to build relationships. For example, during a business negotiation, active attention can help identify customer needs.
Active listening is a communication technique that consists of giving full attention to the interlocutor, understanding what he is saying, thinking about and responding appropriately. It involves not only paying attention to words, and therefore verbal communication, but also to non-verbal and to the emotions of the person speaking. Both verbal and non-verbal signs, such as gestures and facial expressions, can give clues about the emotions of the interlocutor.
Monitor your vocabulary
Word choice has a significant impact on the quality of communication. To communicate effectively, it is crucial to use appropriate vocabulary in order to adapt to your audience and to be understood. Eliminate speech tics in your verbal communication and avoiding the superfluous such as sarcasm and exaggeration helps to clarify your communication. Adopt positive language It also increases audience engagement. For example, during a business presentation, it is important to use positive speech to engage investors.
In short, pay attention to the choice of your words and your speech tics! Ask for feedback from a colleague to help you identify them in your verbal communication.
Pay attention to your voice
Manage the speed and volume of your speech. Talking too fast or too softly can affect understanding your message. Also, be careful to articulate well to convey a clear and easily understood message. For example, during a public presentation, clear diction is essential for the audience to fully understand.
In addition, being succinct makes the message easier to understand and allows the main data to be transmitted by avoiding irrelevant information. Don't monopolize the word in meetings! During a team meeting, it is important to give everyone the opportunity to express themselves concisely.
Likewise, speaking with confidence allows the interlocutor to believe in the speech being made. During a negotiation, confident speech can strengthen the company's position.
Building your speech and verbal communication
To effectively persuade your audience, it is important to know exactly what message you want to communicate. Minimal preparation will help you stay focused on the subject, avoiding digressions that could dilute your point.
Finally, Promote questions : call your interlocutor to find out more or to confirm the understanding of a subject. And answer questions without evading them.
In conclusion, verbal communication is a fundamental part of professional and personal life. By developing and perfecting your skills in this area, you can improve your relationships, your career, and your overall quality of life. Don't forget that verbal communication is not limited to the words you say, but also includes how you use them and what signals you send with your body language. By investing in your development in verbal communication, you are investing in your future success.
