What do you do if your communication skills are lacking and you want to improve them?

Finding a mentor can provide objective feedback on how you come across to others. Research shows mentors help with career success. Also, learn about digital body language and etiquette for effective virtual communication. Pay attention to response times, tone, and attentiveness in meetings. Dress professionally on video calls. A mentor and strong digital skills are key for professional growth in the telecommuting era.

1. Check whether it is your assumption or there is a real challenge (I had clients assuming they needed to make their communication more sophisticated, but thankfully discovering that their simple style was actually an asset to the team). 2. If work really needs to be done: find your own way to practice.

"I'm no good at communicating," is more a judgment than a helpful thought. It's a start, however, for you to find out in detail why you think so. Do you speak too fast? Are you not articulate? Do you think so fast that your words can't keep up with your thinking? Are you an inattentive listener? Does speaking make you nervous? Do you have social anxiety? Do you lack practice in talking (because you live too much in your head)? Are you scared of being yourself? Do you think people will dismiss your ideas? Dig into your reasons why you think your communication abilities are below par. As you isolate the problems, you'll know where to start.

Joining Toastmasters or similar public speaking groups, as my grandpa did(!), is a great way to practice and improve your communication skills. These organizations provide a supportive environment to learn and grow. They offer opportunities to give prepared and impromptu speeches, receive constructive feedback, and learn from experienced speakers. By regularly participating, setting realistic goals, and tracking your progress, you can gradually build confidence and become a more effective communicator in various situations.

Pretend you're a YouTuber, interviewing an expert in a field you're familiar with. You can do this as a rehearsal or get a buddy to sit across and play the role. There's something about putting yourself in front of the camera and getting started that will force you to think in a systematic way. Initially you may flounder but gradually you'll find your words. Record yourself and assess honestly (don't be harsh, don't cringe - the aim is to understand how to improve.) You'll learn a lot - from expression of ideas to intonation, pausing, controlling your voice, etc. Do this on a regular basis. Seek out conversation opportunities where you can.

To add to the point of micro learning made earlier, just a few minutes of regular practice gives outsized returns. You get better in areas you focus on. So focus on what you want. Once you are clear about the challenges you face with your communication skills, make a plan to address them. Have notes/conversation-starters ready if you think you'll find yourself in a situation where you might go blank or feel awkward initiating a conversation. Breathe deeply as you talk. Take your time expressing yourself. Listen attentively to others, and not just because you're formulating a reply in your head. Practice a little every day. You can do this while you're waiting in the car or on a walk - make it a way of life.

I've found that writing daily (or journaling) helps clarify my thoughts. Clarity in thought transfers to better communication as this can bring organization and focus into your talks. Now the physical delivery of your message is the next part of communication. Videoing yourself talk into the camera for 5 minutes straight, then reviewing can do wonders. Notice your: • Facial expressions • Body language/hand gestures • Intonation • Filler words/non-words • Pauses, etc. Total communication is the actual message AND the delivery of that message to your audience, either one-to-one or one-to-many. Get the reps in and practice!

And if you are not confident enough to do in front of anyone , start with making videos on your phone when you are alone. I did this a lot when I was starting public speaking, I would set out my camera and pretend to be speaking to an audience. After I would watch the video and look out for my tone , body language and pace.

Research supports the effectiveness of microlearning, where short, focused learning sessions of just 10 minutes a day can lead to significant improvement over time. A study by RPS Research found that microlearning resulted in 22% more retention and 50% more engagement compared to traditional training methods. By dedicating just 10 minutes daily to learning communication skills, such as through reading articles, watching videos, or practicing techniques, you can accumulate over 60 hours of focused learning in a year. This consistent effort can substantially enhance your abilities and confidence in communicating effectively.

Watch your favourite podcast hosts/interviewers and dissect their communication style. They all have one thing in common: They give themselves the space to express their thoughts. They don't rush through them. They may have preparation going in beforehand since they interview someone new every time, but you can see their patterns regarding how they deal with uncomfortable questions or respond to something unexpected. They know how to control/guide a conversation. Seek out speaking opportunities, take classes, but more importantly - have fun. The prospect of communication ideally shouldn't make you anxious. And it won't if you approach it with curiosity and have practiced enough so that you're well-versed in expressing yourself.

In getting feedback be ready for criticisms and negative feedbacks. Ask questions like; what should I have said differently to make you understand my message? Remember communication is about sending information across and to be able to do this the receiver should understand what message is being sent.

Seeking feedback is essential for getting better at communicating. After practicing presentations or conversations, ask for helpful feedback from peers or mentors. Encourage them to share what you did well and what you could do better. Research by Zenger and Folkman found that leaders who actively seek feedback are seen as more effective communicators by their teams. Be open to feedback and use it to improve your skills. Regular feedback helps you identify areas you might not notice on your own, reinforce good habits, and continuously grow as a communicator. Remember, feedback is a valuable tool for personal and professional development.

And finally every time I need to communicate either at a presentation, a workshop, panel discussion or a speech , I tend to get an ice breaker or a qoutes that makes me relaxed before I start to communicate . This helps to keep your thoughts together and make you more comfortable.