Communication Skills: Going down the pan?

We’ve noticed a change recently, in the way people are communicating, a change for the worse dare I say.

Good communication skills are something we know a bit about at Dovetail Recruitment as talking to people is a huge part of our day to day job, as well as emailing and of course meeting people.

Sadly we’ve noticed a bit of a shift … the use of text instead of a phone call or sometimes even nothing at all.

As part of any job,  strong communication skills are key, here’s a reminder of the basics you should always do – just out of common courtesy!

1. Call people back
   If someone leaves you a message – you should really call them back. Don’t just text or email them, have a conversation!
2. Emailing?
   If you are emailing someone, make sure you get your contact’s name right and do a spell check. It sounds silly – but attention to detail makes a big difference. Getting it wrong – makes a really bad impression.
3. Respond.
   The worst thing you can do is to ignore a message or voicemail completely, please respond.
   Don’t ignore it and please don’t just disappear – yes it does happen!
4. Never talk over people
   This demonstrates a real lack of respect. By talking over someone what you’re basically saying is “I don’t care what you’re saying—what I have to say is more important”.
5. Don’t finish other people’s sentences.
   Research has shown by doing this you are dis-empowering the other person because you are taking control of the conversation, so bite your tongue!
6. Paraphrase
   If you want to show that you have really understood someone, then paraphrasing a great tool. All you do is repeat back to someone what they have just said, before you comment yourself.
   This is especially useful in a meeting or interview, gives you time to clarify and gather your thoughts.
7. Listen actively
   Focus on active listening instead of passive listening. The difference is that active listening means you engage and respond to the other person based on what they have said, passive listening is simply the act of listening with no response.
8. Maintain eye contact
   By looking the other person in the eye, you are proving that you’re interested in what they’re saying. This also keeps you focused and less distracted.

Related Dovetail articles:

Tips for telephone & Skype interviews
Don’t do a Diane Abbott
Presentation skills

Tags: communication skills, conversation, email, meeting skills, phone

Written by Laura Miller