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. So many more people rely on emails, and even in recruitment things are turning to Whatsapp. It’s easy to slip into passive communication, forgetting to reply, or being too casual over messages. We’re huge advocates of a good old fashioned phone call or face to face meeting but we know it’s not always practical.
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! Sadly we’ve noticed a bit of a shift and not always for the better!
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!
- 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! Also some times it’s just quicker to pick up the phone rather than emailing and messaging back and forth! - 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. Also, re-read your response back, it’s quite easy to make something sound very blunt when actually you mean it light heartedly! - 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! Even if it’s a polite, thanks but no thanks, that’s better than nothing! - 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”. - Don’t finish other people’s sentences.
Although it’s tempting at times to get people to get to the point quicker, or perhaps you think it shows you are listening; 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! - 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. - 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. - 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. There’s nothing worse than trying to engage with someone who won’t look at you!
So there you have it, our top tips on communication skills in the digital age!
Related Dovetail articles:
Tips for telephone & Skype interviews