Communication skills proceed to falter in this day and age. People struggle with speaking and need to learn how to improve but do not know how.
“One way to be a better communicator is to listen. I think people are nervous to communicate with other people because they are afraid of what other people might think,” said public speaking teacher Kimberly Bedinger.
Being observant amplifies a conversation, especially with body language. Showing care for what a person says, gives them a confidence boost in their speaking.
“I wish that people would learn to trust themselves [and believe] that they can do a good job getting their point across and won’t be judged,” said Bedinger.
Eye contact keeps a person’s attention, creating a bond between the speaker and the listener. Looking down shows disinterest in the conversation.
“Maintaining acknowledgment of a conversation is a very subtle maneuver, but it works wonders. It’s like a partnership where all members have to be engaged for effectiveness,” said freshman JanThomas Reyes.
Having a phone serves as a distractor, and can steal a speaker’s attention in a millisecond.
“If you just communicate, you can get by, but if you communicate skillfully, you can work miracles,” said author, entrepreneur and public speaker Jim Rohn.
Conversations in front of a mirror will help, especially for interviews. Ask a friend or family member to listen in order to get used to being under pressure.
“[Every time] I think of tips to speak clearly to other people, I go back to listening and taking time to compose your thoughts before you speak them,” said Bedinger.
Text messages, emails, and phone calls eliminate the need for face-to-face conversations, hindering social skills’ practice and development.
“[People have weaker communication skills] because of electronics, people are more focused on it,” said sophomore Terra Farnsworth.
