Try these tips to become a better communicator

Some people have trouble communicating through email, talking with bosses and sometimes even visiting with co-workers. However, communication is incredibly helpful in the workplace. It allows you to ask for assistance, work with clients and even talk about getting a raise. Here are some helpful tips for working on your business communication skills:

Listen 
Even when you have a particular point to get across, it is important to listen to what others say. This shows them respect and can build a relationship with the listener. If they look at you as a competent person who is courteous and a good listener, they will be more likely to hear your point of view. Make eye contact while the person is speaking so they know you are interested and invested in the conversation, rather than staring at your phone or off into space. It's also important to realize that you don't know everything. Even if you are at a higher position in the company than the person you are speaking with, you can learn from their experience and thoughts. Take time to listen to what they are saying and don't immediately start talking once they've finished. Process what they've said and then respond.

Be straightforward
If you are working on a group project with a co-worker who isn't pulling their weight, you need to speak up. Talk with the person before going to a supervisor. Don't beat around the bush. Instead, tell them what you would like to see them contribute and ask them to please spend more time on the project or make more of an effort to be helpful. If you are a supervisor, you may find yourself in awkward positions where you need to reprimand employees. It is a necessary part of the job description. Don't yell or bring up past issues. Instead, focus on the task at hand. Tell the person what they have been doing wrong and suggest ways they can improve. If you need to, provide a date for them to change or resolve the issue by. This will likely help motivate them and show that you are serious about the problem. 

Get off the computer
Sometimes the tone of an email doesn't come through quite right. Other times it might be too difficult to explain something over chat. These are moments when it's appropriate to try to talk in person if you can. If the person you are conversing with is not in your office, consider making a phone call instead of sending an email. It can be more efficient to talk over the phone than to write out what you need to say. Another instance when it is appropriate to get off the computer is when you want to thank someone. Maybe you want your clients to know you appreciate their business or to congratulate a co-worker on their new baby. Send a greeting card through the mail to show you took the time to pick out the right card and write a personal greeting. The recipient is much more likely to remember your gesture when it comes in the post than if you send a brief email about it.