In my previous article, I identified strong communication skills as one of the essential skills to achieve career success. Several readers have since reached out to me for more advice on how to help their children improve their communication skills, especially when it comes to speaking. Below are six useful tips to help students enhance their speaking skills:
- Reduce filler words: As I noted in my previous article, filler words such as “like,” “um,” and “uh” can undermine a student’s credibility and leave a negative impression on listeners, especially in professional settings like job interviews or networking events. To avoid this, it’s important for students to practice reducing their use of filler words. Instead of saying “like” or “um,” for example, a student should take a pause to gather their thoughts before continuing to speak. Though it may require some patience and effort, this simple technique can have a significant impact on how a student is perceived as a communicator.
- Speak loudly, clearly, and with a little lower tone: Speaking loudly and clearly is important to effective communication. When a student speaks too softly, listeners may strain to hear them, leading to disinterest or distraction. Similarly, mumbled speech can quickly lose a listener’s attention. To address these issues, a student should aim to speak more loudly and enunciate their words clearly.
In addition, the tone of one’s voice is equally important. Speaking in a too high-pitched tone can make a student sound less confident or immature, while a lower tone conveys more authority and presence. Therefore, students should pay attention to the tone of their voice and if necessary, aim to lower it slightly to create a more commanding presence.
- Be aware of body language: Effective communication is not just about what one says, but also how one says it. Non-verbal cues such as body language play a crucial role in how someone is perceived as a speaker. To ensure that the message is conveyed effectively, it’s important that students pay attention to their body language. One key element of good body language is posture. When speaking, students should aim to sit or stand up straight with their shoulders back. This posture exudes confidence and professionalism, helping to establish trust and credibility with the listener. Additionally, making sufficient eye contact is crucial to maintaining a connection with the listener and conveying engagement and interest.
- Receive feedback: Receiving feedback is crucial to improving communication skills, yet many students struggle to find someone to provide them with constructive criticism. To overcome this obstacle, students can practice with a friend who is also looking to enhance their communication abilities. By explaining topics to each other and providing feedback, students can learn from their mistakes and make progress.
Additionally, if there are no school clubs dedicated to improving communication skills, students can consider joining a public speaking organization such as Toastmasters. This group provides a supportive environment where individuals can practice public speaking, receive feedback, and develop their communication skills with others who share the same goal.
- Record themselves: Recording oneself is a valuable tool for improving speaking skills. By listening to a recording of their own speech, students can gain valuable insights into their communication style and identify areas for improvement. For example, they might notice that they tend to use filler words or speak too quickly, or that they need to work on their enunciation or tone of voice. While listening to a recording of oneself can be uncomfortable at first, it’s an effective way to become more self-aware and improve one’s communication skills over time.
- Observe and learn from skilled communicators: To improve communication skills, it’s helpful for students to observe and learn from others who are skilled communicators. By watching and listening to speeches, interviews, and debates, students can gain valuable insights into effective communication strategies. A great example of an effective speaker is Ian Eagle, a renowned sportscaster. By listening to his interviews on YouTube, students can see firsthand how a skilled communicator delivers a message with clarity, confidence, and impact.
By following and practicing the tips outlined in this article, students can develop the skills they need to become confident, articulate speakers who can connect with others and make a positive impact on the world. With practice and perseverance, anyone can become a strong communicator, and the benefits of doing so are limitless.
James Pak
LA Career Coaching
(949) 630-8729
www.lacareercoaching.com
