It happens to everyone from time to time. Your schedule gets the better of you, and your natural gift of communication falls by the wayside.

And then, suddenly, you realize that you’re not conveying your ideas – or listening to others’.

Whether you’ve seen the flares rising in the distance as a warning signal, or you just want to develop your natural skills, here are 5 ways
to improve your communication immediately.

Refrain from other activities

Many people try to multitask while having a conversation. You’ve heard the tapping of keys while the voice on the other end of the phone hums and haws. Quite possibly you’re guilty of it yourself. Your ability to communicate improves as soon as you focus on your message, or the one that you’re receiving.

Listen for comprehension

Don’t worry about your retort, or making sure that your idea is the last one on the table. Listen to the arguments and ideas presented to you with an aim to understanding them. Communication isn’t a one way street.

More than words

Take note of nonverbal clues. Communication is more than talking, and we all reveal how we feel about the words we use and hear through subconscious signals. Not only will you understand more about the real message, but you’ll also learn how to disguise your own emotions when you want.

Remain focused

Keep your conversation on topic. Chit chat is great at either end of a discussion, but it isn’t helpful in the middle of it. Although you may have an almost uncontrollable urge to talk about the bird that just flew into your office, learn to control it.

Let go of emotion

Trying to improve your business communication? It’s best not to discuss your personal feelings on a subject or decision. Avoid retreating in anger or despair, and learn to channel your happiness, as well. Concentrate on arriving at the most successful end to a conversation, rather than your feelings.

Take Action!

See how many of these tips you can incorporate into your conversations today.

Keep a printout of this post on hand when you head to a meeting, so you can refer to it when things get heated. You may even just start having the successful meetings you’ve always dreamed were possible.

Alternatively, focus on one at a time and make sure you’re skilled at one before moving on to the next.

Tell us, below, which one of these you most need to practice. We love to know which challenges our readers face; it helps us to deliver the information you truly need.

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Still not taking your communication to the next level?

Stay tuned! it’s communication month on the Rethink Retreat blog and we’ll bring you more tips every week this month.

And in the do check out these other great posts:

Networking: 5 Tips for Success
Learning from competitors: it’s a good idea
Finding time for introspection