Communication is both an art and a skill that is extremely crucial in today’s business world. Hence it is vital that you focus on developing your communication skills. Remember this, “it is important to understand and to be understood!”

Here we go with the next five tips in our series of fifteen tips that could help you master the “Art of Effective Communication”:

1. Assumptions – the mother of all sins! It is general tendency for us to assume things in the process of communication; after all we are humans. However, for us to be an effective communicator, it is in our best interest to not make assumptions. Always be clear and check your understanding by asking relevant questions.
2. Body language: It accounts for approximately 60 to 70 percent of any face-to-face communication. Hence, it is extremely important to maintain a positive body posture while in the process of communicating. �
3. Tone of voice: It is not what you say, but how you say it that matters. Well, as the phrase itself indicates, your tone of voice is what decides as to how the listener will perceive what you are saying. You could speak a sentence that is totally harmless; however just try to speak the same sentence and this time increase your tone of voice, you will find the difference.
4. Rate of speech (ROS): The purpose of communicating is to convey a message, thought, emotion or feeling. The person you are communicating with should be able to follow what you are saying. Hence, it is imperative to maintain a comfortable ROS so that you are understood.
5. Choice of Words: Not many understand that in order for you to be a truly effective communicator, it is very important for you to use the right words. If you are an avid reader you should not find it difficult to choose the right words!

 Look out for the last five tips in this series!