You might be thinking, “I’m already a pretty good communicator. Why should I bother improving my communication skills?” The answer is simple: There’s always room for growth, and effective communication is essential in every aspect of our lives. Whether you are young or more seasoned, deaf, hard of hearing, or can fully hear, whether you use spoken words or sign language, your ability to understand another person and, in turn, get your point across is critical to function in our society. So, let’s explore just a few reasons why you should never stop improving your communication skills, and we’ll share some stories along the way!
Reason 1: Reducing Misunderstandings
Picture this: John, a manager at a local store, thought he gave clear directions to his team to complete a project to restock the shelves and displays. However, later he discovered that the tasks weren’t completed as expected. He had actually just listed out the tasks but did not explain why the tasks needed to be done or the outcomes he wanted. Frustrated, John realized it wasn’t his team’s fault; he hadn’t communicated his expectations clearly. He assumed each person understood his instructions but did not ask questions, check in with the team to verify their understanding, and not allow time for questions by the team. The next time he had assignments, he changed his approach. He gave each person a specific assignment and explained the purpose of completing it correctly. He showed them what he expected and what success would look like when it was completed. But he did not tell them exactly how to do it. I expressed his confidence in them and that they should use their own abilities to do the task. He allowed time for questions and answered their concerns with positivity and engagement. This prevented future misunderstandings and improve the overall productivity of the team.
Reason 2: Boosting Your Confidence
Ever heard of the saying, “Fake it till you make it”? Improving your communication skills can help you genuinely “make it.” When you can communicate effectively with others, you are more likely to feel confident in your ability to express yourself and build strong relationships. One common challenge many face is speaking up in group settings, such as meetings or social gatherings. When you have strong communication skills, you are more likely to feel confident expressing your ideas and opinions in these settings. This can help you to stand out as a leader and to build stronger relationships with your colleagues and peers.
For example, Jane met with her team and had an idea for a new project. She has worked to build her confidence and her ability to communicate effectively. She could express her idea clearly, connect with her boss and peers, and engage in productive discussion. She established herself as a valuable contributor to the team and built confidence in her abilities.
Reason 3: Strengthening Relationships
Meet Sarah, a friendly and outgoing person who thought she was already a great communicator. She is deaf and typically uses sign language to communicate. However, she was shy and withdrawn when it comes to communicating with hearing people. She did not feel confident sharing her ideas, even at the dinner table with her family. Writing notes or passing around a phone was difficult. But using technologies like Bridg’d helped her to get her point across and understand what the other person is saying. She could actually get more from the conversation by getting live transcriptions of the other person. Then she could reply directly and be understood. She noticed her relationships deepening when she took the time to pay attention, pick up on body language, and empathize with her friends and family. By continually working on her communication skills, Sarah learned to make others feel “heard,” understood, and valued. This improved not only her personal relationships but also her professional relationships, too.
In the coming weeks, we will produce a series of blogs to help you improve your communication skills. From strengthening relationships to boosting your professional opportunities, you can use these skills and become an even better communicator. After all, it’s an investment in yourself that’ll pay off in every aspect of your life!
To learn more about our app: www.bridgdcom.com
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To support our Indiegogo campaign: https://igg.me/at/Bridgd/x/33078506#/
