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It is in every ad and most job descriptions: must have excellent communication skills. Worse yet, once hired, it reappears annually at review time: Improve communication skills. What is a worker to do? Communication skills do not need a graduate degree, only common sense, a little homework and a better understanding of the role communication plays – in everything:

Listen

Do not assume that better communication skills mean you speak like John F. Orate like Kennedy or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Listening skills are the most ignored aspect of good communication skills. More misunderstandings arise due to poor listening than for abnormalities. To a good listener is to suspend the urge to speak, while others speak. Do not start preparing what you’re saying. Listen carefully, with ears, eyes, body and spirit. Are you following what’s being said? If so, nodding approvingly. If not, a furrowed brow indicates that you’re confused. Your speakers must be able to. If you really heard and understood, repeat it back in your own words. This lets both parties know they are on the same wavelength.

Mind Your ABCs

Some people put complex issues into simple explanations. Unfortunately, others’ talents lie in the opposite direction: making complex issues simple. I strive to make my eyes ABC: accuracy, brevity and clarity. General Douglas MacArthur once said that more important than giving orders that can be understood the issue of orders which could not be understood. Or not at stake, reputation as a communicator can be. People appreciate short sentences; they are often confused by the long, complicated ones. Keep it brief.

Do not be labeled missing in action

Some excellent communicators are less for not wearing the meetings will be considered. A coaching client of mine from abroad was culturally uncomfortable to speak up so others monopolized the meetings, often rude to interrupt a point to make. Her shyness, combined with self-conscious about her command of English, resulting in her wallflower behavior.

Now the night before meetings of guests she’s agenda, composes her thoughts and rehearse making powerful yet concise statements on items of the day. Others seem to her off-handed remarks. She is thus perceived as a more powerful and effective communicator. She also developed a pretty strong statement but when interrupted by people they did not lead to the floor remember. After a few invocations of this phrase is to respect other people’s opinion better. Her boss has noticed and clapped her new assertiveness.

It takes two.

I knew that an employee who was fired for shortcomings of her boss as a communicator. Not paying the price for another communication deficiency. It may require some work on your part, but it is worth. I once had a boss who listened, but never asked questions. After a while I expected the questions to be asked and set them yourself, or simply provided answers as if he asked them. I would be prepared to each meeting a list of project-related questions, which proved my foresight and an eye for detail. They benefited us both.

Write address

It sounds like a Buddhist commandment, remember, writing is a large part of the communication. Let us e-mails, weekly reports and other writings and to strengthen the clear thinking, organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to express important ideas. Make your writing easy to read. Spelling matters, even in e-mail. Use white space, numbered lists and bulleted items to more effectively communicate. Titles, subtitles and lists to add the same persuasion. Write your piece, put it aside for a while, and then view and delete 25 percent to more concise to say.

Speak up

Consider taking a public speaking class, join a local Toastmasters club your oral communication skills. New skills, offline practice experience and confidence will help you in meetings, when giving reports and make presentations. Excellent communication skills are to help in many ways. With practice you can easily take a speech, making a cold call, train others, organize a session, make a sales presentation, interview someone or be interviewed.

Better communication skills can open many doors, both inside and outside the workplace. It’s time for you to sharpen your CQ – Your Communication Quotient!