V is for… Verbal Communication

What is Verbal Communication?

Verbal communication is simply communication by speaking words. However, effective verbal communication skills include more than just simply talking. Verbal communication includes how you deliver and receive the words spoken.

Communication (including verbal communication) is very important as it enables you to communicate with and engage with others around you.

Verbal communication can take on many forms such as:

• communicating with your client/customer;
• communicating with your team
• communicating with other teams in the business;
• communicating as a manager with your team
• communication as a manager on a one-to-one level with individual
• providing feedback
• engaging in conversation
• providing advice/instruction
• training others
• networking conversations
• presenting

The list is endless. There are so many things that you will do in the workplace (and outside of the workplace) that involve verbal communication.

Skill Development Plan: Verbal Communication

There are many different ways that you can improve your verbal communication (and improving your communication skills generally will also improve your verbal communication). Here are some suggestions:

• Read more – reading more can improve your vocabulary which will help you to express ideas clearly.
• Prepare – if you can prepare what you are going to say. For example, if you have a difficult conversation coming up, or you are giving a training session or presentation – preparing in advance what you are going to say can help.
• Listen – Listening more can make you a better communicator.
• Develop better habits – identify your personal bad habits and work on making these better to help make you a better communicator – for example slowing down and thinking before you speak.
• Ask for training/coaching.

Action Point: Come up with a plan for improving your communication skills.

WFH Action Point: Learn from others and expand your skills by reading more, listening to podcasts and watching videos.

Further Reading:

• A is for… Active Listening
• I is for… Interpersonal Skills
• The Hidden Benefits of Networking