Types of communication skills

Types of communication skills: There are different types of communication skills you can learn and practice to help you become an effective communicator. Many of these skills work together making it important to practice communication skills in different contexts whenever possible.

Oral communication: Thoughts are shared through speech. Examples include presentations, one-on-one meetings, and virtual calls.

Written communication: Thoughts and ideas are shared via the written word. This can be with emails, hand-written notes, or signage.

Non-verbal communication: Information is shared without the use of written or spoken words. Examples include facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, and gestures.

Active listening: Unlike the examples above, active listening is about receiving information. When someone is listening actively, they might ask questions to understand the information better, but refrain from focusing on their response so much that they fail to hear the speaker.
Contextual communication: Information is shared with mutual, potentially unspoken, understandings of various factors such as interpersonal relationships and the environment.
Adapting your communication style to your audience: Different styles of communication are appropriate in different situations. To make the best use of your communication skills, it's important to consider your audience and the most effective format to communicate with them. Depending on the situation, you may even need to send a formal, typed letter over other forms of communication.
Friendliness: In friendships, characteristics such as honesty and kindness often foster trust and understanding. The same characteristics are important in workplace relationships. When you're working with others, approach your interactions with a positive attitude, keep an open mind and ask questions to help you understand where they're coming from.

5 Extra tips to sharpen your communication skills:

Be approachable: If your teammates feel intimidated or worried that you may not respond well, they’re less likely to come to you with information.

Be patient: Not everyone communicates the same way. Taking the time to be sure you’ve understood the other person and communicated clearly can pay dividend.

Be self-aware: It’s okay if you’re still developing your communication skills, nervous, or having a bad day. It takes time — and practice — to become a skilled communicator.

Check for understanding: Don’t be afraid to invite feedback or ask questions to ensure that everyone’s on the same page.

Switch out the messenger: Allow other team members or leaders to develop their communication skills by empowering them to lead discussions and meetings.

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