Humans interact with each other by communicating, in which we could receive or send information to one another. There are three types of communication: verbal, nonverbal, written, and visual. Verbal communication is the type of communication that happens with spoken words or signed to with a sign language. Verbal communication comes hand-in-hand with nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication is the expression, intonation, or gestures that we see from the other person. It is how the message or information is being sent towards us by the other person in which we could perceive and process and conclude as to how the person feels during the conversation. Written communication is communicating using typed words or printing symbols like in a chat whereas visual communication is communicating using drawings, photographs or charts. 

Due to the current situation of the pandemic, some of us could not communicate directly. Meaning that we often use written communication more than verbal and nonverbal communication. In this era of new normal, how can we improve our communication skills with the people around us, be it directly or indirectly?

1. Listen well

We must listen to whomever we are communicating with. Listening does not only mean that we are hearing what the other person is saying, but we pay attention and think clearly on what the other person is trying to say.

2. Paraphrase just to be sure

If you are unsure of what the other person is trying to say, it is good to ask before going forth with a reply. With your own words, clarify whether or not the message you got was correct. This way, you could minimize the possibility of misinterpretation, especially when using only verbal communication (phone calls) or written communication (texts).

3. Check before sending

In the advanced technological era, mistakes can be easily made by misreading or misinterpreting a message because we could not see or hear how the other person actually wanted to convey the message they had sent. Just to be sure, re-read your own message or reply before you hit send. Make sure that the message you typed does not leave room for speculations or misunderstandings. It is a good idea to use the word “I feel …” when replying to someone, especially when you are conveying your point of view.

4. Think before you speak

This is applicable during direct communication. As simple as it is, most of us have yet to do this while we are conversing with other people especially when we do it directly. Take a second to collect yourself, or to process what the other person said, or to arrange a more appropriate sentence to reply to the other person.

5. Be mindful with the person you’re talking with

The way we talk to our friends and superiors are different. Children could not so easily use slang when talking to a grown-up and grown-ups could not and should not use terminologies that are deemed too mature for children as it is not appropriate. Proper language is much preferable and much safer to use. Be sure to be polite, check your intonation and the volume of your voice before speaking especially to someone older.

6. Keep it short

Written and verbal communications are better kept at its simplest. Effectively speaking, it is best to only say specific things that you want to say or ask rather than rambling on and giving too much information that may not have anything to do with what you actually want to say.

By: Natasha Celia for Cherish Academy