Why traditional communication skills are no longer enough

One key skill that the majority of employers are looking for is good communication skills. In fact, if you attend any type of change management courses this will be one thing that will be mentioned; the importance of great communication skills and the role that they play in any job. Employers are looking for employees who can express themselves in a clear and positive manner both in writing and through verbal communication.

Why are communication skills important?

Good communication isn’t just about being able to put you point across, it’s also about being able to listen to what others have to say and understand what to do with it. The job market is so competitive, with the average corporate role attracting up to 250 CVs, and communication skills are very much sought after but employers are looking for those candidates who have the edge. That means candidates who can be confident when communicating with customers, negotiating and communicating important information with people at every level. Of course, they also need these people to be able to listen carefully as well and even be able to put the people they are talking to at ease. Communication is about so much more than the ability to impart information, and if you don’t have the whole package then there is a good chance that you will be passed over.

What communication skills might you need?

Emotional intelligence, the ability to manage and understand your emotions in vital when it comes to effective communication. As any change management expert will tell you this is not a skill that is obtained but rather one that is learned over time.

Being able to communicate with clarity and cohesion Is also vital. If these are skills that you do not have then it can lead to confusion and even poor decision making. For some people, this is best approached with preparations - planning what you want to say and what information you are hoping to gain before you start communicating can lead to the clarity you need.

Having the right amount of friendliness in your communication is also another skill that you should master. A friendly tone will encourage others to speak to you but there is a fine line between being friendly and over friendly and it is important to understand the difference between the two.

Being able to listen to the ideas that other people have and respect what they have to say is far more likely to open the lines of communication. Remembering things, retaining what the other person has said and being able to personalise your response will go a long way. The same can be said for the tone of voice you use; this can be as simple as the volume that you speak at and the emotion that you put into what you say.

In short, communication is about more than just being able to speak to someone. It is the way in which you do it and the effort that you use in order to make sure that your communication skills set you aside.