Untie Your Tongue: How to Get Your Message Across at Work

Good communication is an all-important workplace skill. Master it and you’ll increase your chances of success in everything from client presentations to job interviews.

The good news is that learning how to be a good communicator is like learning any other skill. Here are some key tips for developing the gift of the gab.

Know What You Want To Say

Start with a strong idea of exactly what you want to talk about. Without it, you risk wandering off-topic and losing the attention of your audience. Preparation is crucial.

Spend time writing a list of the key points you need to make, and think about the likely questions you might be asked. This will help get your message across clearly and win the response you’re looking for.

Be Confident

The more prepared you are, the more confident you’re going to feel – and appearing confident is important when it’s time to make your case in a meeting or interview.

An obvious lack of confidence creates uncertainty. People might doubt your authority on your topic, your ability to do the job or the strength of your ideas.

Speak with confidence and people will focus on what you’re saying, and feel more open to being persuaded. Fortunately, just acting like you’re confident can be as effective as the real thing.

Think About Body Language

Having confidence in what you’re saying is important, but so is the way you say it. Tone of voice, facial expressions, body language and behaviour will all affect how people respond and interpret you.

Try to appear attentive but relaxed in an interview. Use gestures to emphasise key points and make eye contact to deliver them. Smiles are always good, when appropriate.

Be Constructive

In interviews, recruiters wants to know whether you’re a good fit for their team. Conveying a positive, solutions-focused attitude will help show them you’re a team player. Good communication is the key to identifying and solving problems at work.

Keeping conversations positive in the face of disagreements is always best, even if it’s sometimes a struggle. It’s the professional approach and it will help you stay upbeat. Focus on shared goals and try to offer constructive solutions.

Swap Shoes

Good communicators always try to put themselves in other people’s shoes. Before a job interview, try to think from the recruiter’s perspective. Think about their needs and what they’re looking for in a candidate. If you can persuade an interviewer you’re ticking their boxes, it’s an easier decision for them to hire you.

Remember: not many people are naturally gifted at communication. For most of us, it’s a skill that takes practice, reflection and adaptation. Find your own personal style and you’ll improve over time.