Many employers consider good communication skills as the most important soft skill to have. Look up most job descriptions and one of the key requirements candidates are required to possess is “excellent written and verbal communication skills”.
It should come as no surprise really.
The ability to communicate effectively is key to building solid relationships not just with colleagues, but also clients and other business or industry stakeholders. Effective communication makes for a productive and harmonious workplace for everyone, and it can be the difference when companies are looking to win over prospects or close a deal.
At an individual level, good verbal communication skills can have a far-reaching impact on your career. While effective communication entails more than just verbal communication skills, the importance of honing this communication aspect for employees cannot be overstated enough.
What are verbal communication skills?
Verbal communication skills are, simply put, your ability to communicate effectively through spoken words. Your oral skills or public speaking skills.
Verbal communication skills largely involve your ability to get points across orally or articulate your message clearly. However, it is not so one-dimensional as it also encompasses other communication elements such as active listening and interpersonal skills.
The annual Job Outlook survey continues to show that good communication skills (written and verbal) are one of the most desirable attributes employers are looking for in new hires. [1]
Even at a time when companies are increasingly adopting hybrid and remote work models, verbal communication skills will continue to be in demand. Whether you are a seasoned professional or recent graduate, polishing up this skill can give you an edge in an ever-competitive job market.
6 instances when verbal communication skills come in handy at the workplace
Verbal communication skills are not just a preserve of customer support representatives and virtual assistants.
Most roles require oral communication these days, and perhaps more so when every company is keen on employee performance, collaboration and delivery.
There are many instances where employees will find this soft skill handy.
These include:
• Interviews
One of the instances when you will put your oral skills to use is when interviewing for a role. This applies to job seekers entering the workforce as much as it does to experienced managers in leadership positions.
A job interview is an opportunity to market your skills. As you probably have found out, however, you might be the best at what you do, but it’s easy to miss out on a great opportunity when you are unable to articulate yourself effectively.
• Team collaboration
There is a reason most companies place emphasis on teamwork and good interpersonal skills. It might seem like a cliché requirement, but effective communication is largely responsible for team success.
Sure, every workplace will attract different personalities. Some are outgoing and talkative, others not so much. At the very least, however, employees are required to be able to express their ideas clearly.
• Meetings
Meetings are an inevitable component of any organization, and an integral one at that. It’s through meetings that teams discuss projects, objectives and updates.
It’s through verbal communication skills that employees communicate progress, contribute to discussions, provide responses and ask questions.
• Presentations
Presentations are more formal in nature compared to team meetings. And depending on the nature of the presentation and audience you’re presenting to, the stakes can be said to be higher.
Presentations take practice to perfect since you need to adjust everything from your tone and presence to body language. If your role involves regularly giving presentations, presentation skills coaching is something you might want to consider. A huge part of it involves getting your oral skills right.
• Leadership
Effective leadership demands good communication skills, both oral and written. There are many times a leader – whether it’s supervisors, managers or senior executives – will be called upon to speak and demonstrate their leadership qualities. Without good verbal communication skills, the challenge of leadership will be even harder.
This extends to employees across the board. If you’re eyeing a leadership role, good verbal communication skills are a must. As well, you’ll find that most employees who scale up the corporate ladder are individuals who have mastered the art of public speaking.
• Working with clients
Verbal communication takes even more importance when it comes to client-facing roles. If you hold such a role, a lot of the company’s success hinges on your ability to effectively communicate with clients – as you’re already aware.
That’s in addition to other elements of communication such as active listening skills and empathy.
Ways to sharpen your verbal communication skills
As you can see, there are many instances when you will be required to put your oral communication skills to the test as an employee. And the above is not an exhaustive list.
Whether you work in a traditional office setup, remotely or a hybrid work model, good verbal communication skills are not only important in the dispensation of your responsibilities, but also a key skill to have for career success. That also goes for freelancers and other independent contractors.
Fortunately, oral communication is something you can improve by taking some proactive measures. Here are three ways you can do that.
1. Pursue self-coaching
In a bid to become more marketable, a lot of emphasis is placed on acquiring additional hard skills to complement one’s educational background.
While that is a good thing, you should not neglect soft skills such as verbal communication skills. Sometimes, these make all the difference in an ever-competitive field.
The good thing is that there is no shortage of online resources to aid you in this regard. Whether it’s signing up to a course on Udemy or Coursera, or relying on YouTube to sharpen your speaking skills, there is no shortage of options.
The effectiveness of a self-teaching model like this will vary on the individual, though. Like learning a foreign language, some people find learning through a tutor more effective. If you fall into this category, consider going with the next option.
2. Work with a communication coach
One of the most effective ways to improve your verbal communication skills is to hire a professional communication coach.
Communication coaches are professionals who have mastered the art of effective communication and provide a perfect avenue to hone your communication skills without fear of being judged.
A professional communication coach will work with you to identify weaknesses in your articulation and other aspects of communication. These are professionals who have seen it all and are well-placed to help you perfect areas of your communication that could use some improvement. These include oral communication skills, body language, presentation skills, active listening and more.
Communication coaches work with individuals and some have packages that cater to organizational teams as well.
3. Practice (and volunteer!)
Sometimes, the best way to learn a skill is to dive into the deep end of things. When it comes to public speaking, that’s never been truer.
To hone your verbal communication skills, consider taking up opportunities that allow you to gain and perfect your public speaking skills.
Find seminars and workshops that focus on public speaking, whether virtual or on-site events within your vicinity. Toastmasters International is an organization that also offers a supportive environment for professionals (and anyone for that matter really) to practice and improve their oral skills. If there is one in your city, consider joining.
You can also volunteer for speaking opportunities at events that involve an audience. For example, at work, social gatherings and community events. The benefits of doing this will eventually translate in your professional life.
Conclusion
Verbal communication skills are a powerful tool every employee can have in their arsenal. It is a talent every employer holds in high regard.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not a preserve of customer support representatives, the sales and marketing team or virtual assistants. As a professional, good verbal skills make you stand out and can have a huge bearing on your career as a whole.
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