By Anupama Nair
Mumbai, April 20
Being able to communicate effectively is the most important of all life skills. Communication is the act of transferring information from one place to another, whether this be:
- verbal (using voice), written (using printed or digital media such as books, magazines, websites, or emails), or visual (using logos, maps, charts or graphs)
- Non-verbal is (using body language, gestures, and the tone and pitch of voice).
Next question is why communication? Developing communication skills can help all aspects of our life, from professional life to social gatherings and everything in between. It’s never too late to work on your communication skills and by doing so improve the quality of life.
Effective verbal communication skills include more than just talking. Verbal communication encompasses both how you deliver messages and how you receive them. For non-verbal communication the body language, eye contact, hand gestures, and tone all color the message we are trying to convey. Also, pay attention to other people's non-verbal signals while we are talking. Often, non-verbal signals convey how a person is really feeling. For example, if the person is not looking you in the eye, he or she might be uncomfortable or hiding the truth.
Let us see what are the tips for effective communication. Always talk with lot of conviction, confidence, and clarity. Keep communication as simple as possible. Never assume the audience knows everything and provide them all necessary details. Being a great listener is a must. Ensure to reduce any kind of noise that can interfere with the clarity of the message. Communication should be made successful by speaking to each member as individual one-on-one.
Always practice the Hear model i.e., hear, empathize, analyze and respond. Communication should comprise a combination of four different levels i.e facts, meaning, feelings and intentions. I practise matching tone, speed, loudness according to the need. I maintain a proper pace while speaking. I always focus on the correct pronunciation of the words that I use and speak correct grammatical English. I use appropriate gestures using my conversation. I practice thinking about other’s points of view. I am happy and positive when I talk to people.
Let us talk about goals and why goal-setting is important. What is the goal? A goal is an aim or an object or end that one strives to attain. We set goals to achieve more, get more organized, improve self-confidence, and last but not the least perform better. Easier said than done isn’t it. How can we set effective goals is the next question? The simple answer would be to be positive, set priorities, write goals down, at first keep goals small, and then break down goals into smaller goals that can be achieved easily.
How can we achieve the goals we set? We need to think what skills are needed to achieve our goals. Then think what information and knowledge are used to achieve the goal. Think of the help or assistance, and resources we need. Lastly, we need to think is there any better idea than this? But many times, we fail as goals are set too high to achieve, goals are not challenging to try and then too many non-prioritized goals. Before goal setting remember goal is your servant not your master. As Abraham Lincoln said “If I had three hours to cut down a tree, I would spend two hours sharpening the axe”.
Let us now see the major hurdles faced by foreign speakers of English. What foreign users do is literal translation from vernacular language to English and vice-versa, which is a disaster waiting to happen. They forget English is spoken differently. English has part of speech which should be used in a particular place only. Then foreign speakers make Grammatical and phonetical errors. They use phrases and expressions in the wrong context or place.
The easiest way to learn global English i.e., the English that is understood from the western shores of Canada to the eastern shores of New Zealand and Australia, is to “Think English”. How can this be done? Firstly, start using small and simple sentences. Start the day with “good morning”, and “how are you doing today?’’ Make conversation with others. Get creative and use alternative words if you are struck on a word, instead of using your vernacular language. Build your vocabulary by reading good books and watching movies and documentaries. Use English to English Dictionary.
In today’s world getting a job is difficult. Getting through an interview is the most difficult part. An interview is a process– just not only a conversation between two or more people where questions are asked by the interviewer to elicit facts or statements from the interviewee. It includes many steps; to get selected in an interview one has to be prepared for each and every steps of the interview.
What are the steps of the Interview Process?
- Bio Data, Resume & Curriculum vitae.
- Grooming.
- Body language and gesture.
- Techniques of answering questions.
- Most likely questions during the interview.
- What to say instead of I don’t know. (Admitting that you do not know the answer is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you know yourself and would not want to participate in a guessing game).
- Closing and follow up
We need to understand “first impression is a long-lasting impression”
Interview Questions Frequently Asked:
- Tell me about yourself?
Do not tell your life story. Tell briefly about yourself. Connect personal strengths with supporting examples. Mention past experiences with proven successes. Align current job responsibilities to this role.
- Why do you want to work here?
“In my life, I am sure of one thing and that is I want to build a decent career in my current domain. I have acquired necessary skills to some extent as well as got accustomed to the corporate way of living.
- Why are you interested in this job?
I am interested in the job because I can see that it suits my skills and help solve the problem well. I know I can develop my career the way I want to.
- Why should we hire you?
Honestly, “I possess all the skills and experiences that you are looking for. I am the best candidate for this job role.
CORPORATE DRESSING MANTRAS
- Hair is well combed and clean.
- Men have to shave their beard every day.
- Keep your nails trimmed and clean.
- Wear formal clothes and avoid jeans. Wear well-fitted, neat and well ironed clothes.
- Wear minimal make up and jewelry.
- Wear mild perfume/deodorant.
MOTIVATION AND PASSION ACCELERATORS
- I REPEATEDLY TELL MYSELF I AM THE CHAMPION. I AM THE BEST.
- I focus on my goals — heath, family, finance and career.
- I have motivational posters in my work place.
- I have a journal and make clear notes, with my achievements, what I learnt today and lastly what I commit to improve myself.
- I set goals for myself.
- I recharge my batteries as I have healthy hobbies.
- I take brief breaks during a long day at work.
- I take vitamins of healthy mind, read good books, and watch good movies.
- I celebrate with family and friends.
- I make a plan and then work to achieve it.
My Mantra for life
“FAILURE IS THE STEPPING STONE FOR SUCCESS”.
