Your career success depends on the way in which you communicate with others. No matter whether you deal directly with clients and business partners or work in a team you need to be able to express your opinion effectively. The communication skills are not easy to master. It takes time and practice. But you should definitely learn the basic principles if you want to advance in your job. This is particularly applicable to all individuals working in large cities like London where the employment market competition is always great.
The most important communication principle is to stay focused on the topic of the conversation you are having. In this way you will express everything you want to say effectively. It is a good idea not to go over past things or to discuss general issues unless they are relevant. You have to focus your sentences on communicating your thoughts exactly. The more straightforward you are the better. You do not have to provide great explanation either. You might want to write down the main points you would like to mention so that you can keep your focus in the topic.
Listening is a vital communicative skill for any modern day worker. You have to make sure that you perceive what the other person is saying. Even when you are nervous you should not focus on what you will say next and run your line into your head. Quite the opposite, the communication will be more effective if you listen to what the other person has to say and base your reply on this.
Also, you have to understand what is being said to you. If you are confused it is best to ask for additional clarification and explanation. Generally, you should be open the viewpoint of others and grasp it so that you can effective evaluate different ideas.
Your attitude towards others can determine how effective you are in your work. It is best to treat all your colleagues with respect when you speak to them. You should also be polite to all clients no matter how annoying they can be at times. When you show positive attitude you will be most likely get the same.
More importantly you should not base your words on emotions. It is natural for you to get angry with someone or to be disappointed when a project is not going well. It is best to use the simple rule for counting to ten before you speak. In this way you will avoid many unpleasant and embarrassing moments.
Also, it is best not to use straightforward criticism and accusations. You can always express how you feel about a matter instead of accusing your colleague of something. Still, you should not be shy. You have to speak firmly and clearly so that the other person can hear you and understand you well. You should be sincere about the things you want to say. It is best to discuss a problem so that the best solution for everyone can be found.
In order to improve your communicative skills you have to learn how to accept the good as well as the bad. You should not get angry or upset about criticism when it is constructive. It is great to get a pat on the back, but you cannot expect praising all the time.