Communication skills are essential to succeed in the workplace and become an effective leader. Communication, in simple terms, is the exchange of information between individuals or groups. Effective communication is necessary for building relationships, making sales, and giving presentations. It is important to develop robust communication skills in order to advance in one’s career. Here are 11 vital practices that can help one improve their communication skills:

1. Practice important communication before delivery: Practicing before delivering any message or presentation helps one become well-prepared and confident. One should visit the presentation location before the actual event to familiarize themselves with the venue and equipment.

2. Practice theatre for important communications: Style, speed, and tempo play a vital role in communication. One can use visual aids, repeat key points, and change volume to emphasize certain points to improve communication skills.

3. Know when to use active listening skills: Communication is a two-way process, and active listening skills are important. This involves maintaining eye contact and asking questions. Great communicators focus on one person at a time while conversing.

4. Study great communicators: Lifelong learning is the key to becoming an effective communicator. Studying speeches and presentations given by great communicators can help one develop their own style. Many famous public speakers have studied Lincoln’s speeches as an example of brief and powerful communication.

5. Take courses to improve communication skills: Improving communication skills is a journey that requires time and practice. Warren Buffet, the legendary billionaire investor, considers communication skills highly valuable and took the Dale Carnegie Course in his 20s.

6. Communicate using body language: Words are important in communication, but nonverbal cues can also help convey the message effectively. Gestures, facial expressions, and the tone of voice can make a huge difference.

7. Know when to use humor in communication: Humor can be a useful tool to alleviate tension and improve engagement with the audience. Using humor effectively can help one make a challenging point.

8. Know how to work with different audiences: Knowing the audience is crucial for effective communication. One needs to customize their communication accordingly, keeping in mind the audience’s age, ethnicity, profession, and interests.

9. Understand the importance of good timing: Timing is essential in communication, especially in response to a crisis. Responding quickly and efficiently can make a significant difference.

10. Use personality profile: Knowing one’s personality traits and leveraging them can have a positive impact on communication skills. Different personalities have different strengths that can be used to improve communication skills.

11. Use different communication methods: Just like an artist using different mediums to create art, effective communicators are adept at using different communication methods. Knowing the difference between a live speech, TV interview, and written report can help one communicate more effectively.

In conclusion, communication skills are essential for success in the workplace, and becoming an effective leader. To improve communication skills, one needs to focus on active listening, practice, and learn from great communicators, take courses, communicate using body language, know how to use humor effectively, work with different audiences, understand the importance of good timing, use their personality profile, and leverage different communication methods. Developing robust communication skills is key in building relationships, making sales, and giving presentations. The effort invested in developing communication skills is well worth the benefits.