Tips to Improve Verbal and Written Communication Skills | Beyond Tech

Summary

In this episode of Beyond Tech, Zac Memphis discusses techniques for improving both verbal and written communication skills. He highlights the importance of active listening, assertiveness, body language, and emotional control when communicating verbally, both in person and online. For written communication, Zac introduces the 'seven C's'—clarity, conciseness, concreteness, correctness, coherence, completeness, and courtesy—as essential principles. He also shares practical tips like writing daily, improving grammar, expanding vocabulary, and having others proofread your work. Effective communication, he notes, builds trust and helps create meaningful connections.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ People observe both verbal and nonverbal communication simultaneously, and written communication lacks flexibility once sent.
• 👥 How we communicate (verbally or in writing) affects how others perceive us, whether we're passive, aggressive, or assertive.
• 🔊 Active listening is key to building trust and understanding in verbal communication.
• 🤔 The process of listening, processing, thinking, and responding is essential to effective communication.
• ⏸️ Pausing before responding helps avoid reactive responses; always respond thoughtfully.
• 🙌 Nonverbal cues like body language should be warm and open, avoiding closed gestures such as crossed arms.
• 🧠 Use intellect over emotions ('I before E') to remain composed in conversations.
• 📝 Written communication must be clear, concise, correct, and coherent—mistakes can't be taken back after being sent.
• 📚 Improving writing requires daily practice, and utilizing resources like grammar tools, thesauruses, and dictionaries can help.
• 📖 Reading well is crucial for writing better, and having peers proofread your work can enhance its quality.

Q & A

What are the key forms of communication mentioned in the script?

The key forms of communication mentioned are verbal, non-verbal, and written communication.

Why is assertive communication considered the best approach?

Assertive communication is the best approach because it encourages clear, respectful, and confident exchanges, allowing both parties to understand each other without passive or aggressive tones.

What is active listening and why is it important in communication?

Active listening involves fully focusing, understanding, and responding to the speaker. It builds trust and shows the speaker that their message is valued.

What is the 'listening, processing, thinking, and responding' model?

It is a communication approach where a person listens, processes the information, thinks about it, and then responds thoughtfully instead of reacting immediately.

Why are written communications not flexible?

Written communications are not flexible because once the message is sent, it cannot be changed. Any mistakes or unclear information remain.

What are some examples of non-verbal communication mentioned in the script?

Examples of non-verbal communication include body language, such as using warm and inviting gestures, avoiding crossed arms, and not pointing fingers.

What are the Seven C's of effective written communication?

The Seven C's are: be clear, be concise, be concrete, be correct, be coherent, be complete, and be courteous.

How can someone improve their written communication skills according to the script?

To improve written communication skills, one can write daily, use online grammar resources, expand vocabulary, improve reading skills, and ask others to proofread their work.

What does 'I before E' stand for in communication?

'I before E' stands for intellect over emotions, which means using logical thinking before reacting emotionally in conversations.

Why is it important to have something worth saying in communication?

It’s important to have something worth saying to ensure that the communication is interesting, relevant, and provides value to the listener, fostering engagement and respect.