Here's how you can enhance your communication skills based on feedback.
Improving your communication skills is a journey that often begins with feedback. Whether it's from a colleague, a friend, or a professional setting, feedback is a valuable tool for personal growth. It's a mirror reflecting your current abilities and the areas where you can enhance your skills. By actively seeking out feedback and responding to it constructively, you can transform the way you interact with others, ensuring your message is not just heard but also understood and appreciated. Embrace the opportunity to refine your communication skills through the lens of feedback, and you'll find that every conversation becomes a step toward becoming a more effective communicator.
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Anish Kumar SrivastavaVice President, Research & Development | Process Engineering, R&D
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Harvinder Singh✨🏅272 X Linkedin Top Voice 🏅✨|| 8% in Top Generative AI & Top Product Analysis Voice || Top Artificial Intelligence…
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Mahdi NikbakhtHuman Resources Development Manager Leadership Development Trainer, OKR Coach
To start enhancing your communication skills, actively seek out feedback from those you interact with. This could be after a presentation, during a project, or following any significant interaction. Approach individuals whose opinions you value and who have observed your communication style. Be specific in your request, asking for both strengths and areas for improvement. Remember, the goal is to gain insights that will help you grow, so approach this step with an open mind and a willingness to listen, not just hear.
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To enhance your communication skills, one must actively seek feedback from your colleagues, managers, or friends. This can be done through following a significant interaction, during a project or informal conversations. Seek advice from individuals whose opinions matter to you. Feedback can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in communication. Don't just listen to feedback; try to understand the context in which it was given. This will help you to see the feedback as a tool for growth rather than criticism.
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Reflect and Assess: Start by thoroughly reviewing the feedback received. Identify common themes or specific instances where your communication could be improved. Consider how your communication style is perceived by others, and be honest with yourself about the areas that need enhancement.
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From my experience, seeking feedback is key to refining communication skills and fostering personal growth. Request constructive criticism from peers, mentors, and supervisors to identify areas for improvement. Actively listen to their insights and incorporate feedback into your communication approach, adapting and evolving with each interaction. Embrace feedback as a catalyst for continuous improvement, ultimately enhancing your ability to connect and convey ideas effectively.
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Improving your communication skills based on feedback can be through connecting more effectively with others. One important thing I've learned is to listen when someone is talking to show genuine interest in what they're saying without jumping in with your own thoughts right away. This makes people feel valued and understood. Also, keep your messages clear and straightforward. Instead of using complicated words or jargon, try to explain things in layman's term for everyone to understand. It's like having a chat where you want to make sure everyone feels included. Practicing empathy is crucial, put yourself in others' shoes to better grasp their feelings and perspectives. It leads to more meaningful conversations and stronger connections.
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Improving my communication skills is like a never-ending buffet of feedback! I gobble up every comment, suggestion, and groan (let's face it, those are informative too), then analyze them with the precision of a tiny digital chef. With this smorgasbord of knowledge, I whip up tastier, more relevant responses that are sure to leave you saying "communication well done!"
Once you receive feedback, take the time to reflect on it deeply. Avoid the temptation to dismiss or become defensive about negative comments. Instead, consider the context in which the feedback was given and try to understand the perspective of the person providing it. Think about how your words, tone, body language, and even your listening skills may have impacted the interaction. This reflection is not about self-criticism but about recognizing patterns and identifying areas where you can improve.
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Often, taking a negative feedback is difficult for professionals, especially, if it is coming from a stakeholder, who is direct & blunt...and you know that you have worked really hard. Sit back for some time, relax, sleep over it...Later, thread it out, to identify patterns and areas, where you can make changes. Keep reaching out to the same person, again and again, with a smile, even, if it is difficult to keep :). Take and give time...I have seen things improving over time.
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reflecting deeply on feedback is a transformative approach to honing communication skills. Set aside dedicated time to ponder the feedback received, delving into its nuances and implications. Consider journaling or meditation to facilitate introspection and uncover underlying patterns or blind spots. Embrace this process as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth, paving the way for more authentic and impactful communication.
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Reflecting on feedback can be a powerful way to improve your communication. Take a moment to consider how your style may impact those around you, and identify areas where you can grow. With dedication and effort, you can become a more effective communicator and build stronger relationships with those in your life. Remember, by taking the time to reflect and make changes, you are investing in yourself and your future success.
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Having received 360 degree feedback multiple times during my career I can say that it does not always feel good. Rather than focus on the negative, consider the breadth of information you received. Carve out the pieces you want to work on first and be thankful for information that will only make you stronger.
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It's crucial to resist the temptation to reject or defend oneself against negative feedback. Instead, analyze the context and try to understand the other person's perspective. Reflect on how your words, tone, and body language influenced the interaction. This exercise isn't about criticizing yourself but about growing, identifying areas for improvement, and patterns that can be adjusted.
After reflecting on the feedback, set specific communication goals for yourself. These should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For instance, if you've been told you need to work on being more concise, set a goal to limit your responses to three sentences or less during meetings for the next month. By having clear objectives, you'll be able to focus your efforts and track your progress over time.
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Leverage feedback to set communication goals, aligning them with specific areas of improvement. Employ the SMART criteria to ensure goals are measurable and achievable. Break down goals into manageable milestones, celebrating progress and staying motivated. Use feedback as a compass for continuous growth and refinement in communication skills.
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Set Specific Goals: Based on your reflection, set clear and achievable goals for improving your communication. For example, if feedback suggests that you need to be more concise, a goal could be to limit your responses to three sentences or less in emails or meetings.
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The key to improving your communication skills is to set clear and achievable goals. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, you can make progress towards becoming a more effective communicator. Remember that with each step you take, you are moving closer to your goal. Keep pushing forward, and you will find that your efforts will pay off in the end.
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Setting goals such as improving grammar, getting rid of filler words when talking, preparing for "x" amount of minutes everyday before a big presentation, are ways you can improve your confidence.
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Improving communication skills based on feedback starts with setting specific, measurable goals. Begin by identifying areas of weakness in your current communication style that have been highlighted by feedback. Establish clear, actionable objectives, such as enhancing your active listening skills or improving your ability to convey your thoughts clearly and concisely. Regularly monitor your progress by seeking additional feedback to ensure you are moving towards your goals effectively.
Improvement comes with practice. Use every interaction as an opportunity to work on your communication goals. If you're aiming to improve your listening skills, consciously make an effort to listen more than you speak in conversations. If clarity is your target, practice summarizing your thoughts before expressing them. Active practice also means seeking out environments or groups where you can communicate regularly and receive more feedback, creating a cycle of continuous improvement.
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Mahdi Nikbakht
Human Resources Development Manager Leadership Development Trainer, OKR Coach
(edited)Up to this point, you have gained knowledge about your behavior, what needs to change and what should happen. But changing your behavior does not only happen through the acquisition of knowledge. Your behavior comes from your intuition, and intuition can only be influenced by repetition. Once you know what you need to improve, be patient and practice a lot. Changing a behavior and making it a habit happens gradually. So do not expect miraculous improvement and change when you take the first steps. The desired change can only be achieved through practice and repetition. You therefore need to invest time and energy in this phase.
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Look for resources and training opportunities that align with your goals. This could involve attending workshops, reading books on effective communication, or even practicing with a mentor or coach who can provide ongoing feedback and guidance. And then try to implement what you’ve learned in your daily interactions. Practice the specific skills you’re aiming to improve, whether it’s active listening, presenting ideas more clearly, or asking for feedback to ensure your message has been understood. Regular practice and conscious
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To actively improve communication skills, engage in deliberate practice. Set specific goals based on feedback and seek opportunities to apply new techniques in real-life interactions. Practice active listening, clarity in speech, and adjusting body language accordingly. Reflect on each practice session to identify areas for further refinement, maintaining a consistent effort to strengthen communication abilities over time.
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Put the adjustments and enhancements that were pointed out in the feedback into practice. Track and evaluate the outcomes of your communication efforts, make reasonable goals, practice frequently, get input from a variety of sources, and acknowledge and celebrate your advancements and successes.
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YES, YOU HATE THE FEEDBACK LOOP. YES, IT GETS BETTER. Remember when I said my template for setting and achieving goals was foolproof despite being 3 steps and super easy? Wanna know why? BECAUSE it is 3 steps, and super easy - meaning 1. You'll collect meaningful data points 2. You'll get into a practice loop, which means you'll get better over time 3. Step 2 means you'll develop a Feedback Filter - you'll learn NOT TO TAKE THINGS PERSONALLY Asking for input on your work is hard at first. It feels raw and icky. But the more you work this loop of goal > feedback > improve > repeat, the better you will get at it and the less it will suck. Feedback is a skill just like any other. Mastering this skill makes you unstoppable.
As you practice, be prepared to adapt your approach based on new feedback and the results you're seeing. Communication is not one-size-fits-all; what works in one situation may not work in another. Pay attention to how people respond to your adjustments—are they more engaged, do they understand you better? Flexibility also means being willing to drop techniques that aren't working and trying new ones. This adaptability is crucial for continuous improvement in communication.
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Adaptability: Be open to adjusting your approach based on feedback. Like a skilled salesperson, tailor your communication style to each individual's needs. Responsiveness: Pay close attention to how people react to your changes. Adjust accordingly to improve engagement and understanding. Experimentation: Don't be afraid to try new techniques. Successful communicators are willing to experiment until they find what works best. Continuous Improvement: Feedback is a gift. Use it to identify areas for growth and keep honing your communication abilities. Personalization: Effective communication is not one-size-fits-all. Adapt your style to each unique situation and individual to maximize impact.
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When you receive feedback, view it as an opportunity for growth. Take some time to reflect on the feedback and find areas where you can improve. Once you have identified those areas, create effective strategies to address them. Remember that constructive feedback can help you become a better version of yourself.
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Adapting flexibly is crucial when refining your communication skills. Embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth and be willing to adjust your approach accordingly. If certain techniques or strategies are not yielding the desired results, be open to trying new methods suggested by feedback or observation. Stay agile and responsive to the needs and preferences of your audience, tailoring your communication style to better connect with them. Remember that effective communication is dynamic and context-dependent, so remain adaptable and willing to experiment until you find what works best for you and your audience.
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In my communication journey, I've learned that flexibility and adaptability are crucial for growth. I value feedback as a chance to refine my approach. By tailoring my style to individual needs and observing reactions, I enhance engagement. I embrace experimentation to find what works best. Effective communication isn’t one-size-fits-all, so I stay agile and responsive. Adaptability thus becomes an important aspect in scenarios of dynamic and impactful communication.
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Being able to adapt to match the personalities of the people you are talking to allows others to empathize with you and consider your points in greater detail. There are some who prefer you to be very direct to them and not sugarcoat anything, while others prefer you to say things to them in the nicest way possible. What I have found to be the best strategy to deal with these two divergent paths is to first present yourself with a good attitude, and not to ramble on for too long. Keep track of words or phrases that arouse a certain response and deploy them effectively, while staying true and tight to the main message.
Maintaining a positive attitude throughout this process is essential. Enhancing communication skills can be challenging, and there will be setbacks. However, each piece of feedback, whether positive or negative, is a stepping stone towards your development. Celebrate your improvements, no matter how small, and use any setbacks as learning opportunities. A positive mindset will keep you motivated and resilient on your journey to becoming a better communicator.
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Stay positive throughout the learning process. Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth and celebrate progress, no matter how small.
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In HR, communication is key. Maintaining positivity when integrating feedback is crucial. Each critique or commendation offers insights for personal and professional growth. By viewing feedback as essential to our development, we cultivate a growth mindset that values learning from every piece of feedback—be it positive or negative. Celebrating small victories while learning from setbacks helps build resilience and keeps us motivated. This approach not only sharpens our communication skills but also enhances team collaboration and creates a culture of continuous improvement. Let's embrace feedback as our stepping stone to becoming better communicators.
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To enhance your communication skills, it's essential to maintain a positive attitude. Although the journey to improvement may be challenging, approach it with resilience and optimism. Don't let setbacks discourage you, instead, view them as opportunities for learning and development. Celebrate small victories and progress along the way, and surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage and uplift you during moments of difficulty. Cultivate a growth mindset, and remember that success is achievable with persistence and a positive outlook. By staying focused on your goals and maintaining a constructive approach, you'll be well-equipped to overcome obstacles and continue making strides in improving your communication skills.
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When communicating with others, it's important to remember that empathy can go a long way. By taking the time to understand and appreciate others' perspectives, feelings, and needs, you can build stronger relationships and create a more positive and productive environment for everyone involved. So, the next time you're in a conversation with someone, try to put yourself in their shoes and show genuine interest and concern for their experiences. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.
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I wish it were that easy to accept criticism. Its like that saying in a fight, "Everyone has a plan, until they're punched in the mouth." Same with feedback, you tell yourself to be prepared and be open to their input, but when they tell you something you weren't expecting it can be a very hard pill to swallow. There may be times when you don't react in the best way. IF that happens my advice, once you calm down, take a breath tell yourself you asked for an honest opinion and that's what you got from their perspective. Male sure you go back and apologize (if needed) and thank them for their time. Build that character!
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One of the best ways to improve your communication skills is to practice active listening. This means making a conscious effort to truly hear what others are saying rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. By doing so, you can gain a better understanding of their perspectives and respond thoughtfully and constructively. Another important aspect of effective communication is paying attention to body language. Your posture, eye contact, and gestures can all convey a lot about your attitude and emotions. By maintaining good posture, making eye contact, and using appropriate gestures, you can enhance your message and ensure that your communication is received positively.
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Anytime people get discouraged with feedback because they feel like it’s a personal attack against them. Feedback is one of the most important things you can receive and it’s the greatest gift. Use it to propel yourself and don’t take it personally it’s advice to allow you to shape your future destiny.
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Feedback is a great way to understand how your communication is perceived. Compare it with how you want your communication skills to be perceived. Divide your feedback into 4 sections : 1. Easy change - maximum impact 2. Easy change - moderate impact 3. Long term change - maximum impact 4. Long term change - moderate impact Once you have the above list, slowly pick one change at a time and make minor modifications. Get continuous feedback as you make changes. Creating small wins is important to boost your motivation and confidence. Feedback loop will help you achieve that. This way you can have a more systematic way of approaching to feedback versus an emotional reaction to it.
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To enhance your communication skills beyond conventional methods, try incorporating storytelling into your interactions. Storytelling is a powerful tool that can make your messages more engaging and memorable. Start by studying various narrative structures and storytelling techniques, then practice by incorporating these elements into your daily communications, whether in presentations, meetings, or casual conversations. This approach not only makes your communication more effective but also more enjoyable for your audience.
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You can't take one step to reach the top of the mountain. Small, incremental goals and validating your development will help keep you growing and moving in the right direction. There are times when we need to pivot or something is not working. Stopping to reflect often can help keep us progressing. Equally, in these instances, some outside feedback can often be helpful to guide you. Feedback and actions need to be constantly reviewed and validated. I've often given the example of building a car; before you start building a car, maybe make a skateboard first. This iterative approach can keep you learning and growing consistently while taking time to reflect, review, and maximise your opportunities for development.
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