What are Good Communication Skills?

What are good communication skills?

Communication may be defined as "the accurate transfer of information and / or emotion from one mind to another".

Good communication skills are defined as those techniques that allow for accurate transfer of information.

Communication skills fall into three main categories:

1. Linguistic (speaking and writing).
2. Voice tonality.
3. Body language and appearance.

This blog focuses on speaking and writing skills.

In any communication there is always the risk of misunderstanding between the transmitter of the message and the receiver. This misunderstanding may be due to a variety of factors.

1. Avoid the use of ambiguous language

Ambiguous language is where words that may be interpreted in more than one way. An example of an ambiguous phrase is, "as soon as possible" or "ASAP".

Where the transmitter intends a particular word to be interpreted one way, yet the receiver interprets the same word in a different way, a misunderstanding occurs.

The communication skill is to minimise the risk of misinterpretation, by always defining any ambiguous term.

2. Do not assume prior knowledge

The transmitter may assume too much prior knowledge in the mind of the reader, and thus relies on an intellectual context that is not present. The transmitter therefore leaves more questions than answers in the mind of the receiver, leaving the receiver confused and slightly depressed at their lack of understanding.

The communication skill to master is to write according to your prospective readers knowledge base, not your own.

3. Don't overwhelm with too much information

The transmitter may overload the receiver, by providing too much information too quickly. It is essential to bear in mind that the human mind is limited in its ability to process information. Most people can retain only approximately seven pieces of information in their short-term memory, before the memory is full and the person suffers cognitive overload. The transmitter unwittingly violates the rules of epistemology and exceeds the capacity of the receiver's short-term memory to process information.

The communication skill to master is: Don't overload the reader with too much information in any one sentence.

Reduce the load on the readers short term memory.

Three communication skills for you to master.

1. To minimise the risk of misinterpretation, always define any ambiguous term. (Further reading: How language causes confusion)

2. Use your readers knowledge-base as your frame of reference.

3. Don't overwhelm people with too much information. Reduce the load on their short term memory.

Communication Skills Quiz

How would you rate your communication skills? Try our fun communication quiz and see where your strengths lie.

Definition: Good communication skills

Good communication skills are a business skill set with four must-have parts: you use clear words and define any term that could confuse; you match each message to the listener’s knowledge; you share facts in small chunks to keep minds free of overload; and you pass information and feeling from one person to another without loss.

Article Summary

Good communication skills turn ideas into action when you use clear words, match each message to the listener’s knowledge, and share information in bite-size pieces; these three habits cut costly errors, build trust and deliver the soft skill UK employers rate above all others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.

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Did You Know: Key Statistics

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication

• Communication Skills: Clear, Rational and Positive
  Learn clear communication skills that blend rational logic and positive language. Use upbeat tone and strong body language to boost understanding and results.
  Read Article >
• Ten Top Tips For Sending Professional Calendar Meeting Invites
  Send a professional meeting invite that grabs attention: learn ten calendar invite tips to state the goal, share a plan, and boost attendance and results.
  Read Article >
• The Importance of Communication Skills
  Learn three proven steps to sharpen communication skills: speak with clarity, support each point with fact, and make it matter to listeners so they act.
  Read Article >
• The NLP Meta Model
  Learn the NLP Meta Model and spot deletions, distortions and generalisations. Ask smart questions, remove confusion and drive clarity at work and in life.
  Read Article >
• Four Steps to Improve Your Communication Skills
  Want to improve communication skills? Learn four habits: focus on positives, use clear specific language, back ideas with logic, and stay polite in every talk.
  Read Article >

Looking for Communication Skills Training?

If you're looking to develop your Clear Communication Skills, you may find this Communication Skills Training Course beneficial:

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