A person who can convey an idea without losing its essence is an asset in any industry. Mastering communication skills is essential in today’s world as effective communication enables you to captivate the audience. To become a great communicator, you should be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Moreover, casual talks cannot be ignored when it comes to communication. Learning the art of communication will help improve interpersonal relationships and ultimately achieve success.

What is the art of communication?
The art of communication refers to the way information is conveyed clearly and concisely. To communicate effectively with the listeners, you need to master the different types of communication. Typically, there are four main kinds of communication:

• Verbal communication
  This type includes communicating using spoken words. It is done either in person or over the phone. Make sure to choose the right word from your vocabulary and use an appropriate tone to ensure the message is delivered.

• Non-verbal communication
  Facial expressions, posture, body language, hand gestures, eye contact, and tone of your voice are all ways of expressing your thoughts. Non-verbal communication reinforces your verbal message and makes it more effective.

• Written communication
  Written communications are printed messages, for example, letters, emails, notes, and texts. These may be handwritten, printed, or may appear on a screen.

• Visual communication
  Visual communication uses visual elements to convey any information. It takes place through mediums like televisions and social networking. Visual communication aids in enhancing knowledge and understanding.

All of the above types of communication are equally important as they help in effectively delivering the message to its intended recipient.

Importance of developing good communication skills
Good communication skills are essential in all aspects of life from professional to personal life. It is a capability that can be achieved with practice. You have good communication abilities when you convey a message without leading to misinterpretation. Being an excellent communicator can help you succeed in your career. The following tips will help you improve your communication skills.

Tips to improve verbal communication
Learning to listen is one of the ways to improve your communication skills. Give your full attention to the speaker avoiding all distractions such as mobile phones and laptops. Listen to their words, pronunciation, and clarification questions, and summarize your understanding. By doing so, you validate that you have heard and understood completely.

Improving non-verbal communication
For improving non-verbal communication, begin by observing others during conversation. Try to follow these basic rules while speaking:

• Establish eye contact when you speak and listen. Keeping eye contact while talking or listening is a powerful tool in communication.
• Avoid fidgeting, and instead, be still when you speak
• Keep your emotions in check during stressful situations

Tips to improve written communication
Format your content, use bullet points, highlight important points, and avoid using jargon or technical language that people are not familiar with. Make sure to proofread everything that you write to avoid any mistakes. There are plenty of online tools that can help you with checking your spelling, grammar, and even the content.

Tips to improve visual communication
A few things need to be considered for making visual communication effective. First, avoid putting too many visual aids as it will make your content unprofessional. Use proper charts to showcase data and images that clearly illustrate the point. Use colors and fonts that complement each other and give your overall design an appealing look. You can also take the help of online tools to create professional-looking visuals.

How to build a career in communications?
There are plenty of communication jobs in various sectors including broadcasting, marketing, advertising, journalism, and much more. Some of the most in-demand careers in these fields include public relations (PR) managers, translators or interpreters, content strategists, editors, reporters, or correspondents.

For people who want to build their career in communications, there are various communication courses available including:

• Associate degree in communication
  This two-year associate degree teaches you fundamental communication and writing skills. It prepares you for roles such as customer service representative or administrative assistant.

• Bachelor’s degree in communication
  This four-year communications degree gives you real-world skills that can be applied to various jobs. A general communications course can also help in pursuing higher studies in related fields.

Though basic communication always occurs through verbal or written forms, the medium of communicating has rapidly changed over the past decade. Today, communication is closely linked with technology. With the availability of various modern communication systems and equipment, multiple people can stay in touch with each other irrespective of the geographical distance. From texting and instant messaging to emails and social media networks, communicating with a wide audience is easily possible. Therefore, it is imperative to learn and master the art of communication to effectively convey your message to your intended audience.