Sharpen Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Skills

Communicating verbally, using words and tone, will unleash the power of your voice and help you communicate more effectively. Record yourself and ask a friend for feedback. Incorporate these qualities:

PROPER VOLUME

Ensure your voice has appropriate power, intensity and projection.

SMOOTH VOICE QUALITY

Avoid being breathy, strident, harsh or nasally.

CORRECT PRONUNCIATION

Pay attention to your sound production, rhythm and cadence.

PRECISE ARTICULATION

Form distinct sounds so every word is clear and deliberate.

SENSIBLE RATE

Align speed to the speech's purpose: fast if exciting, slow for sad and approximately 160 words/minute if informative.

EXPRESSIVENESS

Emphasize each phrase with the right pitch, pace, pause and power.

DYNAMIC ENERGY

Amplify and intensify points to show passion and compassion for the affected audience.

Using subtle nonverbal communication skills, like body language and facial expressions, allows you to communicate in a way that goes beyond the spoken word. Remember, 55% of people perceive and interpret communicated messages through body language, so it is essential your body language is appropriate and matches the message you intend to communicate. Rehearse in a mirror or record yourself. Look for these qualities in your body language:

ENGAGING EYE CONTACT

Avoid staring down your audience or reading directly from notes.

NATURAL GESTURES

Use supportive hand gestures but don't force anything.

FACIAL AWARENESS

Make natural and deliberate facial expressions.

PURPOSEFUL MOVEMENT

Be intentional with movements, shifts, pace and hair or clothing adjustments.

PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE

Be inspection-ready and represent your organization appropriately.