Write On ResultsPen & Paper Marketing
Simplify Your Marketing & Grow Your Business
A Write On Results Newsletter | January 2009
Write On Results | www.writeonresults.com | 301-624-1705

5 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills
I belong to a Toastmasters Club. Like most groups, we struggle to find new members. But lately, this isn't the case. Each meeting, 2-3 new people join our club. It's amazing.   
 
While much credit should be handed to the volunteers in our organization, I believe that some of our recent growth is due to the tough economy. Jobs and customers aren't easy to come by. People are realizing that they need to improve their communication skills to be memorable and valuable.
 
Today I'm going to share five things you can do to improve your communication skills:
 
1. Write More
Writing helps you find your voice. When you find your voice, you become a better communicator. Your message means more to your readers. They believe you and want to listen to you. To become a better writer, you need to write more. You can write a journal or blog. It doesn't have to be something you share with others - just use it as an opportunity to practice and improve.

2. Read More
They say the way to be a better writer is to read more. Make it your goal to read everything you can get your hands on - newspapers, magazines, blogs, fiction, and non-fiction. Read about topics related to your career as wells as topics that are far outside your area of expertise. Create lists of books you want to read - so you never struggle with what to read next. Set aside time each day to read. Don't feel guilty, thinking that you should be doing the dishes or vacuuming the floor, tell yourself that reading is part of being a better communicator.
 
3. Work on Your Grammar
As a child, I thought Grammar was the most boring part of English class. I'm starting to learn that people don't take you as seriously if you use poor grammar. If you sprinkle words such as "like" and "you know" throughout your conversation, folks may not think you're very bright. The same goes for misspelling words and using bad punctuation. Work on your grammar and you'll sound like the smart person you really are. A friend recently referred me to Grammar Girl, which has grammar podcasts as well as a grammar tip of the day. Other well-known resources are The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White, and Eats Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss.
 
4. Get Out and Network
Even if you're not looking for a new job or a client, it's good to keep expanding your network. The more people you talk to, the more you learn about the world around you. And, networking can help you to become a better listener too - an important part of being a good communicator. Look in your local paper, get online and search for networking opportunities in your area.
 
5. Practice Speaking
Everyone gets nervous at the thought of speaking in front of a crowd. But, the more practice you have, the more comfortable you become. There are excellent groups like Toastmasters and a variety of training courses you can take to gain more confidence when speaking to groups of any size
 
Rather than dwelling on bad economic news, shift your focus and work on improving your communication skills. You will not only be more confident during the slow times. But, these skills will make you a real superstar when the economy turns around.
 
Take Care,
Kathy
 
 

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The Pen & Paper Marketing Blog shares ideas on how to simplify and personalize your sales and marketing efforts to grow your business.

 
  
 A Great Quote...
 
"Communication works for those who work at it"
 
John Powell


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