Today, I want to give you strategies to improve your verbal communication skills – specifically, with an eye to enhancing your promotability.  Next week’s episode will piggyback on this one with ways to improve your written communications skills – also with an eye to enhancing your promotability.  In episode #113, I covered active listening at work; here’s the link to that episode:https://exclusivecareercoaching.com/posts/2020-02-05-113-active-listening-at-work/ In episode #114, I talked about effective communication at work, and I’ve included that link in the show notes. I’m going to include some of that information in today’s episode. https://www.exclusivecareercoaching.com/posts/2020-02-12-114-effective-communication-at-work Let’s start with an assessment of your verbal communication skills – tell yourself the truth as you answer these questions. I highly recommend journaling your responses. 1.    Do I ask questions when I don’t understand something, or do I keep it to myself? 2.    Do people often misunderstand my messages? Am I often surprised that they don’t understand what I am saying? 3.    Is it easy for me to understand someone else’s point of view during a conversation? 4.    Do I think about how my responses will be perceived by others, or do I speak without thinking?  5.    Do I find it difficult to see and read people’s body language? 6.    Do I struggle to find the right words to convey my message? Which one of these is a weak link for you? Develop a 90-day goal to improve that area. Asking for a mentor’s help, watching YouTube videos, listening to podcasts, reading books, asking for people’s feedback, or taking a course are all ways to improve your area.   There are four steps to the communication process: -The words you speak (articulation, correct word usage) -What you meant by those words (intonation, vocal pauses or emphases) -The words the listener heard (ability to hear what is said, the listener’s understanding of the language you are speaking in) -What the listener makes those words mean (experience, cultural differences)  Utilizing both verbal and written communication skills, you want to be able to clearly communicate your achievements and contributions to your manager. You also want to be able to articulate your career aspirations – he or she needs to know that you want to be considered for a promotion at the appropriate time.   Next, let’s dig into specific verbal communication issues you may have and ways to improve.  1.    If you find yourself straying mentally when others are speaking, you may have a challenge with active listening. Strategies to improve: -You have to be able to hear the other person. If the space you are in is too noisy for that to happen, suggest moving to someplace quieter.  -Are you possibly dealing with a hearing problem? Is this something you need to get checked out? Or is the problem only when there is a lot of ambient noise? If so, move to someplace quieter.  -Are there visual distractions around you that are interfering with your ability to pay attention? Relocate the conversation to minimize.  -Are you asking questions to make sure you understand what the other person is trying to communicate? The key here is to find the balance between constantly interrupting the speaker and making sure you understand their message. Another tool for understanding is to repeat back what you heard.  -Are you making appropriate eye contact? My rule of thumb is your eye contact should be nearly 100% when the other person is speaking and at least 60% when you are speaking. Also, be sure to nod and make appropriate facial gestures to show you are listening.  -Do you have trouble retaining important information after a conversation? If so, WRITE IT DOWN.  -Are you paying attention to nonverbal cues – and working to reconcile them with what’s being said? If not, you’re missing more than half of the conversation – the 55/38/7 formula created by Albert Mehrabian states that communication is 55%