By Amanda Kenafake

So you think you have good communication skills? Well you wouldn’t be alone. Almost everyone would say that they have ‘excellent communication skills’, but what does it really mean and how can it assist you in life and business?

Do you think communication is mostly done through words? What if you found out that communication is actually 70% non-verbal? That means it’s your body language - your movements, eyes and hands - that say things more often and louder than your mouth. The ability to communicate with clarity and effectiveness is an imperative skill.

Most jobs need good communicators, people who can express themselves clearly and positively, both verbally and in writing. There’s more to good communication than the obvious.

Having good communication skills in the workplace is all about being able to convey information to people clearly and simply, in a way that means things are understood and get done. It’s about giving and receiving messages clearly, and being able to read your audience.

It also means you can adapt yourself to new and different situations, read the behaviour of other people, compromise to reach agreement, and avoid and resolve conflict. You need to be able to understand how others will interpret your words and behaviour, and most importantly don’t forget communication is a two way street!

Good communication skills are some of the simplest, most essential and most useful tools you can possess for success.

Regardless of what area of business you’re in or if you are an employee or an employer, honing your communication skills will pay you back many times over. If you get it right, you’re guaranteed to have a much smoother path through life and your career.