50+ communication skills for an eye-catching resume

Are you presenting an annual report in a stakeholder meeting? Or are you just chatting with your workmates over coffee? In both situations, expressing yourself well is crucial to creating positive impressions. Effective communication skills can take you far in your personal and professional life.

In this article, we’ll explore examples of important communication skills. You can showcase these skills in the workplace and on your resume. We’ll also delve into different communication styles. What are the communication barriers they can create? What are the strategies for dealing with them? Boost your chances of achieving your work and life goals with this comprehensive guide.

• What are communication skills?
• Importance of effective communication in personal life
• Importance of effective communication in professional life
• Verbal communication skills
• Non-verbal communication skills
• Written communication skills
• List of communication skills for your resume
• Understanding communication styles
• Summary
• FAQs

What are communication skills?

Communication skills refer to your ability to convey information clearly and efficiently.

But communication skills are not limited to speaking, as some people may assume. They include writing and non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and body language. Interpersonal skills have also become a vital component for effective workplace communication. This is because job seekers and employers value workplace sensitivity these days.

So, we can categorize communication skills into verbal, non-verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.

Importance of effective communication in personal life

In his Meditations, Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius talks about the significance of virtue in our daily life. One virtue he emphasizes is effective communication.

For Marcus Aurelius, your ability to connect with others can help you navigate the world. This is especially true if you can do it despite your different backgrounds. 

Improving communication skills leads to the following: 

Lasting relationships

Psychologists call the way people build relationships “love language” for a reason. It’s all about communication. It’s crucial to learn how to reveal your positive and negative emotions in a healthy way.  

Failure to do so can cause disagreements and misunderstandings. That's why you must communicate your needs well. You must also properly address the ways others prefer to receive care.

Improved mental health

According to the Department of Health, 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental illnesses. The number could be higher because of the lack of access to mental health services.

Improving communication is a key ingredient in maintaining good mental health. If you share your concerns with your loved ones, you could reduce the effects of stress and depression. Still, seeking professional help is highly advised.

Personal growth

Communicating well involves understanding not only other people but also yourself better. This provides opportunities for feedback and self-reflection. Ultimately, this will help you determine your personal and professional goals.

Importance of effective communication in professional life

Communicating well is as important as meeting the technical demands of your job. Effective communication lies at the heart of all productive workplace interactions.

You can get plenty of benefits from interpersonal skills, which you can apply in navigating the workplace. Communication skills also contribute to the company’s social health. Effective communication is crucial for creating and maintaining a good working environment.

The benefits of effective communication in the workplace include:

Improved productivity and morale

Good communication in the workplace leads to improved productivity. Giving clear instructions results in fewer misunderstandings and efficient teamwork. Effective communication develops connectedness within the workplace. This sense of connection makes employees twice as likely to be productive. To reach this, the company must offer a space for employees to interact genuinely. They must also help each other achieve work-life balance.

Increased trust and commitment

A study published in the International Journal of Business and Management asserts that trust and commitment are forged and maintained through effective communication. The same study highlights the importance of effective communication between management and employees. Through this, the latter will feel more committed and proud about working for the company.

Trust and commitment further foster positive attitudes like pakikisama within the workplace.

Career growth

Hard skills are important. But soft skills like communication are the most in-demand skills in the job market today.

And communication skills may even be more needed than before. A recent situational report states that fresh graduates in the Philippines struggle to land jobs because of a lack of soft skills. Online learning during the pandemic was listed as one of the key causes. Post-pandemic, job seekers must learn these valuable skills.

Verbal communication skills

Verbal communication skills are communication skills conveyed orally. It means being a competent speaker and listener at once. Panelists in a forum, for example, not only speak but also actively listen to the other members of the panel. This determines the direction and greatly enhances the quality of their discussion.

Verbal communication skills include:

• Articulation and pronunciation
• Tone of voice
• Active listening
• Clarity and conciseness
• Confidence
• Assertiveness
• Humor

Importance of verbal communication skills

The importance of verbal communication can’t be stressed enough. It’s our default method of communication. In the workplace, you will need to speak to people some of the time.

If you’re making a sales pitch, speaking clearly and confidently about your product’s features and benefits will help convince your potential client. Additionally, using a calm and encouraging voice will make your feedback to a colleague more constructive.

How to improve verbal communication skills

Here are some simple tips to improve your verbal communication skills:

• Speak clearly and correctly. Enunciating properly will help others understand what you are saying.
• Pay attention to your tone of voice. Be mindful of the pitch, volume, and emphasis on certain words when you speak.
• Listen actively. Pay close attention to the speaker, ask questions, and respond appropriately.
• Use simple and concise words. Get to the point and avoid using technical terms.
• Speak with confidence. Prepare sufficiently and believe in what you are saying. This way, confidence will show in your speech.
• Be assertive but not aggressive. Assertiveness is confidently articulating your opinions and respecting the opinions of others at the same time.
• Use humor appropriately. A good sense of humor will lighten the mood in the workplace. Still, being mindful of what to joke about, when, and where is equally important.

Non-verbal communication skills

Instead of spoken language, non-verbal communication uses physical cues to express meaning. When giving feedback to your co-workers, a simple pat on the back or a handshake is just as effective as kind words.

Components of non-verbal communication skills are the following:

• Body language
• Eye contact
• Facial expressions
• Posture
• Gestures
• Touch
• Appearance

Importance of non-verbal communication skills

According to the communication expert Dr. Raymund Hall, non-verbal communication “constitutes approximately 70% of what is involved in communication.” Statistically speaking, mastering non-verbal skills means accomplishing around 70% of the job.

Say you’re at a job interview. Maintaining eye contact will show your potential employer that you’re confident and interested in the position. Sitting up straight during a brainstorming session conveys attentiveness to your teammates.

How to improve non-verbal communication skills

Here are various ways you can enhance your non-verbal communication skills:

• Use body language to signify openness. Avoid crossing your arms or slouching.
• Make eye contact to show interest and respect. Make sure you’re not staring too long or intensely though as it can be seen as defiant.
• Be mindful of your facial expressions. A smile shows a welcoming attitude. A raised eyebrow can express disapproval.
• Maintain a good posture. Convey approachability by sitting or standing up straight.
• Use gestures intentionally. Hand movements can help emphasize your points, but too much can distract the audience.
• Be mindful of physical touch. Use it only when appropriate to the situation or culture.
• Always be presentable. Wear proper clothes and maintain good hygiene at all times. They signify professionalism.

Written communication skills

You can’t always interact with people in person. This is where your writing skills come in. Whether through email or a resume, your written communication skills will be handy.

Written communication skills consist of:

• Spelling and grammar
• Clarity and brevity
• Tone and style
• Audience awareness
• Persuasion and influence
• Emotional intelligence
• Active reading and comprehension

Importance of written communication skills

Written communication is one of the top skills employers look for in job seekers in 2023 despite the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) writing tools. Why? The famous linguist Noam Chomsky puts it this way: “[AI tools] differ profoundly from how humans reason and use language.” For Chomsky, AI programs have “significant limitations” and “ineradicable defects.”

In the workplace, excellent writing skills prevent errors and misunderstandings. They ensure that memos and other written announcements are clear and precise. If you’re a secretary, your recordkeeping skills will help maintain the accuracy of business undertakings and policies. This is useful for future legal and historical reference.

How to improve written communication skills

To improve your written communication skills, keep in mind the following:

• Proofread, proofread, proofread. Seriously study writing mechanics to avoid grammatical and composition errors in your writing.
• Keep it simple and direct. Avoid long and complex sentences and paragraphs. Use visual cues like bullets and headings to guide your reader.
• Use appropriate tone and style. Convey the right emotions and attitude in your writing.
• Know your audience. Tailor your writing to the level of familiarity of the audience with the topic.
• Be persuasive. Convince your reader by backing up your claims with logic. Cite facts and practical examples.
• Connect with your audience. Besides logic, empathy and emotional intelligence can gain your reader’s confidence. 
• Read widely. Good writers are avid readers. So, read as much as you can to improve your comprehension and writing skills.

Interpersonal communication skills

Communication is not a one-way affair. It involves a back-and-forth between 2 or more people in a specific context. Your capacity to adjust your communication approach accordingly is called interpersonal communication. 

This type of communication encompasses skills like:

• Conflict resolution
• Negotiation 
• Networking
• Relationship building
• Feedback and criticism
• Mindfulness
• Cultural sensitivity

Importance of interpersonal communication skills

When we say someone is excellent at their job, we often mean 2 things. They are technically capable, and they are nice to work with.

The workplace is all about working with people. Your relationship with colleagues and customers will affect your professional life. Your personal life, too: a Harvard longitudinal study concludes “embracing community” will help you lead a more fulfilling life.

By using empathy statements, a customer service representative can calm down an angry caller. According to a study, using a positive sense of humor in the workplace can improve employee performance and satisfaction. The same study states that this will lead to reduced stress and work withdrawal.

How to improve interpersonal communication skills

Here are some ways you can improve your interpersonal communication skills:

• Listen. Active listening is the most essential interpersonal communication skill to have. It applies to both building relationships and dealing with conflicts in the workplace.
• Find common ground. Differences are inevitable. It’s through compromise that you can reach a genuine understanding.
• Build your network. Attend industry events to meet new people. Maintain communication with them through social media.
• Be reliable. Offer support to your workmates and follow through on your commitments. These can further strengthen your relationship with them.
• Value feedback. Give constructive criticism, and be receptive to feedback yourself.
• Practice mindfulness. Stay fully present in meetings and conversations with your workmates by avoiding distractions. Don’t check your phone every minute.
• Embrace diversity. Show cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. Be constantly open and respectful to people from different cultures, genders, and backgrounds.

List of communication skills for your resume

Listed below are communication skills you can put on your resume.

Take note that some of these skills can fall under 2 or more types of communication skills. Active listening, for example, is both a verbal and interpersonal communication skill. Likewise, storytelling can count as both a written and verbal communication skill. 

• Verbal communication
• Active listening
• Nonverbal communication
• Written communication
• Persuasion and negotiation
• Public speaking
• Conflict resolution
• Empathy
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership
• Collaboration
• Clarity and concision
• Professionalism
• Presentation skills
• Facilitation
• Mediation
• Relationship building
• Customer service
• Time management
• Teamwork
• Active questioning
• Adaptability
• Articulation
• Attention to detail
• Coaching and mentoring
• Consensus building
• Cross-cultural communication
• Cultural competence
• Customer relations
• De-escalation
• Diplomacy
• Emotional intelligence
• Expressive skills
• Flexibility
• Giving and receiving feedback
• Interpersonal relations
• Interviewing skills
• Listening comprehension
• Managing expectations
• Negotiation and compromise
• Networking
• Open-mindedness
• Organization
• Relationship management
• Storytelling
• Stress management
• Transparency
• Verbal and written rapport-building
• Conflict management
• Critical thinking

Understanding communication styles

In addition to mastering your communication skills, you should learn how others communicate. The ways they speak (or choose not to) have a significant impact on the workplace. Understanding these communication styles is a vital component in becoming an effective communicator.

What are communication styles?

Your communication style is defined by your tendencies and preferences when expressing yourself.

Do you prefer to convey your thoughts and emotions directly or indirectly? How do you deal with conflict? Would you rather speak or listen? Your answers to these questions determine your communication style.

Communication styles and their impact on the workplace

The 4 main communication styles are the following: passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive. Each style can create specific situations in the workplace. Identifying and understanding them will help you navigate them successfully.

Passive communication style

Passive communicators tend to avoid conflict. They may find it difficult to express their thoughts and feelings. They may also appear hesitant or unassertive.

In the workplace, passive communicators may be overlooked in decision-making. This is because they struggle to communicate their thoughts. 

Aggressive communication style

Aggressive communicators are the opposite of passive communicators. They tend to be dominant. They may dismiss others’ opinions in a meeting. As such, they may appear disrespectful to others.

Aggressive communicators can create a tense working environment, damaging team collaboration and cohesion.

Passive-aggressive communication style

Passive-aggressive communicators are a mix of the 2 previous types of communicators. Because of this, they can be unpredictable. They may seem passive, but they can find subtle means to express their discontent.

Because of their characteristics, passive-aggressive communicators can be tough to work with. Their indirect ways of expressing negative emotions make it challenging for others to address and resolve issues directly.

Assertive communication style

Assertive communicators are often confused with aggressive communicators, but there’s a significant distinction between the two. Like aggressive communicators, assertive communicators are confident in expressing their opinions and feelings. But unlike aggressive communicators, they know how to assert themselves while respecting others.

Assertive communicators are ideal workmates. They know how to effectively work with a team. They are also natural leaders. Because they respect everyone’s ideas, they create a positive workspace. This leads to better productivity and higher job satisfaction.

How to manage different communication styles in the workplace

Here’s a list of actionable insights that you can apply to each communication style:

Passive communication style

• Encourage passive communicators to share their ideas and concerns. In a meeting, for example, ask them open-ended questions. This way, they can express themselves freely.
• Show interest in what they have to say. Listen attentively. Positive body language, such as nodding and smiling, will help them gain confidence.
• Provide constructive feedback. Don’t forget to cite specific actions they made that you find admirable. 

Aggressive communication style

• When dealing with aggressive communicators, remain calm. In a conflict situation, responding with aggression will only lead to escalation. Focus on the situation rather than the person.
• Use “I” statements. These statements express your perspective on the issue. “You” statements convey what the person has done or failed to do. Because of this, they can come across as confrontational.
• When giving feedback, use specific examples of behaviors that need to improve. Show them that negative feedback can be turned into positive results.

Passive-aggressive communication style

• Directly identify their behavior and its effects on the workplace. Show openness so that they will communicate their concerns more openly as well.
• Communicate expectations to avoid passive-aggressive behavior. Missing deadlines and failing to communicate project delays are examples of passive-aggressive behavior. To prevent them, set a specific and detailed project timeline.
• Be constructive. Your feedback on passive-aggressive behavior must highlight that it can be changed for the better.

Assertive communication style

• Inspire assertive communicators by emulating them. Be assertive in a meeting, but respectfully acknowledge their opinions, too.
• Encourage others to be assertive as well. When everyone adopts this communication style, everyone’s perspective will be expressed and heard.
• Provide positive feedback. Recognize their contributions to the workplace.

Summary

In summary, it’s no wonder that one of the oldest tales is about the value of communication. The Tower of Babel collapsed because the people who attempted to erect it failed to properly communicate. Effective communication is what builds your professional and personal towers. It sets a strong foundation for your career. It solidifies your connection to others and your inner self.

In a world filled with noise, effective communication skills can ensure that your message will be heard and understood. Make your voice clear and use body language intentionally. When writing, have keen attention to detail. Above all, show empathy. These skills will help you become not only a better communicator but also a better person. 

You can gain communication skills through practice. Bear in mind, though, that the real challenge is to continuously improve these skills. Learning from others, as well as self-reflection, is the key.

FAQs

1. What are communication skills?
   ⁠Communication skills refer to your ability to transfer information effectively. These skills may be verbal (through spoken language) or non-verbal (through physical gestures). They may also be written (through written documents) or interpersonal (through social behaviors).
   ⁠
2. Why are communication skills important in the workplace?
   ⁠Most employers consider communication skills a desirable quality in an employee. This is because these skills foster productivity. They also help create and maintain harmonious relationships in the workplace.
   ⁠
3. How can I improve my communication skills?
   ⁠You can improve your communication skills by identifying them first. Do you speak well? Write well? Do you feel comfortable in social gatherings? Once you’ve determined which ones need improvement, focus on developing them. Practice, practice, practice.
   ⁠
4. What are some common barriers to effective communication?
   ⁠A common barrier to effective communication is culture. Cultural differences can lead to misinterpretations. Emotional barriers like fear and anger can also cause hesitation and discomfort. Open-mindedness and building rapport with others can help overcome these difficulties.
   ⁠
5. What are some examples of non-verbal communication?
   ⁠You can communicate non-verbally in various ways. These include body language, eye contact, facial expressions, posture, gestures, touch, and your overall physical appearance.
   ⁠
6. How can I communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds?
   ⁠One word: empathy. Understanding other people boils down to your ability to imagine yourself in their shoes.
   ⁠
7. What are some tips for giving effective presentations?
   ⁠When delivering a presentation, speak clearly. Use hand gestures to emphasize your points. You may also employ an appropriate level of humor. If you have prepared a visual aid, ensure the words written on it are clear and concise.
   ⁠
8. How can I improve my active listening skills?
   ⁠Hone your listening skills by sincerely caring about other people’s perspectives. Ask questions rather than give answers. To show that you’re listening, display positive body language like nodding and smiling.
   ⁠
9. What are some techniques for managing conflicts through communication?
   ⁠Conflict resolution techniques include remaining calm and showing a willingness to listen. Using “I” statements can also help. Instead of focusing on what the other person has done or failed to do, express how you feel about the issue. Avoid saying “You’re terrible” to a colleague who missed a deadline. Instead, say something like “I’d like to see how we can finish this project together.”
   ⁠
10. How can I tailor my communication style to different audiences?
    ⁠It’s always important to know your audience first. What is their background? Also, consider the setting. Attendees of a symposium may respond well to a professional tone of communication. Meanwhile, your co-workers at a Christmas party may enjoy an informal and casual tone.

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