5 Skills Needed For Effective Verbal Communication In The Workplace

Communication is an essential part of any job. But communication skills required for managers are different from others. One of the most important skills that a manager needs is verbal communication. Managers work with many people, each of whom has their own set of expectations, goals, and requirements. As a manager, your job is to ensure every team member feels supported and heard and that their individual needs are met. Further, verbal communication skills as a manager help you to have effective conversations with your team members or customers that can help move projects forward or allow individuals to take ownership of their tasks.

While verbal communication skills are essential for any job, they are especially important for managers. With immense responsibility on their shoulders, these skills enable managers to communicate their expectations to their team members while also listening to what they need and ensuring that each individual feels valued and heard. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of verbal communication skills and barriers faced by managers in the workplace so that you can be better equipped as a leader moving forward.

What is verbal communication?

Verbal communication skills refer to the ability to communicate effectively through speech. It includes articulating thoughts and ideas clearly, listening actively, and responding appropriately in conversation or presentation. Verbal communication skills also involve using appropriate language, tone, and nonverbal cues such as body language and eye contact.

Verbal communication is the exchange of information and thoughts by speech. It includes spoken language, such as speaking and listening. It is an integral part of every workplace. It helps employees share ideas, process information, and collaborate. These skills are essential for success in any field – but critical for managers whose effectiveness hinges majorly on communication.

Check out all the critical communication skills for managers.

Verbal communication skills examples

Active listening

Active listening is a type of communication that involves paying attention to the speaker and paying close attention to what they are saying to help clarify and understand the speaker’s message. It also includes using nonverbal communication to signify the reception of the message and asking questions as needed to keep the conversation going.

Intonation

Intonation is how we produce and use sound to communicate emotions. For example, it can be used to show whether we listen attentively, agree with what the other person has said, or disagree. Therefore, modulating your voice to convey the appropriate emotion accompanying the message is essential to convey ideas effectively.

Feedback

Feedback is an essential part of communication. It allows the sender to know whether their message was received and understood. Feedback also helps people learn and grow as communicators. The type, amount, timing, and nature of feedback are all important factors in effective communication.

Clarity

Clarity is the ability to express ideas in an understandable manner. It’s vital that communication messages are clear and concise so that everyone can understand them. When language is unclear, it can lead to confusion and conflict. As verbal communication is largely unplanned, it is essential to take additional care to ensure clarity.

Using the right language

Using the correct language is essential for effective communication. Words and phrases that may be seen as offensive or insensitive can damage relationships. Instead, use words that will facilitate understanding and cooperation. Moreover, communication using the right jargon is critical too. Sometimes, technical terms are needed to get the message through. But, on the other hand, terminology can complicate things unnecessarily too!

Verbal vs. nonverbal communication

Verbal and nonverbal communication are two distinct but interconnected forms of communication. Verbal communication is the use of spoken words to communicate with others. On the other hand, nonverbal communication uses body language, facial expressions, and other gestures. Verbal and nonverbal communication can work together or independently to create a complete picture of what is being said. A team can effectively achieve its goals and success with verbal communication skills. Both verbal and nonverbal communication is important in conveying a complete and accurate message, and they complement each other in human communication.

What are the types of verbal communication?

Interpersonal communication

Interpersonal communication is exchanging messages with others in a one-on-one setting. It allows people to share information, perspectives, and ideas. Interpersonal communication is essential for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and achieving goals. In addition, it plays a crucial role in building trust and improving relationships between people of different backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Managers often use this to communicate with individual team members, for instance, in one-on-one check-in meetings.

Group communication

Group communication is the process of exchanging messages with others in a group setting. It allows people to share information, perspectives, and ideas with multiple people simultaneously – creating the scope for discussion. Group communication is often used for problem-solving and decision-making. It can also be used to build consensus on decisions or objectives.

Mass communication

Mass communication is the process of exchanging messages with a large number of people at once. It can be used to inform and educate a large audience, build public support for an agenda or cause, promote ideas, or communicate with the whole organization at once.

Why verbal communication is important for managers?

• Clear communication: Managers need to communicate their expectations, goals, and feedback effectively to their employees. Verbal communication helps to ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same objectives.
• Building relationships: Good verbal communication skills can help managers build trust and rapport with their employees, which is essential for effective teamwork and collaboration.
• Conflict resolution: It is an important tool for resolving conflicts and negotiating solutions in the workplace. Managers need to be able to listen to different perspectives, clarify misunderstandings, and find mutually beneficial solutions.
• Motivating employees: Managers can use verbal communication to inspire and motivate their employees. Verbal communication can help employees understand their role in achieving company goals and feel valued and appreciated for their contributions.
• Problem-solving: Managers need to communicate problems effectively and gather input from their team to find the best solution. Verbal communication skills help managers facilitate discussions, ask questions, and negotiate with stakeholders to reach a resolution.

What are verbal communication barriers in the workplace?

Ineffective verbal communication can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and conflict. Some common barriers in verbal communication are:

Language differences

Language barriers can impact communication in several ways. For example, they can impair the ability to understand one another fully and accurately, leading to misunderstandings and frustrating interactions. They can also prevent people from communicating effectively when they are trying to resolve a conflict or solve a problem. Hence, managers should use accessible language for their teams to comprehend the messages completely.

Physical distance

The distance between people can also impede communication. When people are physically separated from one another, it can be difficult to convey emotions and understand each other’s perspectives. It can lead to misunderstandings and confusion about the intentions of others. While communicating, it would be great if the physical space is considered and adjusted to ensure no barriers are created.

Emotional barriers

The emotions of the participants can also impede communication. For example, if one team member is angry and unwilling to listen, it can be challenging for the other person to communicate their message. This often leads to misunderstandings and frustrated employees. Understanding the situation and adapting the message accordingly with the help of emotional competence is crucial in overcoming this.

Cultural differences

Cultural differences can also lead to communication barriers. For example, some cultures are more verbal than others and may not use the same language when communicating. Additionally, cultural norms can impact how people communicate, leading to misunderstandings and conflict. The same messages can be interpreted differently due to this. Managers should be aware of these barriers to ensure that their messages are received correctly and without complication.

Read more about managing a diverse workplace here.

Cognitive biases

People often make cognitive errors when communicating. These errors can result in misinterpretations of the message, leading to conflict and confusion. For example, people may jump to conclusions or assume that others understand their intentions without actually speaking out loud. Managers need to be aware of these biases and use caution when communicating with their teams.

Conclusion

Communicating and listening effectively can help you build rapport with people and create a more effective team environment. As a manager, listening is vital. It allows you to understand others’ perspectives, demonstrates your respect for their ideas, and encourages communication. You should also be prepared to ask questions to show interest in the other person’s ideas and feelings. In addition, by learning verbal communication skills, such as speaking clearly and concisely, listening effectively, and using body language appropriately, you can improve your ability to communicate with others in both verbal and nonverbal ways.