Communication is one of the most important business skills to master, no matter what your industry or profession. Truly effective communication goes a long way toward establishing mutually respectful relationships that not only make us happier in the workplace, but also more collaborative, productive and innovative.

Communication is something we do reflexively -- like breathing. We talk to our spouses, kids and friends without giving much thought to how we're doing it.
It might seem easy, but communicating effectively actually takes quite a bit of finesse. Choosing the right words, listening with our minds instead of just our ears, and getting our message across are skills that we all need to work on.
At home and in social settings, miscommunication can lead to arguments. In the workplace, the repercussions can be far more serious. Poor productivity, unmotivated employees -- even lawsuits -- can result from communication breakdowns at the office.
To improve communication within your team and throughout your entire company, you need to implement a few easy but important changes to your corporate philosophy and practice.
In this article, you'll learn some of the tips management experts use to improve communication. You'll also see how changing your communication strategy can lead to real improvements in employee motivation, productivity and profitability.

Follow these steps to become an effective communicator.

* Respect Others: Remember the golden rule, “Treat others as you wish to be treated.” Value your colleagues’ opinions and treat everyone with dignity, courtesy and kindness. Commit to building strong, respectful relationships with those around you, and take responsibility for (and be open and willing to change if needed) your communication style and behavior. We all want respect, and the only way to earn it is to give it. * Seek First to Understand – Then Respond: Many of us have jumped to conclusions about the motivations of others, making assumptions and attributing the worst of intentions. Take time to first fully understand the other person’s point of view by asking open-ended questions and truly listening to the answers (without preparing a response in your head while the other person is talking). Ask clarifying questions if you are unsure about something, repeat what you hear to minimize misunderstandings and empathetically reflect the other’s feelings. It’s also important to think before responding – don’t speak if you are angry or upset. If you are about to engage in a potentially difficult conversation, manage your emotions by visualizing and practicing your responses in advance.

* Avoid Defensiveness: It’s common to react defensively when someone criticizes or disagrees with us. However, effective communicators learn to monitor their reactions and avoid defensiveness – a practice that takes time and dedication to master. Ask questions to learn more about the situation before responding. This not only helps to ensure that both parties understand each other’s points of view, but also buys you time to effectively manage your response. Focus your attention on the opportunities in every situation, and do your best not to take things personally. More often than not, the other party is on your side and wants to see you succeed.

* Be Aware of Your Speaking Style and Body Language: The majority of meaning in conversations comes not from our words, but from our facial expressions and body language. Make sure your speaking style and body language do not contradict what you are saying. Build trust with those around you by being authentic and consistent, both with your verbal and non-verbal communication. Be clear and concise, maintaining eye contact. Be positive, enthusiastic and friendly. Show others that you are focused on them and interested in what they have to say.

* Get Social: Most of our interactions with colleagues occur in the workplace. Taking advantage of opportunities to interact on a more personal level can help to build stronger relationships and ensure effective collaboration and teamwork. Get to know your peers in a non-work setting as well to gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what they are all about.

* Be Open to Diverse Viewpoints: One of the benefits of interacting with others, especially those with differing views or backgrounds, is the opportunity to broaden our perspective. Take time to listen, consider and respond appropriately to opinions that are different from yours.

* Be Honest and Direct: We risk damaging relationships when we avoid direct communication and talk about others behind their backs. Make a commitment to interact directly and honestly with peers, even when those interactions may be difficult and stressful. Communicate with the source directly, focusing on the issues rather than the personalities involved.

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

–George Bernard Shaw –

Don't make the mistake of confusing your ability to talk with effective communication skills at work. Employees of all kinds can open their mouths and say just about anything, but that doesn't mean they've effectively communicated their intent or even participated in a two-way conversation. Whether you’re a manager or an employee, to improve your chances of success at work, consider these keys to building effective communication skills in the workplace.

Know Your Audience
Understand the audience to which you’re speaking and tailor your message accordingly. At work, you'll find people from different countries, nationalities, education levels and cultures. To get your ideas and intentions across to such a diverse group, it helps to know the medium that works best when communicating with your employees or coworkers. Email messages are a primary means of communication at work; keep your emails simple, succinct and to the point. The same applies to verbal communication. Don't talk over the heads of your audience, because that's pointless. Use words that everyone can understand.
Verbal Communication
Communication skills are soft skills that everyone needs to succeed in life and at work. If you want to be effective, take the time to learn the rules and etiquette of effective verbal communication. Make it a point to think about what you want to say before you say it; once it's out there, you can't take it back. Avoid slang, colloquialisms and phrases that coworkers from differing backgrounds might not understand. Use proper English and grammar when you speak; speak clearly and succinctly.
Listening is Critical
The art of effective communication involves mastering both parts of the communication equation. The second part is learning how to listen. Many people are so busy thinking about what they’re going to say next that they fail to listen closely to what the other person is saying. You don't have to rush to get your point across; effective communicators are excellent listeners. Make eye contact when the other person is speaking to let her know she has your full interest and attention.
Channels of Communication
Workplace communication provides a variety of channels with which to interact and communicate with people. Besides email, there are phones, reports, memorandums and face-to-face meetings. The problem with email and phone communication is that people cannot see your face or your body when you speak. This is especially critical when you use words that could have dual meanings, and the tone of your voice or your written communications may send a different message than what you intend. Be aware of how you sound over the phone and in your emails. Remember your manners, be polite and don't get snippy. Snarkiness in email or phone communication is counterproductive and unattractive.

Date: 23.11.2015
@ 3.47 pm

Simple Tense Verb tense tells you when the action happens. There are three main verb tenses: present, past, and future. Each main tense is divided into simple, progressive, perfect, and perfect progressive tenses. | Present | Past | Future | Simple | finish | finished | will finish | Progressive | am/is/are finishing | was/were finishing | will be finishing | Perfect | have/has finished | had finished | will have finished | Perfect Progressive | have/has been finishing | had been finishing | will have been finishing |

Things to remember about simple tense:

a. Present tense is the original verb form. b. Past tense has a few patterns. c. Future tense needs will (shall) + verb.

run * I run a marathon twice a year. (present) * I ran a marathon last year. (past) * I will run a marathon next year. (future)eat * I eat lunch in my office. * I ate lunch an hour ago. * I will eat lunch in one hour.see * I see a movie once a week. * I saw a movie yesterday. * I will see a movie tomorrow.know * I know it. * I knew it the day before yesterday. * I will know it by tomorrow.learn * I learn English. * I learned English the last two years. * I will learn English next year.cook * I cook my supper every night. * I cooked our dinner already. * I will cook breakfast tomorrow.
[Quiz 10.1]

Fill in the blanks with appropriate verb forms.

1)I sang a song at the concert yesterday.
2)He will write a letter to his girlfriend tomorrow.
3)I will go to the library to borrow some books this weekend.

View Answers[10.1]
1) sang
2) will write
3) will go | |

English Speaking Basics I

English Speaking Basics II

English Speaking Basics III

English Speaking Basics I

1. Basic usage of 'I'm'
2. Variations of 'I'm in/at/on'
3. I'm good at
4. I'm + (verb)
5. I'm getting
6. I'm trying + (verb)
7. I'm gonna + (verb)
8. I have + (noun)
9. I have + (past participle)
10. I used to + (verb)
11. I have to + (verb)
12. I wanna + (verb)
13. I gotta + (verb)
14. I would like to + (verb)
15. I plan to + (verb)
16. I've decided to + (verb)
17. I was about to + (verb)
18. I didn't mean to + (verb)
19. I don't have time to + (verb)
20. I promise not to + (verb)
21. I'd rather + (verb)
22. I feel like + (verb-ing)
23. I can't help + (verb-ing)
24. I was busy + (verb-ing)
25. I'm not used to + (verb-ing)
26. I want you to + (verb)
27. I'm here to + (verb)
28. I have something + (verb)
29. I'm looking forward to

I'm
I'm' is an abbreviation for the word 'I AM.' It is used in combination with other words to tell someone about yourself or to describe something you are doing.

Here are some examples:

"I'm so tired."
"I'm confused."
"I'm happy."
"I'm twenty three years old."
"I'm hungry."
"I'm nervous."
"I'm excited."
"I'm leaving work."
"I'm thirsty."
"I'm from Seattle."

You can also add descriptive words with 'I'm' such as:

"I'm extremely tired."
"I'm very happy."
"I'm terribly hungry."
"I am super excited."
"I'm very nervous."

I'm in/at/on
Describes an action you are doing.

Most commonly, you would use the word 'in' when entering a physical location such as a room or a building.

Here are some examples:

"I'm in the shower."
"I'm in the lobby."
"I'm in a car."
"I'm in a house."
"I'm in a school."

Using the word 'at' helps tell someone where you currently are. The difference between 'at' and 'in' is that the physical location is general.

Here are some examples:

"I'm at the grocery."
"I'm at the mall."
"I'm at the doctor's office."
"I'm at the park."
"I'm at the airport."

However, in some cases you can use 'at' and 'in' interchangeably.

Here are some examples:

"I'm at the mall."
"I'm in the mall."
"I'm at the park."
"I'm in the park."
"I'm at the grocery."
"I'm in the grocery."

Using the word 'on' is referring to a non physical location such as your time being utilized by something else.

Here are some examples:

"I'm on the phone."
"I'm on my computer."
"I'm on a bus."

I'm good at
Again, 'I'm' is used here as 'I am.' 'Good at' informs someone what you excel at and are comfortable doing.

Here are some examples:

"I'm good at drawing."
"I'm good at video games."
"I'm good at swimming."
"I'm good at driving."
"I'm good at reading."
"I'm good at sports."
"I'm good at writing."
"I'm good at math."
"I'm good at dancing."
"I'm good at chess."

'm + (verb)
I'm' is a contraction of the words 'I am.' By adding a verb to 'I'm' this lets you express an action or occurrence about yourself.

Here are some examples:

"I'm eating lunch."
"I'm brushing my teeth."
"I'm scared."
"I'm driving to work."
"I'm crying."
"I'm typing an email."
"I'm cooking dinner."
"I'm combing my hair."
"I'm hanging a picture."
"I am texting."
"I am dancing."
"I am interested in the job."
"I am exercising."
"I am sad."
"I am learning."

I'm getting
When combining the words 'I am' and 'getting' you are telling someone 'you' are gaining possession, being affected by or have plans to seek out and obtain a particular thing.

Here are some examples:

"I'm getting better."
"I'm getting ready for bed."
"I'm getting a tooth ache."
"I'm getting a cold."
"I'm getting married."
"I'm getting tired."
"I'm getting good at reading."
"I'm getting a new car."
"I'm getting a job."
"I'm getting a puppy."

I'm trying + (verb)
I am trying' informs someone that you are attempting to accomplish something using bodily, mental, or spiritual strength. By adding a verb to 'I'm trying' you are pointing out exactly what it is you are attempting to do.

Here are some examples:

"I'm trying to get a job."
"I'm trying to call my family."
"I'm trying to enjoy my dinner."
"I'm trying to educate myself."
"I'm trying to explain myself."
"I'm trying new food."
"I'm trying to eat healthy."
"I'm trying to understand."

You may also hear the word 'trying' used to express a way someone is feeling. In this manner, it expresses strain or distress.

Here are some examples:

"Learning new things can be trying on you."
"That marathon was very trying on me."

I'm gonna + (verb)
The word 'gonna' is incorrect grammatically. The equivalent in proper grammar would be 'going to.' When using the word 'going to' you are telling someone what you are planning to do at that moment or in the near future.

Here are some examples:

"I'm gonna have some coffee."
"I'm gonna go to work."
"I'm gonna eat some cake."
"I'm gonna send out my resume."
"I'm gonna run a marathon."
"I'm gonna ask her out for dinner."
"I'm gonna stop smoking."
"I'm gonna help my friends."
"I'm gonna take swim lessons."
"I'm gonna read a book."

I have + (noun)
By using the words 'I have' you are informing someone of something you have possession of or have acquired.

Here are some examples:

"I have a cat."
"I have a nice car."
"I have a house."
"I have a computer."
"I have a headache."

You may hear the words 'cannot' and 'won't' used with 'I have.' By adding these you can express what you will not put up with or allow.

Here are some examples:

"I cannot have that behavior in my house."
"I cannot have you over tonight."
"I won't have anything to do with that."
"I won't have it any other way."

I have + (past participle)
Again, 'I have' shows possession or something acquired. By adding a past participle you are informing someone of a past or completed action done by you.

Here are some examples:

"I have done it."
"I have heard that before."
"I have driven a car."
"I have forgotten the words."
"I have read that book."
"I have eaten at that restaurant before."
"I have flown in an airplane."
"I have forgiven you."
"I have seen you before."
"I have written a letter."