A major contributor to your life’s success is how good you are at communicating, both in the workplace and in your personal life. With good communication, you’re more effective, can manage your time better, and can avoid unintended consequences that result from poor communication. You can also be a better team player and collaborator.

Take this quiz to see how you’re faring when it comes to your communication skills, and
where you can improve.

1.) On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate your listening skills?

a. I rate my skills a 1 – I know I need to improve on this.
b. My skills are around a 3, since I pay attention to what’s being said and I can recall the information relayed.
c. My skills are a 5. I’ve actively worked on my listening skills, and have mastered both evaluative and reflective listening.

2.) Do you understand the importance of empathy, and are you able to express it?

a. Not really. This isn’t something I focus on a lot.
b. Sort of. I can usually understand and relate to someone else’s feelings when they express themselves.
c. Yes. I’ve worked on developing my emotional intelligence so I can empathise and establish a rapport between myself and someone speaking to me.

3.) Do you know and use these positive body-language cues to enhance your overall communication?

– Eye contact
– Positive expression
– A firm handshake
– Good posture
– Walking with confidence
– Keeping hands at ease and visible
– Maintaining a balance between swaying and stillness
– Asserting precision in body movements

a. I’m not really aware of my body language.
b. I usually try to use positive body-language cues when I’m around other people.
c. I understand the importance of positive body language, and actively work on using most of these cues when I communicate.

4.) Are you usually able to manage your emotions when communicating in a professional setting?

a. Not really. I often allow strong emotions to play a role.
b. Usually, yes. I can manage my emotions adequately and express myself appropriately.
c. Yes. I make a point of managing my emotions for the sake of good communication.

5.) Do you put active effort into working on your communication skills?

a. Not really.
b. From time to time.
c. Yes.

6.) Do you feel you’re able to apply qualities such as empathy and compassion to your communication?

a. Not really.
b. From time to time.
c. Yes.

RESULTS:

If you scored mostly A

By applying yourself and concentrating on the areas where your communication can be enhanced, many spheres of your life can improve with time. It can help to focus on developing your emotional intelligence. When people speak to you, listen to understand first, not just to respond. Apply empathy and compassion when listening to others, and when you respond. Focus on your body language, and try to identify positive cues in others, so you can work on emulating these over time.

If you scored mostly B

It seems you’re not doing badly, but your communication skills could use some work. Ask someone you trust where you can improve most, and write down the skills you want to work on. Challenge yourself in these specific areas and skills, and, after a time, ask that person again whether they’ve been able to see improvement.

If you scored mostly C

Well done. It seems you have good self-awareness regarding your communication abilities, and are putting in the work to improve in this
area. Continue as you are now, and you’ll enjoy the results.

References:
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-listening-styles-help-you-communicate

Written by LifeAssist