What does it take to be an effective communicator? To start with, it requires employing a more effective channel than two tin cans and a string. However, the fanciest or most up-to-date channel is not the key to effective communication.
Effective communication requires the communicator to possess a mixture of personal qualities and skills. These are not inborn traits but rather qualities and skills that can be learned and improved with practice.
This post kicks off a series examining the qualities and skills needed to be an effective communicator. These are discussed in the first edition of Communicating Nutrition: The Authoritative Guide and as we approach a revision of this book, this series will help begin the process of revisiting and expanding on these fundamentals.
What qualities are needed to be an effective communicator?
An effective communicator possesses numerous characteristics or qualities that enable them to communicate effectively. These are sometimes referred to as “soft skills.”
Chapter 1 includes the following list of soft skills nutrition communicators need:
Communication – speaking, listening, writing
Courtesy – etiquette, gracious, respectful
Flexibility – adaptability, lifelong learner, teachable
Integrity – honest, ethical, moral
Interpersonal – personable, empathetic, patient
Positive attitude – enthusiastic, encouraging, confident
Professionalism – businesslike, well-dressed, poised
Responsibility – accountable, resourceful, self-disciplined
Teamwork – cooperative, collaborative, supportive
Work ethic – showing initiative, self-motivated, hardworking
Chapter 2 expands on this idea with a section titled “What Are the Characteristics of Successful Communicators?” This list focuses on characteristics that build credibility, enable a communicator to be compelling, and demonstrate a communicator’s commitment to excellence and improvement.
This list includes professionalism, integrity, perspective and empathy, positivity, enthusiasm, curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and commitment. Later chapters emphasize additional qualities including possessing an awareness of your audience and being authentic, self-aware, and responsive.
In addition to these qualities…
What skills are needed to be an effective communicator?
An effective communicator also possesses technical skills, sometimes referred to as “hard skills.” Chapter 1 emphasizes the following three skill areas:
Research skills – accessing scientific research, identifying credible sources, reading and interpreting research, clearly communicating science, properly referencing sources, and adhering to ethical standards.
Presentation skills – organizing a presentation, effectively using visual aids, leading discussions, engaging audiences, and effectively conveying messages.
Writing skills – logical and organized, clear and concise, grammatically correct, etc.
Later chapters focus on building these skills via a variety of channels.
Here is a sampling of previous blog posts sharing ideas for skill-building in all three areas:
Which are more important – soft or hard skills?
This question is answered in Chapter 1:
“Research on the contributions of soft and hard skills to success finds that 85% of success can be attributed to soft skills and 15% to hard skills.” (Source: Robles M. Executive perceptions of the top 10 soft skills needed in today’s workplace. Bus Commun Q. 2012;75(4):453-465.)
I contend that without the hard skills listed above and a strong knowledge of your subject matter, you cannot be an effective communicator. Hone both the hard and soft skills needed and rise above mediocrity.
In next week’s post, we will begin with the qualities that demonstrate courtesy: practicing etiquette and being gracious and respectful.
"Communication works for those who work at it." ~ John Powell, film composer
If you like this content, please share it:
