In this blog, we’ll discuss the different types of communication skills used in campus housing, their importance, and how you can improve your skillset to build your network as a student:
The Three Different Types of Communication Skills
There are three primary types of communication skills you need to improve student engagement:
1. Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is the most common skill type in which you speak your mind to others. It may be a casual conversation like a brunch with your friend or a formal one, such as a presentation.
In verbal communication, you speak face-to-face, over the telephone, online, or on a video call.
2. Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication involves what you do while speaking. It entails facial expressions, eye contact, posture, touch, and hand movements.
For instance, if discussing boundaries with a friend in your camp housing, you must pay attention to their words and non-verbal cues.
They may agree to your idea verbally, but their non-verbal communication may convey a different message.
3. Visual Communication
We live in a visual society: Facebook is full of visuals, Insta is an image-only platform, and you can use them for your class presentations.
Visual communication involves using pictures, graphs, videos, charts, etc., to deliver complex data and detailed information in an easier way for better understanding.
Visual communication is often used in classrooms to improve student engagement.
Why are Listening Skills Important?
Before we discuss how you can improve your listening skills, let’s discuss why it’s worth the extra effort:
- Listening helps you build trust
- Listening aids in removing misunderstandings and conflicts
- Listening encourages deeper relationships and empathy
- Listening improves business and romantic relationships
- Listening boosts your productivity and increases the student success rate
Three Steps to Improve Your Listening Skills
There are three active listening techniques you can use to become a better, more effective listener at your campus housing:
Face the Speaker and Maintain Eye Contact
Talking to someone while scanning the room or flipping through pages is like talking to a wall. Not only do you not gain their undivided attention, but they miss the important stuff you’re saying.
For effective communication, eye contact is an essential ingredient. When speaking to someone, you face them and maintain eye contact.
Limit Your Judgments
Listen to the other person without criticizing them in your mind.
Whether the message they’re spreading goes against your beliefs or causes agitation, try to avoid being judgmental.
If you’re thinking about negative comments, you’ll compromise your ability to listen.
Ask Questions When The Speaker Pauses
It’s natural not to understand everything the speaker tells you.
Wait until they pause to ask clarifying questions to keep the conversation going. It also helps you understand a phrase or topic you may have misunderstood.
The Bottom Line
Improving your communication skills requires continuous practice.
Ensure student success by noting down what you heard, understood, and your reactions and become a more effective listener.
