Effective communication with employees takes effort, repetition, thoughtfulness and

most importantly needs to come from the heart. Communication needs to be something business
leaders seek to do whenever they can rather than considering it a check box before getting back
to the "real work" of running the business.

Effective communication builds strong relationships. Trust and loyalty are key factors in
any relationship and both are boosted by communication that is focused on meeting individual
needs, conveying important information and providing feedback – positive and constructive.
Strong relationships with external audiences also build strong solid communication about
products, services and company culture and values.

10 Ways of Effective Communication

1. Conversing

Conversation is one of the most basic forms of communication, but don’t underestimate it. A
simple, friendly conversation with your employees can build trust and expose issues before they
become serious. An innocuous bit of small talk with a stranger can turn into a sales opportunity.
Learn to speak in an approachable, friendly way that you can apply to any situation.

2. Body Language

Much of communication is nonverbal, so mastering your body language presentation is a must.

In any situation, posture matters -- sit or stand up straight with your shoulders back and your
head high and straight. Look people in the eye. Don’t fidget. Keep your hands out of your
pockets. And these are just the basics! Mastering body language can allow you to command a
room.

3. Writing

You don’t have to be a perfect writer, but you do need to learn to be direct and concise in written
forms. You’ll be emailing and texting people within and outside your organization regularly, and
it’s important that you communicate your ideas clearly in this medium, with minimal
opportunities for misinterpretation.

4. Presenting

You’ll be presenting in a few different formats as an entrepreneur, but they can be collectively
grouped into one skill. You may be presenting company financials to your top employees or
investors. You may present your business’ services to an interested buyer. You may even give a
speech about entrepreneurship at a speaking event. In all these cases, clarity, conciseness,
confidence and poise are all key.

5. Negotiating

You have to negotiate for almost everything in a business, so the better you are at negotiating,
the more successful your business will be. You’ll be able to secure better terms for your office’s
lease, more reasonable salaries for your most talented employees and even more lucrative
options for your top clients. Negotiating effectively is more than just using the right words; it
employs timing, a knowledge of the right facts and the ability to remain confident throughout the
process.

6. Mediating

Though your role as a mediator will be less often necessary than your role as a converser, for
example, there will be times when you have to step up and resolve a conflict. It might be
between two employees with differing opinions about whose responsibility something is. Or it
might be between two competing vendors who suffered a lapse in communication. In any case,
you’ll have to acknowledge both sides and help them work out their own problems.
7. Debating

Debating here doesn’t necessitate arguing. It can be a healthy discussion of two or more
alternative options in a productive, respectful setting. Your job in a debate isn’t to win against
the enemy -- it’s to present your case and opinions clearly. Doing so, whether you're dealing with
investors, partners or employees, can help you elucidate your ideas with greater strength and
clarity.

8. Leading

Your responsibilities as a leader are multifaceted, but from a communications perspective, your
biggest responsibilities are instilling confidence, trust and passion in your team. You’ll be
inspiring people through everyday messages, public and private, and retaining your poise as a
leader throughout those situations is key to achieving and maintaining a powerful image.

9. Cross-platforming

Today’s field of communication is much wider than the fields available to generations past.
Phone calls, texts, emails, video chats, instant messages and other mediums are all
commonplace, and you’ll need to know which ones are appropriate for which applications.
Choosing the right medium and implementing it properly is key.

10. Listening

Listening might be the most important communication skill of all, since it ties into so many
applications and situations. Active listening can help you converse, debate, lead, negotiate and
mediate, and it makes you seem more thoughtful, empathetic and invested in the people around
you.

If you have a reasonable mastery of these 10 critical communication skills, you’ll be in a good
position to succeed in your position as entrepreneur.