For the sixth and final tip in our Better Communication series, we’re looking at a great strategy for fine-tuning your written and verbal communication skills: teach others.
Michael Thompson, author of the excellent article on which this series is based, explains how teaching others as a side gig boosted his career by helping hone his communication skills:
“Every day I had to create engaging lesson plans while presenting the material in an effective way. Not only that, but it was the ultimate exercise in simplification: if I wanted my students to understand me I had to speak clearly while using language they understood.”
Thompson was teaching English as a second language, but no matter what topic you teach or who you teach it to, it requires forethought and preparation that will force you to focus and practice effective communication.
Whether it’s a simple training session in your workplace, a fun how-to with friends, or even leading a book club or bible study, teaching can take many forms—and doesn’t have to be involved or intimidating.
What is something you know how to do well? Can you teach others how to do it too? What is something you know a lot about or have a lot of passion for? Can you teach others about it? If you give it some thought you will discover there is something you can teach, someone you can teach it to, and a setting you can teach it in! And without a doubt, it well help you on your journey to honing your communication skills.
In addition, as I frequently advise through my writing and speaking, “The best way to learn, retain and apply an important skill, concept or wisdom is to teach it!”
Thompson concludes:
“Opportunities to teach others are all around us and it will greatly improve your ability to simplify complex thoughts while learning how to keep people engaged — which is a skill that will never go out of style.”
Communication is absolutely “a skill that will never go out of style.” I encourage you to be proactive, be intentional, and begin working on honing your communication skills today!
For your reference, here are links to the previous five communication tips:
Tip 5: Converse with Those You Admire
