Developing advanced communication skills

In the past few years, digital communication tools have revolutionized the way we communicate. From emails and video conferencing to instant messaging and chatbots, there are now more ways than ever for us to connect.   

As more companies transition to hybrid and remote working environments, communication has taken on a new level of importance. With an abundance of digital communication tools at our disposal, it's essential that we develop advanced skills to communicate with influence.   

As extensions of the c-suite, executive assistants must learn to communicate more effectively by utilizing the right combination of hard and soft skills.

These skills include establishing trust and understanding with colleagues and clients to secure buy-in on projects, tasks, and initiatives. They require an understanding of the digital tools available and an awareness of how to use them most effectively and in diverse contexts.  

Being aware of the different cultures within your organization will also require you to adjust your communication style accordingly to ensure maximum effectiveness when dealing with colleagues from around the world.  

The Soft Skills That Will Increase Your Communication Effectiveness  

The ability to think critically and express yourself clearly is vital for anyone trying to communicate with influence. However, some soft skills are essential when it comes to effective communication. Here are a few key ones that executive assistants should ensure they possess:  

Empathy: Being able to put yourself in someone else's shoes is critical for understanding how your words might affect them. This helps you tailor your message in a way that resonates with them and makes them more likely to act on what you say.  

Active listening: Listening actively and responding accordingly is essential for any successful conversation or negotiation. It's also helpful for gaining valuable insight into the situation to craft an appropriate response or solution.  

When communicating remotely or via video conferencing platforms, it can be difficult not to get distracted by notifications or emails popping up on your devices during calls/meetings. So focus and discipline are crucial if you want your message delivered effectively.   

Tone Awareness: Being aware of your tone of voice and knowing when and how to adjust it depending on the situation is essential for communicating effectively, especially in virtual conversations where no physical presence is involved.  

Clarity of thought: The ability to articulate your ideas clearly will ensure your message gets across without any misunderstandings or misinterpretations. This also helps build trust between yourself and your audience, as they know you are someone who speaks confidently and responsively.  

Courtesy/Presence: While video conferencing may seem impersonal, turning on cameras has the power to bring an element of presence that can enhance interpersonal interactions; nonverbal cues communicated through facial expressions, gestures and body language give deeper insight into both parties' needs during conversations. This helps all involved have a more successful experience while creating meaningful connections along the way. 

The Hard Skills That Will Increase Your Communication Effectiveness  

In today's world, the ability to communicate effectively is more critical than ever before. With so many different platforms available for communication, we must understand what is being said and respond appropriately. This means that we need to develop not only strong verbal and written communication skills but also the ability to use these tools in a meaningful way.   

Alongside the necessary soft skills, there are several hard skills that executive support professionals can develop to become better communicators. These include the following:  

Knowledge of digital tools: Utilizing digital tools such as video conferencing software or messaging apps can help facilitate effective communication even when everyone isn't physically together in one place. executive assistants must become familiar with these types of tools so they can use them most effectively during remote meetings or conversations with colleagues from around the world.  

Content development & curation: Executives rely on their Assistants to help them develop content, such as presentations or reports, which are often necessary when communicating with stakeholders or clients about essential business topics. An EA with a good understanding of content creation and curation will help their Executive present ideas clearly and concisely.   

Writing & editing: Writing well is essential for creating meaningful emails, memos, and reports – all of which form part of day-to-day business communication activities within global organizations today. Strong writing skills will enable you to create compelling messages that get the desired result from recipients – whether it be motivating employees or convincing stakeholders or clients. At the same time, well-edited documents will ensure accuracy throughout any internal/external correspondence sent out on behalf of the Executive.   

Be aware of cultural differences: Different countries have different norms regarding communication styles, so make sure you consider this when interacting with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.  

Stay organized: Keeping track of conversations across multiple platforms can quickly become overwhelming, so ensure you have a system in place for organizing discussions; this could include creating email folders or setting up labels for instant messages.  

Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions if something isn't clear; this will help ensure that everyone understands each other better, ultimately leading to better collaboration between team members.  

Digital technology is quickly changing the game when it comes to communication. To make sure you are always on top of your digital skills, hone in on active listening and being conscious of cultural differences - two key components that can help with organizational efficiency. Keep asking clarifying questions too; this will not only boost understanding but ensure your presence as a professional with influence during virtual interactions. 

Professional communication is an essential tool for any executive assistant to stay competitive and in demand. Taking the initiative to hone your verbal and written skills will undoubtedly enhance productivity, and accuracy, as well as increase value within an organization. Seeking out training opportunities or external resources is essential to furthering your abilities.  

Develop your career as a strategic assistant and become an expert in pressing times. Through this challenge, you will gain the confidence to tackle any situation while remaining at peak performance - ultimately strengthening yourself for continued success!