Communication is tough.
It’s something that we all do as humans. But even though we have plenty of communication practice, it’s still a skill that requires a lot of work and effort.
If there’s one thing that we know about bettering ourselves, it’s that we all need feedback. Without feedback on how we’re communicating, we won’t know what areas we need to improve. So when it comes to the workplace, it’s important to give (and receive) feedback to help continue to grow.
What are communication skills?
Communication skills can be defined as understanding and receiving information well. Communication can come in many forms, from written to verbal to nonverbal communication.
I’m sure we’ve all been in presentations or company meetings where we walk away with awe. “Wow, that person really presented that information well!” or “Sally is a great communicator.”
I recently had a striking reaction to a teammate’s presentation in our company all-hands meeting. My teammate Dr. Erin Eatough presented data, insights, and research on the future-minded leader. After her presentation, our team’s Slack channel blew up with positive feedback about Erin’s delivery and storytelling skills.
Like many other skills in life, communication skills can be a lifelong journey. It takes time, effort, and self-awareness to become a great communicator. But there are feedback levers you can pull to empower great communicators in your organization.
The importance of giving feedback on communication skills
One of the most important skills you can possess in work and in life is good communication. Employees who can communicate effectively are able to listen to others. They’re often able to digest information and relay information in ways that others can understand. Good communicators can relay their own perspectives with skill and grace.
But communication in the workplace isn’t as easy as it seems. According to Gallup, communication is a skill worth investing in:
- Only 7% of U.S. workers strongly agree that communication is accurate, timely, and open where they work
- 26% of employees strongly agree that their manager's feedback helps them improve their work
- Four out of five workers start looking for a new job when they get negative feedback from a manager
If you’re struggling to provide effective communication feedback, you’re not alone. And sometimes, it takes a little extra support.
"I have identified growth areas that can help me with my career progression: communication, focus, and the importance of work-life balance."
Employee of a computer technology company, BetterUp Member
Consider BetterUp. With help from a coach, your employees and managers can hone their communication skills.
30 communication feedback examples
Use these practical examples of phrases, sample comments, and templates for your performance review, 360-degree feedback survey, or manager appraisal. The following examples not only relate to communication but also to written communication, verbal communication, humor, negotiation skills, informing, and general articulation.
Feedback on great communication skills
- You’re great at understanding others' points of view. Well done!
- In the face of anger and resentment, you are really good at remaining calm and collected. Well done!
- You have no problem accepting everyone with open arms.
- You allow others to clearly articulate themselves before you answer. This is a great trait to have!
- You nurture an environment where others feel comfortable participating and sharing their opinions.
- You’re friendly and easy-going, and people love the fact that you take the time to drop by and have open conversations.
- You are effective at articulating yourself clearly and logically.
- You ask questions that are well prepared and thought out. Well done!
- You’re really good at reaching agreements and making sure everyone is on board.
- You strengthen other internal departments by building trusted working relationships.
Communication feedback for areas of improvement
- You seem to struggle to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely when you write things down. Try to read more or ask others for help.
- When you present an argument, you seem to struggle with communicating the point of the argument. Try and fully understand the argument to make it easier to understand the objective.
- Try to work on your grammar. You tend to lengthen your sentences by repeating the same thought. Remember to proofread before submitting. Sometimes it appears that you could have presented an idea or task.
- You seem to struggle to put logical arguments forward. Try research and fully understand the argument before jumping to conclusions.
- You’re great at writing with a single voice in mind. and this is generally good for external communication. However, try to adjust your tone and style a bit more for internal communication. Remember not everyone has the same skill set as you.
- When others talk, try to actively listen and engage with them. This makes it easier for you to remember and complete their tasks.
- You tend to cut people off before allowing them to fully speak their minds. It’s okay to be silent and let others talk from time to time.
- It's okay to not fully understand everything. Try to let go and learn from others' interactions.
- When others are trying to get their point of view across, you tend to misunderstand what point they are trying to make. Try to listen more attentively before coming to a conclusion.
- Your colleagues are afraid of approaching you as you seem to be impatient and uninterested in their questions and interactions. Try to be more open and humble.
Tips to improve your communication skills
- Try to cultivate a culture that is open to sharing information.
- You tend to write in a way that “impresses" by using overly complex words and sentences to portray your idea.
- When reaching an agreement, try to reach an agreement collectively instead of individually.
- Try to communicate in a way that all your direct reports are informed of what is going on in the group. Maybe set up a communications platform?
- It's okay to admit when you don't know something. Try to be more open to saying “I don’t know, I'll find out and get back to you.”
- You tend to struggle expressing yourself through your body language. Try to open up and feel a bit more comfortable.
- If you cannot reach a deadline, don't be afraid to say you can’t.
- You’re really good at finding interesting articles and information regarding our industry and our competitors. Remember to share this with the rest of the team and managers.
- Remember that it takes time to build trust. Regular, open, and honest communication is key to building trust over time.
- Try to listen and respond to others in a respectful and appropriate tone.
