are you a good communicator? How do we develop better communication skills?

I am a very shy person, always afraid to talk infront of many people and even to recite in a classroom, when I was in college my proof in speech communication was really great, she taught me very well that makes me a very good communicator. Every morning I would read at least 15minutes an article or any reading material orally and practice to speak infront of a mirror everyday of my life for one semester and it was very effective, I have gained confidence and proven that practice makes perfect. Go...there can never be too late to those who believe you can do it!

I have not always been a good communicator. In my family, we just don't talk about stuff. However, my wife's family is very different. They're not the screaming yelling type, but they do talk about stuff. some stuff. so, what a clash. needless to say, in the beginnings of our relationship we almost didn't make it due to bad communication. And it wasn't something that we necessarily "fixed" but something that we stumbled along, along the way. we're a lot better now, but still sometimes it's hard.

I tend to communicate better in writing than I do in person. I tend to be more articulate. I think the best way to get better at it is to do more of it, and try to take the time to "think out your point", babbling is not affective. Be concise and to the point. If your giving an opinion you need to do it with respect, and not be condesending... etc. Communication is the avenue by which we can travel to unknown destinations. Good Luck and Good Travels :)

Read a lot educate your self so you have confidence enough to join in conversations. Watch TV news and talk shows, to me it's all a matter of building your self esteem

I have been a computer instructor for more than 20 years and have always found that the better I know my subject material and the easier words I use to communicate the better. People may be intellegent but when in the learning mode they can be nervous which can put their head in a different space making them seem less intellegent. So if you teach at a grade 6 to grade 9 level you will get your points across much faster without the complaints. But nothing really helps your communication skills more than knowing your subject so you can explain it several ways.

Just when I think I am getting good at communication skills, I make someone mad over a misunderstanding. Most of the time, I am good at communicating. I try to be clear and decisive with my words and actions.

Personally, I'm taking Interpersonal Communications right now. Every Thursday night for 3 hours. Fun, fun.