READING PRACTICE MODULE

Reading skills encompass a variety of skills that can permeate all aspects of life.
Having strong reading abilities can enable you to interpret and find meaning in
everything you read, and when you continuously improve these skills, you can
develop your ability to communicate effectively through writing. Literacy
encompasses so much of what we do that it can be a critical skill to possess, both in
your personal life as well as within your career.

In this article, we explore what reading skills are, how reading comprehension plays a
part in developing strong literacy skills and the steps you can take to improve your
reading skills.

What are reading skills?

Reading skills are abilities that pertain to a person's capacity to read, comprehend,
interpret and decode written language and texts. Exceptional reading skills can be
highly beneficial to assimilating and responding to written communications like
emails, messages, letters and other written messages. Using reading skills in the
workplace can also be important for ensuring effective written communication, which
can result in less miscommunication or misunderstanding of expectations.

Reading skills can also encompass several key aspects that work together to develop
overall literacy skills, including comprehension, fluency, vocabulary and strategies
that help readers interpret and find meaning in texts.

What is reading comprehension?

Reading comprehension is simply the ability to understand what you read. Strong
reading comprehension typically encompasses a variety of literacy skills needed to
interpret and identify meanings within a text. Several elements like fluency, the ability
to decode unfamiliar vocabulary and using context clues from the reading to identify
key features of a text can all be components of effective reading comprehension.

Essential skills needed for reading comprehension include:

 Decoding
 Fluency
 Vocabulary
  Inference
 Retention

Decoding

Decoding is a skill that relies on your ability to sound out words you’ve heard but
never seen written out. It relies on phonemic awareness, which is the ability to hear
individual sounds in words and connect those sounds to letters. Making the
connection between a letter or group of letters the sounds they make and is a crucial
step to “sounding out” or decoding words.

Fluency

Fluency refers to a mix of different factors. First, it focuses on your ability to read
clearly with flow. Fluency also focuses on your ability to decode new vocabulary
quickly while reading. Fluency is what it sounds like to read, which can directly
impact your ability to comprehend what you read. For example, as a child becomes
more fluent in their reading, they will be able to quickly find meaning and an
understanding of what they read, which contributes to understanding the text.

Vocabulary

The ability to decode or determine the meaning of new words can also influence your
reading comprehension. When you can quickly interpret new meanings and identify
relationships between new vocabulary and familiar terms, you can increase your
ability to make assumptions, form ideas and generally better understand the texts you
read.

Inference

Inference is also a key element of reading comprehension. When we make inferences,

we are connecting information from texts to our own ideas and opinions that help us
identify the meaning of what we read. For instance, when reading an article about
plastics in the oceans, you might make an inference that to reduce the amount of
plastic waste you should recycle. Inferring happens when we read a text where the
purpose and meaning of the text is not implicitly stated. Additionally, the ability to
connect ideas and make inferences can help increase retention.

Retention

Reading comprehension is typically all about retaining what we read. Comprehension

is based on the retention of information. By practicing your summarizing skills and
remembering what you have read, you can further strengthen your reading
comprehension.

Related: The Importance of Cognitive Ability in Your Career

How to improve your reading skills

There are a variety of ways you might improve your reading skills. You might practice
speed reading to improve your fluency or make notes each time you encounter
unfamiliar vocabulary. The following steps also help outline what you might do to
improve and further develop your reading skills.

1. Set aside time to read each day.

2. Set reading goals.
3. Preview the texts you read.
4. Determine the purpose.
5. Apply key reading strategies.
6. Take notes while you read.
7. Apply what you read by summarizing.

1. Set aside time to read each day.

One of the most effective ways to build your skills is to practice. Developing your
reading skills will ultimately take practice, and you can set aside 10 to 15 minutes
each day to read. You can read news articles, fiction, magazine issues or any kind of
text, as long as you are taking the time to practice your reading skills.

2. Set reading goals.

You can set reading goals for yourself to help you develop a wider vocabulary, gain a
deeper understanding of different texts and improve your ability to make connections
between things you read and your own perspectives and ideas.

For example, you might set a goal to learn different vocabulary related to a central
topic like business management, technology or another subject that interests you.
Then, you can find meanings to unfamiliar words that help build your vocabulary as
you read. As you build your vocabulary to higher-level words and phrases, you can
increase the difficulty level of the texts you read.

Read more: SMART Goals: Definition and Examples

3. Preview the texts you read.

Previewing and scanning over texts can be another step toward improving your
reading skills. You can apply this strategy by previewing titles, captions, headlines
and other text features to get an idea of what you are reading about. This can help you
form central ideas about the text before you begin reading it.

4. Determine the purpose.

As you read through different texts, practice determining the purpose. Think about
why various texts were written and what meanings or themes can be understood from
a text. Additionally, you might identify the purpose that you are reading for, such as to
find information, follow instructions in a manual or to enjoy a story. Knowing your
purpose for reading a text can help you look for key ideas and details that support
your purpose.

5. Apply key reading strategies.

As you read different texts, you can apply several key strategies to help you increase
your comprehension. For instance, when previewing a text, you might identify the
text structure as informational, persuasive or instructional. You might also determine
key elements of different texts like the central themes, problems and solutions or
comparative ideas presented in what you read. Using strategies like identifying text
features, determining the purpose and taking notes can all work to help you improve
your reading skills.

6. Take notes while you read.

Another highly effective method for improving your reading skills is to take notes
while you read. For instance, you might take notes while reading a fiction novel to
gain a deeper understanding of the author's choice of language, or you might write
down new vocabulary while reading a science journal. Effective note-taking can
prompt you to ask questions about and make connections to what you read.

Similarly, creating visual representations like charts, tables or diagrams can clarify
themes and ideas and can help you form inferences from your reading. Note-taking
can be highly beneficial for comprehension exercises like summarizing, too.

7. Apply what you read by summarizing.

Summarizing what you read can also improve your reading skills. Summarizing
forces you to remember specific details and central topics about what you read in your
own words and through your own unique perspective. You might try verbally
summarizing what you read by sharing information with a friend or write a short
summary to help you retain and comprehend what you read.
As you develop your reading skills, your communication and overall ability to interact
with others and perform in your career can develop as well.

SMART Goals: Definition and Examples

Goal setting is a helpful way to build the career you want. By setting objectives and creating a
clear roadmap for how you’ll reach your intended target, you can decide how to apply your time
and resources to make progress. Without goals, it can be difficult to determine how to get a certain
job, promotion or other milestones you want to achieve.

When you set an objective for yourself, you should include each step necessary for success. To
help, you can use a framework called SMART goals. Here’s how SMART goals work and a few
tips and examples to assist you in your goal-setting efforts.

Related: Setting Goals to Improve Your Career

Communication Skills
Top 10 communication skills

Here are the top communication skills employers and recruiters want to see in your resume and
cover letter, interviews and career development:

1. Active listening

Active listening means paying close attention to who you’re communicating with by engaging
with them, asking questions and rephrasing. Practicing active listening can build respect with your
coworkers and increase understanding in the workplace. As you actively listen, focus on the
speaker, avoiding distractions like cell phones, laptops or other projects, and by preparing
questions, comments or ideas to thoughtfully respond.

Improve your active listening abilities by paying attention to other people’s facial expressions,
body language and tone. Instead of preparing what you will say, focus on what the other person is
saying and how they are saying it. If you need to clarify something, ask followup questions or
rephrase what they’ve said to confirm that you understood them correctly. 

Read more: Active Listening Skills: Definition and Examples

2. Communication method
Using the right way to communicate is an important skill. There are benefits and disadvantages to
talking through emails, letters, phone calls, in-person meetings or instant messages.
Communicating is better when you consider your audience, what information you want to share
and the best way to share it. 

For example, if you are communicating with a potential employer, it may be better to send a
formal email or call them on the phone. In the workplace, you may find it’s easier to communicate
complex information in person or via a video conference than by email. Building remote
workplace friendships is easier when you can speak through instant messages.

Read more: 4 Different Ways to Communicate Effectively in the Workplace

3. Friendliness

Friendly traits like honesty and kindness can help foster trust and understanding when
communicating at work. Try to communicate with a positive attitude, keep an open mind and ask
questions to help you understand where they’re coming from. Small gestures such as asking
someone how they’re doing, smiling as they speak or offering praise for work well done can help
you foster productive relationships with colleagues and managers.

You can practice friendliness by remembering small, thoughtful details about your coworkers or
past conversations. For example, if a coworker tells you their child’s birthday is soon and you
connect with them again later, you might ask them how the birthday party went.

4. Confidence

In the workplace, people are more likely to respond to ideas that are presented with confidence.
There are many ways to appear confident, including by making eye contact when you’re
addressing someone, sitting up straight with your shoulders open and preparing ahead of time so
your thoughts are polished and you’re able to answer any questions. Confident communication is
useful not just on the job but also during the job interview process.

Related: 11 Tips for Improving Confidence at Work

5. Sharing feedback

Strong communicators can accept critical feedback and provide constructive input to others.
Feedback should answer questions, provide solutions or help strengthen the project or topic at
hand. Providing and accepting feedback is an essential workplace skill, as it can help both you and
the people around you make meaningful improvements to their work and their professional
development.

A great way to learn how to give feedback is to take notes from others on the feedback they offer
you. When you come across a well-explained piece of feedback, take some time to observe and
analyze why it was good, why it resonated with you and how you might apply those skills in the
future.

Related: 8 Tips for Giving Useful Performance Feedback (With Examples)

6. Volume and clarity

When you’re speaking, it’s important to be clear and audible. Adjusting your speaking voice so
you can be heard in a variety of settings is a skill, and it’s critical to communicating effectively.
Speaking too loudly may be disrespectful or awkward in certain settings. If you’re unsure, read the
room to see how others are communicating.

Another aspect of verbal communication is vocalics and tonality. This involves how your tone
moves up and down, your pitch, your accent pattern and the spaces you place between phrases.
Such details can be effective in communicating emotions and offer your audience insights into
how your message should be interpreted (whether you realize it or not).

7. Empathy

Having empathy means that you can not only understand, but also share in the emotions of others.
This communication skill is important in both team and one-on-one settings. In both cases, you
will need to understand other people’s emotions and select an appropriate response.

For example, if someone is expressing anger or frustration, empathy can help you acknowledge
and diffuse their emotion. At the same time, being able to understand when someone is feeling
positive and enthusiastic can help you get support for your ideas and projects.

Related: How to Be Empathetic in the Workplace

8. Respect

A key aspect of respect is knowing when to initiate communication and respond. In a team or
group setting, allowing others to speak without interruption is seen as a necessary communication
skill tied to respectfulness. Respectfully communicating also means using your time with someone
else wisely—staying on topic, asking clear questions and responding fully to any questions you’ve
been asked.

Related: How to Treat Others with Respect in the Workplace

9. Nonverbal cues

A great deal of communication happens through nonverbal cues such as body language, facial
expressions and eye contact. When you’re listening to someone, you should be paying attention to
what they’re saying as well as their nonverbal language. By the same measure, you should be
conscious of your own body language when you’re communicating to ensure you’re sending
appropriate cues to others.

Related: Examples of Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace

10. Responsiveness

Whether you’re returning a phone call or sending a reply to an email, fast communicators are
viewed as more effective than those who are slow to respond. One method is to consider how long
your response will take.Is this a request or question you can answer in the next five minutes? If so,
it may be a good idea to address it as soon as you see it. If it’s a more complex request or question,
you can still acknowledge that you’ve received the message and let the other person know you
will respond in full later.

What are communication skills?

Communication skills are abilities you use when giving and receiving different kinds of
information. While these skills may be a regular part of your day-to-day work life,
communicating in a clear, effective and efficient way is an extremely special and useful skill.
Learning from great communicators around you and actively practicing ways to improve your
communications over time will certainly support your efforts to achieve various personal and
professional goals.

Communication skills involve listening, speaking, observing and empathizing. It is also

helpful to understand the differences in how to communicate through face-to-face
interactions, phone conversations and digital communications, like email and social media.

Types of communication

There are four main types of communication you might use on a daily basis, including:
1. Verbal: Communicating by way of a spoken language.
2. Nonverbal: Communicating by way of body language, facial expressions and vocalics.
3. Written: Communicating by way of written language, symbols and numbers.
4. Visual: Communication by way of photography, art, drawings, sketches, charts and graphs.

Read more: 4 Types of Communication (With Examples)

How to make communication skills stand out

Here are a few ways you can highlight your communication skills in your resume, cover letter
and job interview:

Communication skills on your resume

A well-written resume is itself a demonstration of strong communication skills. Ensure that

your resume is structured appropriately and free of spelling and grammatical errors.
Additionally, you may also want to include some positive communication skills in
your resume skills section, especially if the job post calls for specific communication skills in
the description. You can add skills to your Indeed Resume for employers searching for
candidates with your skillset.

Read more: 10 Communication Skills to Add to Your Resume

Communication skills on your cover letter

Your cover letter is a great opportunity to elaborate on your communication skills. While you
can talk more directly about how effectively you communicate here, at a high level, your
cover letter is one of the employer’s first impressions of your skills. You will want to make
your cover letter brief, well written, free from typos and spelling errors and tailored to the
position you’re applying for.

Related: 7 Powerful Ways to Start a Cover Letter

Communication skills in your job interview

The first, most important way you can communicate in your interview is through how you
present yourself. Show up for the interview 10–15 minutes early and dressed appropriately for
the job you’re applying for. Pay attention to the nonverbal cues you’re displaying through
body language.

Avoid actions such as slouching or looking at your phone during the interview. Looking your
interviewer in the eye, employing active listening skills and displaying confidence are all
positive ways to communicate in your interview. Almost everything you do—both on the job
and in life—can be seen as a form of communication. By identifying your strengths and
weaknesses and regularly practicing good habits, you can improve the way you connect and
communicate with others.

How to improve your communication skills

With experience and practice, you can learn and improve your communication skills. Start by
identifying your strengths and then practice and develop those areas.

Observe good communicators around you

Identify professionals, family and friends who consistently communicate ideas and
information clearly with respect, empathy and confidence. Observe and take notes on the
specific ways they communicate with others. Do they use a certain tone of voice in some
cases? When? How do they explain complex information, ideas or instructions? What kinds
of emotion do they use when communicating, if any? How do their communications affect
others?

Ask a close friend or colleague for constructive criticism

It can be hard to know how you are perceived as a communicator. To get an objective opinion,
ask a trusted friend for their honest feedback. Understanding your areas of improvement for
communication can help you identify what to focus on.

Practice improving communication habits

Many communication skills are habits you have developed over time. You can improve those
skills by practicing new habits that make you a better communicator. That might include
being more responsive to communications when they are sent, reminding yourself to give eye
contact, practicing giving positive feedback and asking questions in conversations.

Attend communication skills workshops or classes

There are several online and offline seminars, workshops and classes that can help you be a
better communicator. These classes may include instruction, roleplay, written assignments and
open discussions.

Seek opportunities to communicate

Seek out opportunities both on and off the job that require you to use communication skills.
This will help you keep good skills fresh while also allowing you the opportunity to practice
new skills.

Related: How to Improve Communication Skills

Communicating effectively in the workplace

While there are several communication skills you will use in different scenarios, there are a
few ways you can be an effective communicator at work:

Be clear and concise

Making your message as easy to consume as possible reduces the chance of

misunderstandings, speeds up projects and helps others quickly understand your goals.
Instead of speaking in long, detailed sentences, practice reducing your message down to its
core meaning. While providing context is helpful, it is best to give the most necessary
information when trying to communicate your idea, instruction or message.

Practice empathy

Understanding your colleague’s feelings, ideas and goals can help you when communicating
with them. For example, you might need help from other departments to get a project started.
If they are not willing to help or have concerns, practicing empathy can help you position
your message in a way that addresses their apprehension.

Assert yourself

At times, it is necessary to be assertive to reach your goals whether you are asking for a raise,
seeking project opportunities or resisting an idea you don’t think will be beneficial. While
presenting with confidence is an important part of the workplace, you should always be
respectful in conversation. Keeping an even tone and providing sound reasons for your
assertions will help others be receptive to your thoughts.

Be calm and consistent

When there is a disagreement or conflict, it can be easy to bring emotion into your
communications. It is important to remain calm when communicating with others in the
workplace. Be aware of your body language by not crossing your arms or rolling your eyes.
Maintaining consistent body language and keeping an even tone of voice can help you reach a
conclusion peacefully and productively.

Use and read body language

Body language is a key part of communication in the workplace. Pay close attention to the
messages people are sending with their facial expressions and movements. You should also
pay close attention to the way you might be communicating (intentionally or not) with your
own body language.

How to teach communication skills

You can learn and practice communication skills. Students benefit from methods that give
them hands-on practice, clear directions and the opportunity to reflect. Here are some of the
best ways to teach these skills with several examples. 

1. Role-play
2. Group games
3. Films
4. Introspection
5. Turn-talking
6. Asking questions
7. Record and reflect

1. Role-play

Role-playing is a classic method for teaching communication skills. To use this technique,
students act out skills after discussing them. For example, appropriate posture or body
language. 

Role-playing should always focus on full group participation and mutual respect. Be sure to
talk to students about how to be a respectful audience member, and allow plenty of time for
daily role-playing to help students get comfortable. Students will need to have patience and
open-mindedness, as well as a positive rapport with each other. If you foster these skills first,
role-playing can be a great way to learn communication abilities quickly. 
Role-play tips:

 Whenever you teach a new skill, use role-playing to check that students fully
understand the information.
 Act out a skill for students. Then have them guess which skill you modeled.
 Use specific scenarios students experience on a day-to-day basis in an office setting.
 Have the students discuss what went well and what went wrong after each role-play.
Ask them what they would have done differently to improve the situation.

Examples:

 In a role-playing scenario, two students act out examples of both excellent and
ineffective communication during a mock project disagreement. Afterward, the group
takes two minutes to write down the effects of each communication style and shares
with the group.
 Write various communication skills on strips of paper. Have students choose at
random and then act out the skills. The rest of the group can guess. Choose clear
examples such as eye contact, posture, body language, active listening and confidence.

2. Group games

Group games are an interactive, engaging way to teach verbal and nonverbal communication,
persuasion, collaboration and relationship-building skills. Through group games, students
learn to efficiently pass the information on to others. During games, you should watch closely,
make notes and be prepared to share your observations with students so they can improve
over time.

Group game examples:

Complete a group project

Working towards a specific goal as a group requires communication. Ask the team to build,
design or create something over a set period of time. Provide the group with any necessary
materials and observe their interactions as they work. Afterward, ask the group what went
well and what they could’ve done differently. Share your observations with positive feedback
for each individual on what they did well.

Play the “emotional rollercoaster” game

Divide the group into two teams. Each team gets a set of cards with an emotion written on it,
such as “angry,” “delighted” or “sluggish.” A student on the first team acts out an emotion
while their teammates guess what it is. Then the other team tries. Set a time limit for guesses,
and the team who guesses the most by the end is the winner. This game will help students
become more aware of the expressions and body language signals they use to express
emotions. It will also spark conversations about non-verbal signals. Be sure to leave time for
post-game discussion.

Lead a team member through an obstacle course

Divide the group into teams of two and put a blindfold on one member of each team. Then,
have them stand at the start of the course. The second member guides their partner through
the course using only verbal directions. Let both the blindfolded and non-blindfolded
members share their experiences, then ask them to swap roles and try the course again. 

3. Films

A carefully compiled collection of film and TV clips is a great teaching tool. You can pause,
discuss and replay clips. Video clips also make for great take-home work. Students can watch
as many times as they like, write responses and share during the next class.

You can look for examples of:

 Characters who learn how to handle crises using clear, concise communication
 Non-verbal communication skills
 How characters process and communicate complex emotions
 Ways to use multiple communication skills to solve problems
 Examples of situations that went wrong as a result of poor communication

4. Introspection

Learning about interpersonal and communication skills often necessitates time for reflection
and introspection. When students are learning about communication, especially those related
to social and emotional health, provide ample time for structured self-analysis. Give students
prompts to guide them as they contemplate. For example, ask them to think about
communication methods that have worked well for them during difficult situations in the
past. 

Here are several additional introspection exercises you might consider:

 Journaling
 Drawing
 Photography
 Poetry
 Lists
 Stream of consciousness
 Collages 

5. Turn-talking
One of the most basic and helpful communication skills students can learn is turn-talking.
During a turn-talking lesson, students will learn the difference between interrupting and
interjecting. This is a critical skill people need to learn for negotiation, conflict resolution and
idea-sharing. Students should also learn how to overlap in conversation cooperatively rather
than competitively.

Turn-talking methods include:

 Use a talking stick or other talking object in your classroom. This sets turn-talking
as a standard on the very first day of class.
 Introduce pause-fillers. Make a poster with helpful pause-fillers like, “Let me see,”
“Let me think” and “What I mean is,”  to help keep the conversation going. 
 Suggest opinion phrases. These can help students invite others to speak. A poster of
opinion phrases might include “What do you think?” and “Do you like that idea?”

6. Asking questions

Productive conversations are created by asking and answering thoughtful questions. Asking
open-ended questions can help move projects forward, encourage new ideas, solve complex
problems and delegate tasks. However, learning how to ask those questions is a skill. Take
time to teach students about open-ended questions and be sure to provide plenty of examples.
You might devote an entire class unit to a lesson on questions, using role-play activities to
help guide the discussion.

You can start by conversing with one student in front of the class. Have students keep track of
how many words their peer uses in response to your questions. Alternate closed and open
questions. Your first question might be, “Did you like the movie?” Follow that up with a
question like, “What did you like best about the movie?” Ask alternating questions for a few
minutes. Then, get together with the class to discuss their findings. Have them determine
which questions prompted longer, more interesting answers and which inspired discussion.
Then have students practice asking open-ended questions in pairs or groups.

Related: Interview Question: “Do You Have Any Questions?”

7. Record and reflect

Watching yourself is an effective way to learn communication skills. If you have the time and
resources, ask students to record themselves having a conversation with someone else or in
front of a mirror. Then, they should watch the recording and observe their verbal and
nonverbal communication. Finally, they should take time to reflect on what they did well and
what they can focus on improving.

Here are several additional examples of record and reflect methods:

  Record a two-person conversation. Have the participants watch the recording while
writing down their responses or sharing their observations out loud.
 Have students record a short speech by themselves. Record their speech in front of
an entire classroom audience. Compare the two videos. 
 Record a video at the beginning of class and another at the end. It can be useful to
watch the improvement between the two videos.
 Assign video-watching and reflection as a take-home assignment. This is a helpful
alternative to students watching their videos with their peers and may offer the chance
for a more in-depth response.

What are SMART goals?

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable,  Achievable, Relevant and Time-
based. Each element of the SMART framework works together to create a goal that is carefully
planned, clear and trackable. 

You may have set goals in your past that were difficult to achieve because they were too vague,
aggressive or poorly framed. Working toward a poorly-crafted goal can feel daunting and
unachievable. Creating SMART goals can help solve these problems. Whether you’re setting
personal or professional goals, using the SMART goal framework can establish a strong
foundation for achieving success. 

Below, we’ll demonstrate how to turn a goal like “I want to be in leadership” into a SMART goal.

S = Specific

Be as clear and specific as possible with what you want to achieve. The more narrow your goal,
the more you’ll understand the steps necessary to achieve it. 

Example: “I want to earn a position managing a development team for a startup tech company.”

M = Measurable

What evidence will prove you’re making progress toward your goal? For example, if your goal is
to earn a position managing a development team for a startup tech company, you might measure
progress by the number of management positions you’ve applied for and the number of interviews
you’ve completed. Setting milestones along the way will give you the opportunity to re-evaluate
and course-correct as needed. When you achieve your milestones, remember to reward yourself in
small but meaningful ways. 

Example: “I will apply to three open positions for the manager of a development team at a tech
startup.”

A = Achievable

Have you set an achievable goal? Setting goals you can reasonably accomplish within a certain
timeframe will help keep you motivated and focused. Using the above example of earning a job
managing a development team, you should know the credentials, experience and skills necessary
to earn a leadership position. Before you begin working toward a goal, decide whether it’s
something you can achieve now or whether there are additional preliminary steps you should take
to become better prepared. 

Example: “I will update my resume with relevant qualifications, so I can apply to three open
positions for the manager of a development team at a tech startup.”

R = Relevant
When setting goals for yourself, consider whether or not they are relevant. Each of your goals
should align with your values and larger, long-term goals. If a goal doesn’t contribute toward
your broader objectives, you might rethink it. Ask yourself why the goal is important to you, how
achieving it will help you and how it will contribute toward your long-term goals. 

Example: “To achieve my goal of being in leadership, I will update my resume with relevant
qualifications so I can apply to three open positions for the manager of a development team at a
tech startup.”

T = Time-based

What is your goal time-frame? An end-date can help provide motivation and help you prioritize.
For example, if your goal is to earn a promotion to a more senior position, you might give yourself
six months. If you haven’t achieved your goal in that timeframe, take time to consider why. Your
timeframe might have been unrealistic, you might have run into unexpected roadblocks or your
goal might have been unachievable. 

Example: “To achieve my goal of being in leadership, I will update my resume with relevant
qualifications so I can apply to three open positions for the manager of a development team at a
tech startup this week.”

Why should I use SMART goals?

Using the SMART goal framework sets boundaries and defines the steps you’ll need to take,
resources necessary to get there and milestones that indicate progress along the way. With SMART
goals, you’re more likely to achieve your goal efficiently and effectively.

Here are a few examples of how SMART goals can benefit people in different circumstances:

 Laura would like to change careers from customer support to design…

 Avi knows that his goal is to become a sales manager but he’s not sure where to begin…
 Tonya wants to get a job in the healthcare industry but doesn’t have industry experience…

Related: 5 Ways to Achieve Goals in the Workplace

Examples of SMART goals

Here are two smart goal examples: 

Example 1

I will obtain a job as a high school math teacher within three months after graduating with my
Bachelor of Science in Education.

 Specific: The goal of becoming a high school math teacher is well-defined

  Measurable: Success can be measured by the number of applications, interviews and job
offers.
 Achievable: The goal setter will have the appropriate degree for the job.
 Relevant: The goal setter is planning to get a job in the education industry after getting an
education degree.
 Time-based: The goal setter has set a deadline to achieve their objective within the three
months following graduation.

Example 2

I will earn a promotion to senior customer service representative by completing the required
training modules in three months and applying for the role at the end of next quarter.

 Specific: The goal setter has clearly set the objective to be promoted to senior customer
services rep.
 Measurable: Success can be measured by training module completion, filing the
application and earning the promotion.
 Achievable: The goal setter will complete the training necessary to earn the promotion.
 Relevant: The goal setter is planning to apply for the promotion after finishing their
training modules.
 Time-based: The goal setter has set a deadline to achieve their objective at the end of the
following business quarter.

Setting SMART goals can help you move forward in your career and achieve the success you
want. While goals can be challenging, using the SMART framework can organize the process and
provide structure before you begin.

Importance of communication

We use communication every day in nearly every environment, including in the workplace. Whether
you give a slight head nod in agreement or present information to a large group, communication is
absolutely necessary when building relationships, sharing ideas, delegating responsibilities, managing a
team and much more.

Learning and developing good communication skills can help you succeed in your career, make you a
competitive job candidate and build your network. While it takes time and practice, communication and
interpersonal skills are certainly able to be both increased and refined.

There are four main types of communication we use on a daily basis: verbal, nonverbal, written and
visual. With all of these communication styles, it’s most effective when you know how to
actively listen, observe and empathize. Developing these soft skills can help you better understand a
message and respond thoughtfully. 

Related: Common Communication Barriers

Types of communication

There are several different ways we share information with one another. For example, you might use
verbal communication when sharing a presentation with a group. You might use written communication
when applying for a job or sending an email. Here’s a more in-depth look at the four main categories of
communication: 

1. Verbal
Verbal communication is the use of language to transfer information through speaking or sign
language. It is one of the most common types, often used during presentations, video conferences and
phone calls, meetings and one-on-one conversations. Verbal communication is important because it is
efficient. It can be helpful to support verbal communication with both nonverbal and written
communication.

Here are a few steps you can take to develop your verbal communication skills:

Use a strong, confident speaking voice. Especially when presenting information to a few or a

group of people, be sure to use a strong voice so that everyone can easily hear you. Be
confident when speaking so that your ideas are clear and easy for others to understand.




Use active listening. The other side of using verbal communication is intently listening to and
hearing others. Active listening skills are key when conducting a meeting, presentation or even
when participating in a one-on-one conversation. Doing so will help you grow as a
communicator.




Avoid filler words. It can be tempting, especially during a presentation, to use filler words such
as “um,” “like,” “so” or “yeah.” While it might feel natural after completing a sentence or
pausing to collect your thoughts, it can also be distracting for your audience. Try presenting to a
trusted friend or colleague who can call attention to the times you use filler words. Try to
replace them by taking a breath when you are tempted to use them.

2. Nonverbal

Nonverbal communication is the use of body language, gestures and facial expressions to convey
information to others. It can be used both intentionally and unintentionally. For example, you might
smile unintentionally when you hear a pleasing or enjoyable idea or piece of information. Nonverbal
communication is helpful when trying to understand others’ thoughts and feelings.

If they are displaying “closed” body language, such as crossed arms or hunched shoulders, they might
be feeling anxious, angry or nervous. If they are displaying “open” body language with both feet on the
floor and arms by their side or on the table, they are likely feeling positive and open to information.

Here are a few steps you can take to develop your nonverbal communication skills:
 

Notice how your emotions feel physically. Throughout the day, as you experience a range of
emotions (anything from energized, bored, happy or frustrated), try to identify where you feel
that emotion within your body. For example, if you’re feeling anxious, you might notice that
your stomach feels tight. Developing self-awareness around how your emotions affect your
body can give you greater mastery over your external presentation.

Be intentional about your nonverbal communications. Make an effort to display positive

body language when you feel alert, open and positive about your surroundings. You can also
use body language to support your verbal communication if you feel confused or anxious about
information, like using a furrowed brow. Use body language alongside verbal communication
such as asking follow up questions or pulling the presenter aside to give feedback.

Mimic nonverbal communications you find effective. If you find certain facial expressions
or body language beneficial to a certain setting, use it as a guide when improving your own
nonverbal communications. For example, if you see that when someone nods their head it
communicates approval and positive feedback efficiently, use it in your next meeting when you
have the same feelings.

Related: Examples of Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace

3. Written

Written communication is the act of writing, typing or printing symbols like letters and numbers to
convey information. It is helpful because it provides a record of information for reference. Writing is
commonly used to share information through books, pamphlets, blogs, letters, memos and more.
Emails and chats are a common form of written communication in the workplace.

Here are a few steps you can take to develop your written communication skills:

Strive for simplicity. Written communications should be as simple and clear as possible. While
it might be helpful to include lots of detail in instructional communications, for example, you
should look for areas where you can write as clearly as possible for your audience to
understand.

Don’t rely on tone. Because you do not have the nuance of verbal and nonverbal
communications, be careful when you are trying to communicate a certain tone when writing.
For example, attempting to communicate a joke, sarcasm or excitement might be translated
differently depending on the audience. Instead, try to keep your writing as simple and plain as
possible and follow up with verbal communications where you can add more personality.


 

Take time to review your written communications. Setting time aside to re-read your emails,
letters or memos can help you identify mistakes or opportunities to say something differently.
For important communications or those that will be sent to a large number of people, it might
be helpful to have a trusted colleague review it as well.




Keep a file of writing you find effective or enjoyable. If you receive a certain pamphlet,
email or memo that you find particularly helpful or interesting, save it for reference when
writing your own communications. Incorporating methods or styles you like can help you to
improve over time.

Read more: Written Communication Skills: Definitions and Examples

4. Visual

Visual communication is the act of using photographs, art, drawings, sketches, charts and graphs to
convey information. Visuals are often used as an aid during presentations to provide helpful context
alongside written and/or verbal communication. Because people have different learning styles, visual
communication might be more helpful for some to consume ideas and information.

Here are a few steps you can take to develop your visual communication skills:

Ask others before including visuals. If you are considering sharing a visual aid in your
presentation or email, consider asking others for feedback. Adding visuals can sometimes make
concepts confusing or muddled. Getting a third-party perspective can help you decide whether
the visual adds value to your communications.




Consider your audience. Be sure to include visuals that are easily understood by your
audience. For example, if you are displaying a chart with unfamiliar data, be sure to take time
and explain what is happening in the visual and how it relates to what you are saying. You
should never use sensitive, offensive, violent or graphic visuals in any form.


To make improvements to your communication skills, set personal goals to work through the things
you want to accomplish step by step. It might be helpful to consult with trusted colleagues, managers or
mentors to identify which areas would be best to focus on first.

12 communication strategies to use at work

The following 12 communication strategies can help you overcome and prevent communication
challenges at work:

1. Be aware of your body language

Body language, facial expressions and other nonverbal cues can play a large role in effective
communication. Take note of your body language when communicating and adjust if your body
language is not supporting what you are trying to communicate. Posture can be a form of body
language so be sure you’re sitting up straight to indicate respect and attentiveness during a conversation
or a meeting.

2. Maintain eye contact

Maintaining eye contact shows that you are paying attention to the other person and are an active part
of the conversation.

3. Request and provide feedback

Offering and asking for feedback shows that you care about what the other person is saying as well as
their opinions on the topic being discussed.

4. Use encouraging small verbal comments

When taking part in a conversation, use small verbal comments such as "uh-huh." This can encourage
the speaker to continue and lets them know that you are listening.

5. Don't interrupt

Refrain from interrupting when another person is speaking to show respect and that you are listening to
what they are saying.

6. Focus on what the other person is saying

Paying attention is the key to effective communication. When another person is speaking, give them all
of your attention and acknowledge that you are hearing their message.

7. Limit distractions
Communication is much more effective when there are little to no distractions. When communicating,
put away your mobile device, shut off your computer and limit any other distractions that may prohibit
you from being present during a conversation.

Related: 4 Types of Communication (With Examples)

8. Participate in a public speaking class

Taking a speech class can help build confidence when speaking to others and equip you with effective
communication strategies.

9. Acknowledge what others are expressing

When having a conversation with someone, acknowledge what they are saying by nodding, using facial
expressions and participating in the conversation when appropriate.

10. Consider your tone of voice

Your tone of voice can have a significant impact on how others interpret what you’re saying. For
example, if you are discussing a serious topic, your tone should be confident and firm rather than
playful or unsure.

11. Use appropriate grammar and spelling

Avoid using abbreviations, slang, jargon and other forms of language that may not be understood by
others. Spell out words and ensure proper spelling and grammar.

12. Proofread and edit

Before sending an email, text or other written form of communication, take the time to proofread and
make any necessary edits. This ensures your written communication is professional and conveys your
message as accurately as possible.

Top communication skills

Below is a list of top communication skills you can develop to get ahead in the workplace and life.
These soft skills can only be developed through deliberate communication with others, which requires
a deep understanding of each skill:

 Emotional intelligence
 Clarity
  Empathy
 Confidence
 Listening
 Keeping an open mind

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence, or EI, is the skill that allows you to modulate and regulate your emotional
response, even in the face of information that might inspire deep emotions. People with high emotional
intelligence communicate better with others by being less reactionary.

Clarity

It's important to speak clearly and to be able to illustrate a point with clarity and cohesion. Mastering
this skill means being able to communicate a narrative, through verbal or written communication
usually, in the correct order for story progression and including the necessary details for understanding.

Empathy

Like emotional intelligence, empathy is a communication skill that speaks to the human ability to
connect emotionally. People who have high empathy can relate to the feelings and emotions of others,
which may make them a more sensitive and astute communicator.

Confidence

People who speak with confidence are effective communicators because people are more inclined to
believe and trust the word of someone who communicates confidently. Confidence is also an important
workplace skill because it often overlaps with competence.

Listening

The key to being a great communicator is to start by being a good listener. Listening is an essential part
of communication. You must listen to be an effective part of a dialogue.

Keeping an open mind

Being open-minded means you can change your ideas and opinions in the face of new information.
This flexibility makes for a skill that can be refined for the workplace.

How to improve communication skills

You can improve your communication skills by following the steps below:

1. Record yourself communicating

2. Improve your listening
 3. Seek out skills and resources that aid in emotional development
4. Get better at understanding non-verbal communication
5. Prioritize communication skill development
6. Make eye contact
7. Ensure you are understood

1. Record yourself communicating

A good first step is to record yourself communicating. Whether working on a group project, giving a
speech or simply just speaking with others, record a few communications and evaluate them to where
you need to improve. Even an email can show a record of written communication that can be useful for
this kind of evaluation. Discovering where you can improve is a good first step to establishing a
baseline for skill development.

2. Improve your listening

A vital part of communication is listening. If you start a dialogue with someone you have to be able to
listen and respond. Active listening is a technique where people use verbal and non-verbal
communication techniques to be a better listener. Perfecting your active listening skills helps you
communicate better with others.

3. Seek out resources that aid in emotional development

Curating your own emotional development can be a challenge, but good communicators build skills
that help them modulate their reactions during communication and to react appropriately to the given
situation. Learning how to communicate with others means learning more about yourself and your own
emotional development. Seek out tools and resources that help you develop emotionally.

4. Get better at understanding non-verbal communication

It's one skill to understand what people are saying to you, and it's another skill to understand how their
non-verbal communication influences their meaning. When you fully understand communication, you
can pick up on both verbal and non-verbal cues, like body language.

5. Prioritize communication skill development

Soft skills 聽 can pose a challenge to develop, so anyone looking at getting better at some of the soft
skills associated with communication should prioritize communication by choosing to evaluate their
interactions and committing to making adjustments where needed.

6. Make eye contact

Eye contact is an important part of non-verbal communication. Doing something as simple as making
eye contact while speaking can help improve your communication skills.
7. Ensure you are understood

You can use techniques like reading non-verbal communication and asking questions to make sure you
are understood. When speaking, pay attention to the non-communication of others such as seeing the
listener nod their head in agreement.聽

Communication tips

Here are three communication tips to help you improve:

1. Prioritize communication skill development

Soft skills 聽 can pose a challenge to develop, so anyone looking at getting better at some of the soft
skills associated with communication should prioritize communication by choosing to evaluate their
interactions and committing to making adjustments where needed.

2. Make eye contact

Eye contact is an important part of non-verbal communication. Doing something as simple as making
eye contact while speaking can help improve your communication skills.

3. Ensure you are understood

You can use techniques like reading non-verbal communication and asking questions to make sure you
are understood.

What are soft skills?

Soft skills are abilities that relate to how you work and how you interact with other people. Popular soft skills
include communication, teamwork and other interpersonal skills. Employers look for soft skills in candidates
because these skills are hard to teach and are important for long-term success. Soft skills are different from hard
skills, which are technical and job-specific. 

Other names for soft skills: personal skills, interpersonal skills, non-technical skills, essential skills, transferable
skill.
Popular soft skills with employers

In a recent Indeed survey of 1,000 hiring managers, we asked them to list the most important attributes of top
performers at their company. The top five attributes they named were¹:

 Problem-solving
 Effective communication skills
 Self-direction
 Drive
 Adaptability/Flexibility

Other sought-after soft skills include:

 Effective communication
 Teamwork
 Dependability
 Adaptability
 Conflict resolution
 Flexibility
  Leadership
 Problem-solving
 Research
 Creativity
 Work ethic
 Integrity

Broad types of soft skills, which you can read more about below, include:

 Communication
 Problem-solving
 Creativity
 Adaptability
 Work ethic

Why are soft skills important?

Soft skills play an important role in resume writing, interviewing, job performance and finding success in
communicating with people at work and in other areas of your life. For example, as you look for jobs, you may
find that many employers list specific soft skills on their job posts in the “required” or “desired” sections. 

For example, a job posting for a human resources associate may list “attention to detail” as a desired trait, while a
job for a marketing specialist could list “leadership” and “great communication skills” as required traits.

Soft skills are often transferable across careers and industries. As a result, you may find that you possess many of
the required traits even if you don’t match the exact profile in a job description. As you search for jobs, pay special
attention to posts calling for candidates with soft skills or traits you possess. 

Even if the job title isn’t a great fit, you may find that the description makes sense for you. As you progress
through the job search process, keep your resume updated to reflect soft skills most relevant to the jobs you’re
applying for.

While having your soft skills on your resume can catch the attention of an employer, the interview is where you’ll
be able to showcase that you actually possess these skills. While you can display some skills like good
communication, you may consider weaving others into your answers to interview questions. 

For example, you might talk about your problem-solving skills when answering a question like, “Tell me about a
time you overcame an obstacle.” If the employer prompts you to provide references, think of those that can speak
to examples that verify your soft skills and other strengths. 

Top soft skills with examples

Soft skills include innate personality traits and abilities that can be learned. Here are key soft skills and how they
can help during the job search: 
Communication

Effective communication skills will be helpful through the interview process and in your career overall. The ability
to communicate involves knowing how you should speak to others in different situations or settings. For example,
when working with a team on a project, you may need to communicate when you believe an idea or process is
ineffective. Finding a way to tactfully and skillfully disagree with others on the job without creating conflict is an
important skill that employers value.

Related communication skills

 Active listening
 Confidence
 Conflict resolution
 Negotiation
 Public speaking
 Writing
 Nonverbal communication
 Empathy

Problem-solving

Employers highly value people who can resolve issues quickly and effectively. That may involve calling on
industry knowledge to fix an issue immediately as it occurs, or taking time to research and consult with colleagues
to find a scalable, long-term solution.

Related problem-solving skills

 Creativity
 Research
 Risk management
 Teamwork
 Critical thinking
 Analysis
 Decision-making
 Resourcefulness
 Troubleshooting

Creativity

Creativity is a broad ability incorporating many different skill sets including other soft skills and technical skills.
Employees with creativity can find new ways to perform tasks, improve processes or even develop new and
exciting avenues for the business to explore. Creativity can be used in any role at any level.

Related creativity skills

  Curiosity
 Learning from others
 Open-mindedness
 Taking calculated risks
 Innovation
 Experimentation

Adaptability

How easily do you adapt to changes? If you’re working in a technology-driven field or startup, adaptability is
especially important. Changes in processes, tools or clients you work with can happen quickly. Employees who are
capable of adapting to new situations and ways of working are valuable in many jobs and industries.

Related adaptability skills

 Consistency
 Organization
 Optimism
 Flexibility
 Enthusiasm
 Cooperation
 Patience
 Growth mindset

Work ethic

Work ethic is the ability to follow through on tasks and duties in a timely, quality manner. A strong work ethic will
help ensure you develop a positive relationship with your employer and colleagues, even when you are still
developing technical skills in a new job. Many employers would rather work with someone who has a strong work
ethic and is eager to learn than a skilled worker who seems unmotivated.

Related work ethic skills

 Attention to detail
 Integrity
 Persistence
 Time management
 Organization
 Dependability
 Motivation
 Perseverance 
 Results-oriented 
How to improve your soft skills

Here are several ways you can improve your soft skills:

1. Pick a skill you want to improve and practice it consistently

You can improve any soft skill if you make it a practice. Most soft skills are a matter of routine. For
example, you can practice dependability both on the job and at home by improving punctuality
(showing up to work or events on time or early, for example) and starting on projects at work earlier so
you can complete them ahead of schedule.

2. Observe and mimic the positive soft skills you see in others

There are likely professionals you know or work with who have strengths in various soft skills. You
may be able to develop integral soft skills by observing the practices of others and incorporating them
into your own daily routine. 

You may find, for example, that effective communicators often write down notes when others are
talking during meetings. Quite often, this helps them organize their thoughts so they are prepared to ask
and answer important questions. This is also an active listening practice that may be good to utilize as
part of your own work.

3. Set milestone goals to improve soft skills

Set specific, measurable goals by carefully reading your performance reviews at work or asking trusted
friends and colleagues for constructive criticism. This can help you to both identify key areas of
improvement for goal setting and areas of strength to highlight on your resume and in interviews. You
can prioritize which soft skills to work on based on those that you need to get a certain job or move up
in a career you already have.

4. Find resources to help you learn

There are a variety of resources—such as books, podcasts or online classes—that can help you learn
tactics for improving specific soft skills. While some require payment, many are free and accessible at
any time. You might try a few different resources to see which are best for your learning style.

Many employers value strong soft skills over technical skills because they are often personality traits
developed over a lifetime and can be difficult to teach. That being said, anyone can improve their soft
skills with experience and practice. 

For example, you may find that an employer is seeking someone skilled in conflict resolution. While
you may be naturally skilled at effective communication, it may help to practice working through
conflicts with others. When looking through job postings, make note of what soft skills are showing up
consistently in your vertical as a guide for which skills you may need to develop. 

Highlighting your soft skills

Showcasing your soft skills can be useful when looking and applying for jobs, in an interview or in
your daily work. If you are looking for work, you can highlight your soft skills on your resume and in
your cover letter. 

Soft skills for resumes

Your resume should include a section that lists your relevant hard and soft skills. When deciding
which skills to put on a resume, consider both what skills are called for in the job post and those you
possess that can be verified by your references. 

Note that you should prioritize the hard skills sought after for the role before your soft skills, as soft
skills are typically evaluated in the interview stage of the process. It’s encouraged to have 10-30 skills
on your resume; consider having soft skills take up no more than half of the listed skills you include.

Here’s an example of what your resume skills section could look like:
 Technical skills: Learning Technology • Mac OS • Windows OS • Blackboard
Additional skills: Strong communication skills • Highly empathic • Passionate and
motivated

Add skills to your Indeed Resume for employers searching for candidates with your skill sets. 

Related: 20 Skills in Demand in Today's Workforce

Soft skills for cover letters

Your cover letter should include at least one well-developed and relevant soft skill that provides context
as to why you’re a good fit for the job. You can do this by explaining how your soft skill aligns with the
company’s goals, values and/or mission.

Your use of soft skills in your cover letter may look similar to the following example:

“In my previous role, I displayed both passion and creativity that were highly
regarded by my colleagues and managers. For example, I successfully proposed and
put together a team to work on a marketing campaign targeting a younger
demographic for our product. From start to finish, my team members and managers
praised my ability to positively work with my team to help establish new interest in
our company.”