Years ago, The Conference Board of Canada, an independent organization focused on applied research without profit motive, developed the Employability Skills 2000+, which enumerates the essential skills that employees require to thrive in the workplace. At the forefront of the fundamental skills necessary for success in life are communication skills. 
A decade later, with the emergence of social media and text messaging, communication is becoming routine, even in instances where more formal communication methods are necessary. This indicates that younger individuals may not grasp the significance of effective communication skills within the workplace. Observing the most successful leaders, one of their traits is the capability to communicate effectively, which underscores the significance of communication skills. 
There are several aspects that can enhance your communication skills:
1. Listen, listen, and listen. Pay close attention to what the other individual is expressing, instead of preparing your response. Request clarification to prevent misunderstandings. The person conversing with you in that moment should hold the utmost importance. Another crucial point is to engage in only one conversation at any given time. This signifies that if you are conversing with someone on a call, refrain from replying to an email or sending a text simultaneously. The other individual is aware that they do not have your full attention.

2. Who you converse with matters. Using abbreviations and informal language is acceptable when communicating with a friend, but if you are emailing or texting your boss, phrases like "Hi," "TTYL," or any informal vernacular should not be included in your correspondence. You cannot presume that the other individual comprehends what the abbreviation signifies. Some abbreviations hold various meanings for different people. Do you wish to be misinterpreted? Effective communicators tailor their messages based on their audience, so endeavor to keep the other individual in mind when conveying your message. 
3. Body language is important. This is significant during face-to-face interactions and video conferences. Ensure you appear approachable, so practice open body language. This entails not crossing your arms. Additionally, establish eye contact so the other person recognizes that you are engaged. 
4. Document your thoughts. Take notes while conversing with another individual or in a meeting, and do not depend solely on your memory. Dispatch a follow-up email to confirm your understanding of what was discussed during the conversation. 
5. Sometimes it is preferable to make a phone call. If you discover that you have much to convey, rather than sending an email, always contact the individual directly. Email is beneficial, but at times it is simpler to articulate your message verbally. 
6. Consider before you speak. Always take a pause before you articulate your thoughts; do not express the first thing that enters your mind. Take a moment and focus all your attention on what you convey and the manner in which you convey it. This approach will assist you in avoiding confusion during conversation.

7. Maintain an optimistic mindset and grin. Always grin while conversing on the phone, as your optimistic mindset will shine through and the other individual will perceive it. When you frequently grin and radiate an optimistic mindset, individuals will consistently respond favorably. 
Effective communication is a skill that can be learned, so by applying some of the tips below, you can enhance your communication abilities.