Graduating from a high school student to a college student means a lot of exciting things like freedom and self-sufficiency. After all, instead of living at home, you will spend nearly all your time around friends on campus.
All that independence is great until you need something and not everyone is extroverted or confident in their communication in the adult world. But it’s a necessity, and you need to know how to play your part. You can’t get what you want without communicating your wishes effectively and asking the right questions.
Here are some tips for students to communicate effectively, be it with professors, friends, strangers, financial administrators, or anyone who controls what happens next in your life situation:
1. Just Do It
Rockhurst is a Nike school, so we’re going to steal the slogan. You can’t avoid having to communicate, and putting it off will just create more anxiety and tension. It’s nearly impossible to over-communicate, so if you’re going to hold back in one area, it should be stopping, not starting.
2. Be Confident & Professional
There’s a difference between confidence and arrogance. Being confident is being sure of yourself and what you’re asking or saying. Being professional is doing it in a manner that is respectful to the receiver. You can still show appreciation while asking for something that benefits you personally.
3. Listen Attentively
Communication is a two-way street. Respectfully listening – fully listening – to the other person is both professional and empowering. It also helps open honest and respectful dialogue toward a mutually beneficial outcome. When in a face-to-face or phone conversation, let them say what they feel needs to be said and acknowledge it before turning the conversation back to you. If someone is coming to you in need, refrain from personalizing anything or everything. Be the ear they need.
4. Keep it Simple
The more straightforward (while maintaining respect and professionalism) you are the more likely you are to be understood quicker. Not everything needs context or extra context. Provide what’s needed and be clear about your wishes. Being friendly means you’re approachable and your message is more likely to be heard.
5. Use the Appropriate Means of Communication
You may have a preferred way of communicating, but that is likely different than someone who is from a different generation than you. While younger people tend to stay away from phone calls, it’s still the preferred (and most easily understood) means for older generations. Getting what you want is often linked to making things less complicated for the other party. Emailing is perhaps the most common denominator in communication still and is a great way to both initiate and follow up on communication.
