We all hate generalisations, but like it or not, we’re a nation obsessed with social media. While social networks were designed to connect us, these sites seem to be doing more harm than good when it comes to our communication skills – and our confidence levels! Worrying, right?
Most of us conduct our lives online: whether that’s posting pictures of our delicious lunches to Instagram or tweeting all our opinions. However despite all this communication, we’re struggling to adequately express ourselves in the real world.
Anti-social media
We do most of our communicating online, the not-so simple art of conversation has taken a hit. Employers are not happy with staff who can’t express themselves in meetings, who shy away from presentations, and who will always send an email to their colleague rather than walk over to talk to them.
Unfortunately it has become so ingrained in our nature to text not talk; to comment rather than converse, that we all-too-often find ourselves at a loss for words. We’re failing to make meaningful connections because of it: the sort of connections that help to reinforce lasting relationships in the workplace.
Switching off from social insomnia
Arguably the most important ‘soft skill’ we have is communication. It’ll come to your aid whether you need to quickly explain something or if you’re trying to convince your manager for that promotion you deserve. But if you’re going to rely on it, you need to develop it.
One way to do this is to have down time away from your phone (You CAN do it!).
So here’s our challenge to you. For one week, instead of WhatsApping your friends, call them. Limit your screen time in the evenings, and if you need to ask your colleague a question, go over and do it in person. It will all seem pretty unnatural at first, but if you practice it for a week, you’ll start feeling more confident.
After this if you still feel like you’re struggling with confidence or communication, why not drop us a line? We can help you with free access to loads of online courses and also pass on some of our own tips.