Simple & Effective Communication Hacks to Stand Out at Work

Whether you are brand new to the workforce, or have been at it for some time, there is always an opportunity to improve the way you communicate. After all, communication is one of the most powerful tools you have for making lasting impressions and driving results with your peers, superiors, and even clients. Effective communication skills cna help you stand out, build stronger relationships, and generally show up as a confident, thoughtful professional. In this article, we share some simple & effective communication hacks to stand out at work. Let’s get into it!

Hack 1. Practice Active Listening: Show You’re Fully Engaged

Why it’s powerful:

Active listening is a powerful tool. Not only does it show the other person that you are engaged and fully present in the conversation, but it also allows you to thoughtfully and meaningfully contribute to the discussion. By truly listening and taking into each word you hear, you signal to the speaker that you value their input, which can build trust and strengthen your relationship with them. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to reciprocate, which creates an open and supportive workplace dynamic. Plus, actively listening helps you absorb information more effectively, which is important for making informed decisions and giving thoughtful responses.

How to do it:

Give your full attention: This means putting away any distractions like your phone or email. When someone sees that you’re 100% present in the conversation, they’re more inclined to open up and share their thoughts.
- Example: Imagine your coworker is sharing a concern they have during a meeting. Instead of scrolling through your emails while they speak, lean forward, nod occasionally, and maintain eye contact. This shows you’re completely tuned in to what they’re saying.
Use verbal affirmations and summarize back to them: Verbal cues like “I see” or “that makes sense” or “tell me more about that” show the speaker that you’re following along as they speak. Another great trick is to summarize what they just said back to them. Not only does this confirm your understanding but it also shows that you actually listened to them.
- Example: After a teammate explains a new project idea, you could say, “so if I understand correctly, you’re suggesting we prioritize X to reach our goal faster?” This simple trick reinforces the idea that you were listening intently and helps avoid any misunderstandings..
Ask follow-up questions: Questions always show interest and help clarify points that may not be immediately clear.
- Example: If your colleague mentions a challenge in a project, you could ask, “What kind of resources or support would make that easier to manage?” This shows them that you’re paying attention and actually care about helping them.

Hack 2. Aim for Clear Messaging: Get Your Point Across Effectively

Why it’s powerful:

Clear messaging is all about being concise, deliberate, and direct with your words. The reason we suggest this approach is because people are more likely to remember and act on information that’s communicated clearly and simply. Think about it – during a busy work day, it’s unlikely that your peers or your superiors are going to remember everything they hear or that gets thrown their way. In order to make your messages or asks stand out and land with purpose, keep them simple and to the point. Plus, by speaking in more simple and direct terms, you reduce misunderstandings, save everyone time, and demonstrate your ability to convey ideas efficiently.

How to do it:

Identify your main point: Before you even start a conversation or send a message, try to identify the main point you want to communicate. This helps you avoid adding unnecessary details that distract from the core message.
- Example: If you need approval for a project, instead of giving all the background details, start with, “I’d like to get your approval for this project because…” Then, if they need more context, you can dive into specifics.
Be direct and use simple language: When possible, avoid jargon or overly complicated language and terms. Instead, use straightforward words and short sentences. This ensures anyone can grasp your message, no matter their role or background.
- Example: Instead of saying, “Our objective moving forward is to minimize redundancies and optimize operational efficiency across the board,” you could instead say, “Our goal is to make our current processes faster and more cost effective.” See how that is so much easier to understand?
Use bullet points or lists when possible: Especially in written communication, lists make information so much easier to digest and do a great job highlighting your key points. Also, bolding is your friend. Remember to accentuate key messages or callotus with bolded text or a different color font.
- Example: When emailing your team about a project update, use bullet points for each point instead of a paragraph. It might look something like this:
  - Task A: Completed ahead of schedule
  - Task B: Delayed due to resource issues
  - Next steps: Review Task C and adjust deadlines

Hack 3. Use Nonverbal Cues: Reinforce Your Message Without Words

Why they are powerful:

Believe it or not, nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice play a really big role in communication at work. In fact, research shows that a large portion of our communication with others is nonverbal, which means people may respond to how you’re saying something even more than what you’re saying. Mastering nonverbal cues will allow you to communicate more effectively, convey both confidence and empathy, and generally make you sound more credible, all of which will foster more positive interactions.

How to do it:

Maintain eye contact: Making eye contact is a great way to show confidence and attentiveness. It also signals an invitation for further conversation, which encourages those around you to ask more questions and approach you more openly.
- Example: During a meeting, try to make eye contact with each person as you speak, rather than focusing on your notes or the screen. This shows that you’re confident in what you are saying and connected with everyone in the audience.
Use open body language: Try to avoid crossing your arms or turning your body away from the speaker as they are talking, as these motions can come across as closed-off or defensive. Instead, try to face the person directly and keep your posture relaxed and attentive.
- Example: When having a one-on-one conversation with a colleague, lean in slightly and keep your arms at your sides or try to use hand gestures to emphasize points.
Mirror the other person’s energy: People feel more comfortable when they see similarities in body language and tone. Definitely don’t overdo it, but subtly mirroring someone’s posture, energy level, or even tone of voice can make your interactions feel more natural.
- Example: If your coworker is speaking calmly and at a relaxed pace, try matching their tone rather than coming in with high energy or loudness. This creates more harmony in the conversation and makes the other person feel more comfortable.
Watch your facial expressions: A smile, nod, or even a slight eyebrow raise can convey empathy, and understand. On the flip side, the slightest eye roll or sigh can send the opposite message. Try to be mindful of your facial expressions as someone is speaking to you or as you are presenting to a group.
- Example: If a colleague is sharing a concern, a gentle and empathetic nod can show you care what they are talking about and that you are supportive. Likewise, if you’re sharing exciting news with someone, feel free to let your face show that enthusiasm! Smile and show that you’re genuinely happy about what you are talking about.

Hack 4. Embrace Empathy: Show That You Value Others’ Opinions

Why it’s powerful:

This is sort of an obvious one, but an important one to talk about nonetheless. Simply put, having empathy means that you are able to see things from another person’s perspective, which is critical for effective communication. When people feel that you understand where they’re coming from and are sympathetic to what they are saying, they’re more likely to feel comfortable working with you, trust your judgment, and share their honest thoughts.

How to do it:

Acknowledge others’ feelings outloud: Whether it’s a team win or a shared difficult challenge, acknowledging how others feel about a situation shows that you’re paying attention and that you actually care.
- Example: If a colleague shares they’re feeling overwhelmed with their work, start by saying, “I can totally see how that would be stressful. I would feel the same way if I was in your position” This simple acknowledgment can go a long way.
Respond thoughtfully: Instead of immediately offering a solution or shifting the focus, take a moment to consider what the other person needs at that moment. Maybe they are just venting to you and need you to validate them.
- Example: If someone is venting about a difficult project, instead of jumping in with advice or how you would do things differently, instead try saying, “It sounds like you’ve really been going through it. I’m here if you want to brainstorm some ways to tackle it.”
Practice patience: Sometimes people just need a little extra time to express themselves fully. Be patient and avoid interrupting them, even if you feel you understand their point or they are repeating themselves.
- Example: During team discussions, if someone is struggling to find the right words, give them a chance to gather their thoughts. This respect for their space and feelings will in turn show them that you are there for them.

In Conclusion

Effective communication can really go a long way in the workplace. By practicing active listening, using clear messaging, paying attention to your nonverbal cues, and always showing empathy, you’ll be better equipped to build strong relationships at work. We recommend practicing one or two of these techniques daily to start, and soon you’ll start to notice the positive impact they have on your workplace interactions. Remember, communication is as much about understanding others as it is about expressing yourself. We hope this helps and good luck!

If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out our similar article on 5 essential career skills to master.

Save