Good communication skills are keys to succeeding in life, work and relationships. Without effective(有效的) communication, a message can turn into error, misunderstanding, or even disaster.

Communication is the process by which we exchange information between people. To communicate well is to understand and to be understood. Communication can be successful only when both the sender and the receiver understand the same information.

In today's highly informational and technological environment, it has. become more important to have good communication skills. Here are some important steps to communicate effectively.

Know what you want to say and why. Understand clearly the purpose of your message. Know to whom you are communicating and why.

How will you say it? We all know that it's not always what you say, but how you say it, that matters. Begin by making eye contact. You show trust and confidence when you look at others in the eyes when you speak. Second, pay attention to your body language , since it can say so much more than your words. By standing with your arms easily at your side, you tell others that you are open to hearing what they have to say.

Communication is a two-way street. After you have said what you have to say, stop and listen. Practise your listening skills. Be considerate of others who are talking, listen carefully and never cut them off.