Communication in graduate school requires a unique balance among written, non-verbal, and verbal forms of communication. These skills need to be able to convey information efficiently, concisely, and correctly with a variety of audiences. While in school, this will enable you to proficiently interpret information in the classroom and feedback from faculty and colleagues in a timely manner. Once in your professional field, this will empower you to confidently approach every situation and adeptly communicate with supervisors and coworkers.
Written communication can be tricky for some in our text speak and #hashtag savvy world. Many often find it difficult to convey a message without the added visual and verbal cues that accompany face to face interactions. Because those conversational components are missing when communicating through e-mail, it is essential to use correct grammar rules and omit slang and other forms of unprofessional language. A prompt response time is equally as crucial to efficient and effective communication; it also shows that you are able to quickly process and synthesize the necessary information.
Non-verbal communication is everything that is conveyed through one’s body language, presence, gaze, expression, touch, and distance. The human mind picks up on these tiny messages subconsciously. Subsequently, they play a large role in our thoughts and opinions. In a professional or academic setting, one can never go wrong with a clean-cut appearance and professional attire. Maintaining personal space is essential for making those around you comfortable, as this will aid in creating a nonthreatening presence. While everyone has their own personal opinion of how large or small their “bubble” is, refraining from excessive physical contact, touch, appropriate gaze, and maintaining a distance of about two feet will help to alleviate any feelings of encroachment.
Verbal communication is not only spoken word but also a variety of interpersonal skills including listening, asserting, influencing, persuading, empathizing, and exercising sensitivity and diplomacy with the appropriate tone. One who can master this delicate balance will enhance every team project, council and committee they serve on. These skills require a fluid balance that can only be improved through practice. One way to gain practice in this area is to join a club or organization on campus like the Graduate Professional Network, Student Senate, the Society of Collegiate Entrepreneurs, and many more. Becoming involved in groups like these not only looks good on a resume, but also shows that you are an active and involved student who is continually trying to cultivate these skills and develop into a dynamic professional.
Submitting work to be published, journal editing and reviewing, writing proposals and scholarship applications are excellent ways to practice your written communication skills. Verbal communication skills can be enhanced through presenting work at conferences, symposiums, and seminars. Accepting a variety of roles, such as mentor, teacher, colleague, leader, committee or board member places you in a position to give and receive feedback, which requires a combination of these communication strategies.
If there is a topic specific to graduate students that you would like to see featured, please e-mail the author, Katrina Koltz, at kkoltz@student.govst.edu.