7 Great Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills on an Internship

“The limits of my language means the limit of my world” is philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein’s most celebrated quote. 

Wittgenstein disliked the way that 20th century society communicated. Believing that we should all seek to communicate more clearly. And without the unnecessary fluff that graces many conversations, even now. 

Today, we are surrounded by a web of constant communication and content. People believe they are communicating via constant social media updates and posts, but they aren’t really communicating. 

Real communication involves being able to listen. Of course, it’s about the ability to speak confidently and express yourself. But it’s so much more than that. 

In fact, to express yourself clearly and to exchange ideas is rooted in your ability to speak with others. Not just your close friends and family, but with everyone around you. Non-verbal communication is equally as important. 

Of course, whether you need help to prepare for your internship or you need a boost during your program, we’re here to assist! We’ve put together 7 ways that you can improve your communication skills. 

Communication is vital in any industry or walk of life. Don’t get caught out, swot up and take your communication skills from 0-100. Here are our top 7 tips: 

If you’ve seen the crime show Lie to Me, then you know there’s an entire crash course on body language waiting for you. 

You’d be surprised to learn that we read 70-93% of someone’s ‘emotional meaning’ through their body language. And the majority of this visual language is barely noticeable. Whether or not we or they consciously realise it. 

That’s why it’s always good to be mindful of your posture and your movements.

For instance, crossing your arms in the middle of an interview, averting your gaze, and frequently blinking can all signal distress or unease. Whereas an open posture and a calm, patient look indicate your attention and interest.  

These are just a few examples you can take in mind when meeting new people. Especially on an internship where making a good impression is so important due to the length of your program. 

Overall, the main takeaway is to stay cool on the outside as you pick up steam on the inside – hot wine in an ice cube so to speak. 

The author Hemingway teaches us to keep it simple and earnest. To express the essence of each thought in the briefest sentence possible. 

It’s not that old Hem needs debunking, especially in a fast-paced era plagued by short attention spans. However, researchers at Stanford conducted the so-called ‘tapping experiment’, where some of the participants tapped the melodies of 120 popular songs. And the rest had to guess the songs.  

Only 3 songs were recognised, a success ratio of 2.5%. Which suggests that we actually communicate less than what we actually mean.

The experiment obviously owes its outcome to the fact that the melody makers play the entire tune in our head as they tap. Whereas the listener attempts to register a seemingly alien Morse code. 

But the conclusion is unchanged: we must provide as much information as possible so that we are not misinterpreted or unclear.

In a similar way, it’s important to ask your colleagues if you don’t understand something. Or if you need them to talk you through what they mean. We all take it granted that people understand exactly what we mean, whether we’re interns or CEOs!

In terms of knowledge and understanding it’s next to impossible to share the same breadth of experience as everyone else.

Still, it’s important to never look down on others or talk in a condescending manner. President Ronald Reagan was honoured with the nickname ‘The Great Communicator’. This was in part thanks to his huge depository of jokes and very accessible manner of speaking. 

Keep this in mind to save you from feeling awkward when you have to admit your ignorance on topics that have never crossed your mind. But mostly, speak to others exactly as you would expect to be spoken to. 

In the words of Lauryn Hill, “respect is just a minimum.”

Debates normally heat up after the third or fourth beer. So be mindful when you socialise with your colleagues. Alcohol causes us to lower our ordinary conversational thresholds. So try not to react to after-work banter with rash responses.  

A tip to stop issuing messages one after another is to have your ears open for what’s being said. Attentive listening can form strong relationships with both your colleagues and close circles. Alternatively, try to keep drinking to a minimum at work social events. 

Being a good listener determines the reliability of our social and professional bonds. The better listener you are, the less likely it is that you will misinterpret someone. By waiting to speak and listening to others, instead of steamrolling a conversation, you will garner more respect. 

The art of conversation is at play even outside of the conversation itself.  

Whether it’s a business follow-up email or a simple ‘How are you doing’ text message to a loved one. Don’t wait for others to get in contact. Try being the one to do so first.  

Reaching out to your colleagues and friends via phone and email, or even in person, gives a strong impression that you’re thinking of them and boosts their self-esteem too. It makes us feel valued when someone checks in on us. 

So do the same with anyone you meet during your internship. 

And in formal correspondences, appropriate follow-ups are important too. Get into the habit of doing so, as it will convey your interest in doing business. 

After all, we’re all humans… and we’re social by nature. 

Know thyself is good, but sometimes know thy audience is even better. In fact, in content marketing this is rule 101. 

For instance, you wouldn’t speak to your boss the same way you chew the fat with your pub buddies.

Before you embark on your internship, get to know the values of the company you will be working for. Let’s call it background research. If it’s possible to get hold of information about your listener, then make the most of it. 

And while on your internship, try to get to know your colleagues and the other interns. Ask them questions on their likes and preferences.
Approach touchy subjects like politics with caution however! 

Try to listen to someone’s tone intently to work out their mood. Measure voice tonality, or pay attention to any grimaces or hand twitches that give off their disposition. Be observant; be like Sherlock Holmes! 

This one is, paradoxically, a no-brainer. It’s smart to always think before you open your mouth. 

Perhaps the golden rule of communication and one to practice before going out into the world of work. 

A bad slip of the tongue (or a Freudian slip for that matter) can incite embarrassment, confusion or unintentionally cause offence. 

No matter who you are speaking with, talking is not an automated operation. In fact, talking and communicating in general is a full-body exercise that requires energy and practice to perfect. 

If done right, it can land good business opportunities, get you out of unwanted predicaments, and most importantly – help friendships last longer. And if you want even more tips, check out 7 ways to improve your analytical skills too!

Of course, if you want even more opportunities and valuable experience, consider an internship with Beyond Academy. Use what you’ve learnt in the application process, on your internship program and in your future career!