Talking is easy. But communicating? That’s another story. Effective communication is a fundamental skill everyone needs to learn to succeed in life, and it’s a crucial component of managing personal and professional relationships. But with the rise of social media, effective communication has taken a backseat to emojis and posts with witty captions. Whether you’re looking to improve your communication skills at work or in your personal life, you’ve come to the right place. I’m offering practical tips to help you develop effective communication skills so you can share your thoughts and opinions with clarity and purpose.

5 Tips for Effective Communication
We are constantly communicating. Whether through talking in person in a meeting, emailing with team members, texting with a friend, or through our body language, verbal communication and nonverbal communication are always happening. So how can we ensure we’re conveying the right message with the appropriate tone of voice to build trust and make others feel heard and understood? Good communication skills, that’s how. 
More specifically, effective communication skills partnered with the right amount of emotional intelligence and active listening. I know because I spend my days communicating. Not just because I have to but because it’s literally my job as a communications professional. Throughout the years, I’ve learned what good communication looks (and feels) like and how to avoid poor communication. We’re going to dig into why effective communication is so essential to a fulfilling and successful career and how you can explore the best types of communication that suit your personality and your work style.

What is Effective Communication?
Communication, at its core, is the exchange of information among people. But when you’re in an important presentation or a one-on-one with your manager, you don’t just want to share information. You want to do it in a successful way that produces your desired result. You want to ensure the information you’re sharing is received and understood. In essence, you want to communicate effectively. This involves listening attentively, knowing the best words to get the information across, and being clear and concise in conveying your message. Effective communication, like most skills, takes time and practice to develop. But it’s a crucial skill to learn.

Why is Effective Communication Important?
Effective communication in the workplace is vital to a successful career, just as good communication in your personal life is critical to strong relationships. Here are a few reasons why effective communication is a skill you need in your toolbox.
Effective communication:

Reduces miscommunication
Enhances clarity and conciseness of messaging
Fosters trust, respect, and empathy amongst colleagues and personal relationships
Strengthens collaboration among team members
Boosts happiness at work and home
Reduces conflicts as a result of misunderstandings
Creates efficiencies and saves time
Develops a mutual understanding between people
Increases individual and team productivity 
Aids in effective problem solving
Facilitates healthy conflict resolution
Promotes innovation and creativity 

How to Communicate Effectively
We’ve all been in a situation where you’re trying to get your message across, and the other person just isn’t getting it. It’s frustrating for everyone involved. When it comes to figuring out how to avoid miscommunication, you can take a proactive approach. Imagine that every conversation or meeting you have results in a positive outcome with mutual understanding. That’s what we’re trying to achieve with effective communication. Here are five tips to help you develop and hone your effective communication muscle.

Practice Active Listening
Effective communication involves a mutual understanding, and while we all listen, are we doing so actively? Active listening is more than just hearing what another person is saying. It’s going above and beyond to ensure you understand the meaning and the intent of their words. It requires you to actively participate in a conversation, which means devoting your whole attention to someone and avoiding interruptions and distractions. Being fully present and engaged in an exchange allows you to understand the original message better and gather additional information relevant to the situation by asking questions you may not have originally considered.

Facilitate Two-Way Communication
There is nothing worse than communicating at someone when your goal is communicating with someone. Effective communication ensures the other party understands what you’re saying, and that includes gathering information and feedback from others. Two-way communication seeks to avoid a one-way dialogue. If you relay information to a person without understanding if your message was received or clear, it could lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and a lack of trust.
So how exactly do you do this? First, seek to understand your audience and what’s important to them. Then, determine your message and the best channel to communicate to your audience (i.e., in-person, email, phone, etc.). Third, encourage feedback and gather data to better inform your work and future dialogues. And finally, analyze the feedback and take action. Continue to repeat the steps to hone your messaging as needed. Two-way communication fosters an environment of openness and transparency, leading to meaningful and productive conversations.

Be Clear and Concise
To achieve effective communication, the person you’re communicating with must understand what you’re saying. The best way you can do this is through clear and concise language both in-person and digitally. Be as descriptive and specific as possible. Avoid using vague language that could result in confusion. The goal is to get to the point in written and spoken communication as efficiently as possible. It’s also critical to select the correct communication channel. If there are a lot of important details to share that need to be referenced, writing an email may be best. If you have to share direct feedback, an in-person meeting or a phone call might be the direction you take. Be mindful of the words you use, what they mean, and how best to share them with others.

Pay Attention to Body Language
While there are many different types of communication, body language is key to remember when striving for effective communication. Making eye contact, maintaining good posture, being mindful of facial expressions, thinking about the tone and pitch of your voice, and keeping open body language helps to show whoever you’re talking to that you’re interested and engaged in the conversation. By being mindful of how we physically convey ourselves to others, we can make them feel more comfortable and understood. When others feel more comfortable, they’re more likely to be engaged in what you’re saying, and you’ll be able to get your message across more productively.

Show Acknowledgement and Appreciation
Showing interest in a conversation or exchange of information is respectful and leads to a more productive discussion with mutual understanding. When receiving or relaying information, show acknowledgment and appreciation to the other person. Relay back what you heard and validate if it’s accurate. Thank them for sharing the information with you and keeping you informed. Effective communication promotes empathy, allowing people to foster a more meaningful connection where different perspectives are considered. Think about how you’d want someone to act and respond if you were communicating with them and model that behavior back when the roles are reversed.

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“Our homes are not defined by geography or one particular location, but by memories, events, people and places that span the globe”, says author Marilyn Gardner.
As an exciting land of opportunities for a plethora of adults, Dubai quickly became home to my parents who arrived 30 years ago with no plan of settling down or raising a family here.
So immediately when people ask “Where are you from?” and immediately my brain starts to do the math. Wait, do I say where I’m born and raised? Or where my parents were born? But hold on, I grew up in Dubai my whole life, so this for me is home.

Hard Rock Café, Image courtesy of Linda Hollier
All the early residents have seen the city grow since the early ‘00s, where the emirate as known by many ended at the old Hard Rock café in an area what is today known as Media City today. The comfort, safety and warmth to different cultures has left it as a cushion for many like my parents to settle down and make this inviting haven their home.
While I often grew up with a sense of being unique in a negative sense, I’ve now realised how being different actually makes you stand out, thereby coming to the conclusion about how the pros outweigh the cons.
What is the definition of a Third-culture kid?
As per google, it’s a person who grows up in a culture different from the one in which his or her parents grew up in. The terms refers to the mixed identity that a child assumed, influenced both by their parents’ culture and the one they’re raised in.
The term was first coined by American sociologist Ruth Useem, who focused on studding the lives of expatriates living in India.
While a lot of us tend to focus on the negative aspects that come from moving abroad, we usually avoid shedding light on the myriad of positive elements and memories that we can cherish for a lifetime from this experience.
Now as you go on to read and might be on the same journey as me and what I’ve learned and observed might come with a hint of nostalgia, you might relate to the below as your embark on your own path in this city.
My friends became my family
Having been raised in the same school for 12 years, my peers became my family and 16 years later, we to this date still speak on the phone almost every single day. Be it the first piece of advice I need, the first good news I wish to share or the first person to vent to after an unending series of unfortunate events, my friends are now family, and we don’t think twice before showing up and being there for each other on a daily basis.
I’ve bonded with peers over my differences
No one person in the emirate fits a mould. We’re all different and unique and come with our own set of experiences to the table. While it was challenging start to absorb facts from different backgrounds, before developing my own identity, I eventually realised that these differences are what gave me my own individual identity. With a sense of curiosity and inquisitiveness instilled in the other children I surrounded myself with while growing up, we quickly started learning from each other and found a comfort in the discomfort.
I’ve also bonded over nostalgic memories…

You can spot a Third Culture Kid in Dubai from a mile away. With a somewhat similar upbringing in the emirate, we instantly bond of similar elements of our childhood being, Oman chips, TGIF, street-side shawarmas or even long-standing locations such as the Clock Tower, we all instantly bond with each other, perhaps without even knowing each other’s name.
I try to comprehend situations with an open-mind
If there’s one element that stands out in the UAE, it’s respectful tolerance. To see how different cultures bond seamlessly, continues to amaze me on a daily basis. Be it our work environment or a pilates class, the exposure is not limited. With British, Australian, European and various other cultures, being under one roof, we aren’t tied to one culture and tend to appreciate different elements of different cultures from around the world. We don’t immediately rebuff an abstract concept, as we’ve been exposed to various upbringings over the years. Overall, being a third-culture kid is not always easy. You need to understand your cultures and lifestyles to be able to embrace how being different is a good thing. This however, makes you more approachable because you can understand others better.
I always value my roots

Image courtesy of Pexels @fuzail-ahmad
Every trip taken to the motherland, comes with a deep appreciation. To see my roots, brings a sense of newness with each visit. For me Dubai is home and I could never replace it with any other city, including my hometown. Although, it’s only when you’re taken away from what you have that you tend to appreciate what’s back home. Every trip that I take back to my roots, to spend quality time with my grandparents or cousins, I realise their value and appreciate what it feels like to be back to where my parents are from.
Convenience is not taken for granted

Image courtesy of Pexels @denys-gromov
In which part of the world can you press a button and have your groceries delivered in 15 minutes at any given part of the day? From my favourite gourmet burgers to a green juice, the seamless system ensures, convenience through every aspect of living here. Be it a short-haul trip or a long vacation to different parts of the world, I quickly realise the privileges and quality of life of living in this emirate. With a myriad of services offered right to our doorstep, a sense of appreciation seeps in after every trip taken abroad.
Every day is an adventure

Image courtesy of Unsplash @malik-shibly
No one day is same here. As a community of learning and growing together, people come to this part of the world with a blank canvas to paint their own story. With new activities and discussions offered, there’s a lot left to the imagination as we’re constantly discovering what the city and its people have to offer. Being born and raised here only taught me more than I could imagine and I’m only excited to see what’s next in line as I continue to live here. As a melting pot of cultures this place has so much to offer and its city full of opportunity to both the working class and entrepreneurs.
I have a soft spot for beaches
The undeniable love for sand, picnics, azure waters and the beach is a big part of me. No matter where I am, there’s nothing like a calming walk by the beach or a few hours in the sun on a weekend. Because we are blessed with tropical views and eternal summer here, and I’m never going to let anyone take that away. While my love increases double fold during the Winters, I still enjoy a peaceful stroll during the warm season.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Unsplash @ismail-merad More

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Lifestyle

by Sarah Joseph
1 hour ago

Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
This week we chat with Cake Artist, Mich Turner, Founder of Little Venice Cake Company, located at the newly opened Atlantis The Royal.
Synonymous with understated elegance, Turner is a pioneer in the baking industry, a consultant to the retail and hospitality industry and known to combine her creativity with her work. As an award-winning entrepreneur, she has been awarded an MBE in 2010, for her services in the catering industry.
Set to offer the best cakes for all kinds of celebrations from bespoke cakes to afternoon tea loaves, clients can customise the desserts as per their requirements. With celebrity clients such as Pierce Brosnan, and Emma Thompson, including Buckingham Palace and more.
While the road to entrepreneurship wasn’t an easy path, she went against all means to come out successful. To understand more, Emirates Woman sat down with the brand’s founder to learn about her career path and how she’s converted her passion into a full-time business.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Chemistry, Biology and Home Economics.

What was your first job?
Bakery and a Patisserie Buyer at a luxury department store, Harvey Nichols.
What brought you to Dubai?
I was introduced to the team behind the iconic Atlantis Dubai, who was looking for a cake offering within their new ultra-luxury resort, Atlantis The Royal.
What inspired you to enter the f&b space and launch Little Venice Cake Company?
Little Venice Cake Company creates premium luxury cakes for all celebrations and events. We offer a couture bespoke service to clients, working with esteemed partners in the hospitality, retail and events sectors. For me, launching Little Venice Cake Company was a passion to create amazing cakes for amazing people, in amazing venues, for amazing celebrations – offering the very best in professionalism, client service, refined opulent designs, and totally indulgent cakes.
Talk us through the inspiration of your pieces.
There is a story behind every cake and every cake has to tell that story. Understanding the who, why, when, where and how provides the mainframe for each design. The skill and expertise then come in combining artistry with technical expertise and hand craftsmanship to design completely bespoke cakes – perfect for every occasion. A feast for the eyes and a memory for the palate.
What are the key elements of your role?
The key elements of my role are firstly communication as I meet and engage with people on an international stage. Being able to articulate, connect, direct , understand and empathise with people is key. Secondly, organisation – this is essential working in a critical time-dependent world. Forward planning, risk assessment, hazard analysis and problem-solving is an essential part of my role and thirdly Presentation is an important aspect, for inspiring those involved with Little Venice Cake Company to embrace our brand values.

Talk us through your daily routine.
My days rarely follow a routine. I try to pack as much into each day as I can and am fastidious with timekeeping to avoid time wasting. My time in Dubai is limited and usually built around a particular event – such as The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee events at The British Embassy or the grand reveal of Atlantis The Royal. I always wake up three hours before my first commitment to allow time for early morning correspondence, a visit to the gym, grooming, and breakfast. I will spend time with my team in pastry working on new collections, and seasonal offerings, reviewing recipes and designs. We often have tastings, bespoke orders, presentations and photo shoots to prepare for. I also plan time with the management team to review our business performance. I have meetings and consultations with clients for upcoming events which we host in our Royal Meeting Room with cake tastings. We are just starting to offer masterclasses for corporate and private clients in our show kitchen within our atelier at Atlantis The Royal. These are customised and hugely enjoyable, but require a lot of preparation. I juggle press requests and external presentations with invitations to attend official events. I am fortunate to dine within the resort and with so many incredible restaurants to choose from such as Milos, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen and Dinner By Heston Blumenthal it is a treat and certainly one of the best perks of the job.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Prepare to work hard and insist on the highest standards for yourself. There is no fast track to experience and you can’t fake passion. Be committed.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Do what you do really well, and no one can touch you.

And what is the worst?
Genuinely can’t think of anything? I have an analytical thought process – so would always work through the whole journey and possible outcomes before committing. Any advice that I couldn’t see working I would have discounted in the ether!
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
I am a problem solver, always looking for a way through the maze. Every challenge can be managed with time, tenacity and self-belief.
What are the future plans for your brand and tell us how it feels to open at Atlantis The Royal?
I have been working with Atlantis Dubai on this project for the past six years to deliver a world-exclusive Little Venice Cake Company atelier with Everyday cakes, a Signature collection, Couture bespoke cakes, customised masterclasses and a curated collection of homewares synonymous with our ethos of authenticity, British premium craftsmanship and heritage. I have enjoyed the whole process and am enormously proud of the atelier and the teams at Little Venice Cake Company and Atlantis The Royal.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More

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