EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Develop practical skills to listen actively, offer feedback, and connect meaningfully with mentees.
Overview:
The “Effective Communication” video introduces the concept of communication as a skill—not just a natural ability—and empowers viewers to actively improve how they speak, listen, and connect with others in both personal and professional contexts. The focus is on making communication clearer, more intentional, and more impactful—especially within mentorship relationships and diverse, cross-cultural environments.
1. Know Your Goal (Clarity First)
Every conversation should have a purpose—whether it’s giving feedback, asking for help, or sharing an update. The video encourages viewers to:
Think before speaking: “What do I want this person to take away from this conversation?”
Focus on clarity over complexity. Simple, direct language usually works best.
Avoid over-explaining or using jargon, especially when speaking across disciplines or cultures.
Key takeaway: Clarity makes communication faster, friendlier, and more effective.
2. Listen Like You Mean It
The next section shifts to listening—a core part of effective communication that is often overlooked. Viewers are reminded that listening isn’t passive; it’s an active skill.
The video introduces active listening with tips like:
Give full attention—put the phone down, make eye contact.
Nod or use short phrases like “I see” or “Go on” to show engagement.
Don’t plan your response while the other person is still speaking.
Repeat back what you heard to confirm: “So what I’m hearing is…”
Ment-er Tip: In a cross-cultural setting, listening helps avoid assumptions and shows deep respect for others’ perspectives.
3. Speak with Confidence AND Kindness
This segment covers how to express ideas clearly and confidently without sounding aggressive or overly passive.
Key points include:
Use “I” statements to own your thoughts: “I think…” instead of “You should…”
Be honest, but also considerate. Tone matters.
Adjust your message to your audience: how you speak to a mentor may differ from how you speak to a team member.
Real-world application: If you’re nervous during a meeting, prepare key points in advance and practice out loud to feel more grounded.
4. Be Aware of Nonverbal Cues
The video reminds viewers that body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice carry just as much weight—if not more—than actual words.
Examples include:
Smiling or nodding to signal openness
Using a calm tone when giving feedback
Being aware of posture or fidgeting in interviews
Especially in virtual settings (like remote mentorship), eye contact, tone, and pacing help convey warmth and clarity through the screen.
5. Ask & Invite Feedback
The final section encourages a growth mindset around communication. The narrator suggests regularly checking in:
“Did that make sense?”
“How did that come across?”
“Is there a better way I could’ve said that?”
Constructive feedback is a communication tool in itself—it helps people refine their style, spot blind spots, and build stronger relationships.
Ment-er Insight: Great communicators don’t just speak well—they create space for others to speak too.
Final Thoughts & Takeaways:
The video closes with a reminder that effective communication is a practice. Like any skill, it improves with intentional effort. Whether you’re mentoring someone, leading a meeting, or applying for a job—your words, tone, and listening skills shape the outcome.
Viewers are encouraged to:
Be patient with themselves as they grow this skill
Practice with mentors, peers, or friends
Use the Ment-er communication toolkit (worksheets, prompts, roleplays) to deepen learning