Personal Communication Goal Examples to Gain Confidence

Verbal communication goals revolve around the things you say to other people (oral), the things you write to other people (written), and how you say or write them.

Smart goals for improving communication skills might include:

• Curbing the use of phrases to avoid in conversations
• Focusing on tone or speed of speech
• Using more positive and encouraging words
• Cleaning up your vocabulary and grammar

If you look at the main causes of poor communication at work, you’ll find inspiration for interpersonal communication goals and objectives. Many of these causes are similar to why people experience poor communication in other places.

Examples of oral communication goals include:

• Exercise self control by not responding immediately to an unfriendly comment.
• Avoid politically incorrect jargon in the workplace.
• Only say things I actually mean.
• Don’t let someone else’s tone dictate mine in a conversation.
• Ask for clarification if I’m not sure I understand.
• Repeat important pieces of information to help me remember them.
• Use “I” statements when talking about feelings and emotions.
• Set a moderate speaking pace so others can understand me better.
• Make phone calls rather than sending long text messages.

Effective writing communication includes being clear and concise. Text messages, letters, and emails can be easily misread if your message is not clearly worded. Examples of skills needed for successful written interactions include how you write personal or professional communications.

Consider these possible goals:

• Avoid use of clichés in professional communication.
• Use actionable subject lines for emails that clearly state my purpose.
• Use an active voice.
• Use spelling and grammar tools before sharing any text.
• Write in print rather than cursive so others can better read my handwriting.
• Use emojis to help imply my intent in personal texts and emails.
• Learn the standard rules of comma use to better format my writing.
• Only share articles from reputable sources.

Examples of nonverbal communication, like body language, can help you think about parts of your communication style you may have never considered. What you look like when you’re talking to someone also sends a message about what you mean. Do you have any body language habits you’d like to curb?

• Use more eye contact in conversations.
• Avoid crossing my arms so I look open.
• Engage my family in conversations at the dinner table.
• Put my phone on silent and out of sight during important conversations.
• Use a short, firm handshake for all greetings.
• Avoid eye rolling.
• Keep at least one foot between myself and others for personal comfort.
• Keep my office door slightly open during regular work hours.
• Hang motivational and positive posters or pictures around my office.
• Turn my webcam on during company-wide online meetings.

Setting personal communication goals gives you something to work toward in bettering your interactions with others. You’ll gain confidence as you see others responding well to your communication improvements and even following your lead.

A personal communication goal can:

• Make you a better listener
• Make you a better speaker
• Help you get proper information across in any setting
• Give people a true sense of who you are and what you mean
• Ensure your message is received properly

Communication skills goal setting involves setting realistic goals that are also measurable in some way. Ask others you trust to give you some honest feedback about your communication skills, then set goals based on the problems that come up most frequently. When you improve your own communication skills, you’ll feel confident that you’re expressing your intended message.