3 Ways To Improve Your Communication Skills As A Web Developer

Improve communication as a web developer or software engineer to turn blank stares into clarity.

You ask your coworker, “Does that make sense?” and you’re met with a blank stare.

You can almost see the wheels trying to turn in their head as they attempt to decipher what you just explained.

It’s deflating, right?

Only some things you say or write are going to be perfectly understood the first time.

But, that doesn’t mean you can’t strive to be more clear and concise.

In today's world, communication is a crucial skill for any profession, and the tech industry is no exception.

Yes, I know it can be a drag, but it's a vital part of our jobs.

As a web developer or software engineer, it's essential to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

There isn’t an overnight fix to change your communication habits, but I do have some tips that can make speaking and writing with others a little less painful.

So how can you improve your communication skills as a web developer or software engineer?

• Practice active listening
• Rehearse public speaking
• Work on writing clearly and concisely

Practice Active Listening

The first step in improving your communication skills is to practice active listening, which can be harder than it seems.

This means not only hearing what someone is saying but also making an effort to understand their perspective.

When someone is speaking, try to focus on what they're saying rather than formulating your response.

Once they've finished, ask clarifying questions to ensure that you've understood their point of view.

Not only will this help you understand others better, but it will also make them feel heard and valued.

Rehearse public speaking

Another way to improve your communication skills is to practice your public speaking.

If the thought of public speaking makes you break out in a cold sweat, you're not alone.

But here's the thing, we all have to do it at some point.

So why not embrace it?

Giving presentations can help you become more comfortable speaking in front of others and expressing your ideas clearly and effectively.

Public speaking can be intimidating, but with practice, it can become a valuable tool for conveying your message and building your professional reputation.

You can film yourself speaking, ask a friend to listen in person or via video chat, or even volunteer to speak at an upcoming event.

Consider looking for opportunities that take you out of your comfort zone.

Think about clubs you are a part of, your local library or community center, or an upcoming web conference for a topic you are passionate about; are they looking for speakers?

Who knows, you might even enjoy it!

Work on writing clearly and concisely

In addition to verbal communication, it's also essential to pay attention to your written communication.

As a web developer or software engineer, you'll likely be writing a lot of emails, reports, and other documents, so it's crucial to write clearly and concisely.

Use simple language and avoid technical jargon, unless you're writing to someone who understands it.

And please, for the love of all things digital, proofread your work!

It's important to proofread your work carefully and seek feedback from others.

A great proofreading technique is to read everything backward starting from the bottom, going right to left, and all the way back to your first word.

You are more likely to slow down to catch repeated words, grammar, and simple spelling mistakes. You can also use a free grammar checker tool online to ensure your content is free of spelling and grammatical errors.

This will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your message is conveyed effectively.

There are many free web extensions and apps for proofreading help as well: Wordtune, Microsoft Editor, Grammarly, and Open AI’s ChatGPT to name a few.

 

Communication is a critical soft skill for web developers and software engineers, and there are several steps you can take to improve your communication skills.

Practice active listening, work on your public speaking skills, and pay attention to your written communication.

By taking these steps, you'll be able to communicate more effectively with your colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders, which will ultimately lead to better outcomes for your projects.

Remember, it's not about becoming a master communicator overnight, but rather taking small steps to make the process a little less painful.

Stay tuned for part two of this series, where we'll discuss additional soft skills for tech professionals.

Until then, happy coding!