"The ability to communicate with everybody, regardless of who are you are, is a great thing." - Bobby Bonilla

Do you feel challenged by your inability to communicate effectively with others? Do you shudder at the thought of having to speak in front of more than one person?

Not being able to speak and convey your message across is quite frustrating. It will hinder you from making your requests known. You are afraid to ask, to explain, to voice out your opinions and to discuss issues. This weakness makes you lose your self-confidence.

Like all other skills that you have mastered, you can learn to become a better communicator. If you keep honing and practicing it, you'll succeed.

Here are 10 tips on how to communicate better.

• Prepare.

Preparation is important. Write down what you want to say. It provides a purpose and the direction on what you want to talk about.

Prepare yourself mentally too. Picture in your mind the results that you wish to experience. See the response that you are expecting. Planning in advance will yield self-confidence.

• Read more and expand your knowledge.

One of the advantages of reading is that you'll learn new words. Notice how the words are written, used or said. Words when spoken can evoke reactions, images, emotions and thoughts.

You don't have to use bombastic words that others don't understand. Select words that help you and others see and perceive things better.

You are limited by your personal experiences. Reading helps you expand your knowledge. This is an advantage because you can use the information that you have to start a conversation or join one.

If you want to improve your vocabulary, try the Visual Thesaurus.

• Share your experiences.

It's easier to talk about something that you know or have experienced. The events that happen in your life are great source of conversations. People like to hear stories. Share yours with them. If you are able to convey your experiences with colors and sounds, people will enjoy listening to you.

Avoid boring others with your woes and complaints. People have enough of theirs. Whatever you want to talk about, think of how it will help enlighten others instead of pulling them down.

• Listen and observe.

Listen to others when they speak. Listening is one of the best ways to learn. Listen also to the sound of your own voice and watch your gestures. How do you deliver your conversation or speech? Do you slur, use too many gestures or have an irritating voice? Are you able to impress your listeners?

Talk in front of a mirror and see for yourself. Record your voice and listen to it. See where and how you can improve so that you will become a better communicator.

Observe people and things around you. You will gather information and add to the topics that you can talk about.

• Include non-verbal communication.

Make eye contact when you talk. Smile when you are speaking. Nod when you agree. Lean forward to show more interest. Do whatever is appropriate when you are interacting.

• Use some humor.

Other than hearing stories, people enjoy humor or anything that can make them laugh. Add some humor to your conversations. It also makes you more approachable.

• Expand your network.

Networking is a great way to get to know people of different interests. Other people can offer you ideas and insights. Becoming interested and listening to other peoples' experiences are invaluable lessons.

• Find a role model.

Find someone who speaks well and whom you admire. Observe and listen to how he charms his listeners. Emulate him and practice.

• Practice.

Practice what you have learned and gathered. Do it often. Speak to as many people as you can. Practice may not make you perfect but it definitely will become a habit.

• Believe in yourself.

If you want to speak better, you should stop saying that you can't do it. You have to eliminate self-limiting thoughts.

Each time your mind starts to say that you can't, cancel that thought and replace it with some words or images that are empowering.

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