Any quick way to improve communication skills

Hi ILs,
I have been reading through IL forums for some time .I found many of the tips to be very useful and this site is really informative . Today I am posting this to get help with my verbal communication skills..

I have 8 years exp and currently I am doing a managerial role where I need to interact with lots of customers across the globe as well as with very senior level folks from my company. Though I have good exp and educational background I seem to have some problems with my verbal communication . I am good at written english .Many times I hear comments from managers and interviewers that I am not assertive and after talking to me they felt that I am not having so much experience. ..Due to this I have lost several job offers and promotions..
I recorded my voice and found that I am unable to speak continuously (there are breaks between words).. Also the pitch of different words is different. I also have a regional influence and a particular accent ..This happens even in my informal communications say even when I talk to a friend over phone and whenever I answer calls..

Can you suggest some fast ways to improve my verbal communication . I know neutralizing the accent might take time but I want to improve on other aspects like talking continuously with one pitch and become assertive.. I am looking for fast methods as I have some important promotion interviews lined up for next week and I really want to have some improvement by then..
Eagerly waiting for your tips..

Thanks

hi,
The suggestion what i'm going to give u now won't be for immediate results... but for long term it might help u... U can join an instituion called "speak easy"-if u r at chennai.. the instituion is a burkit road..person incharge is mr. natarajan...
They will teach u how to pronounce words and u'll have lot of impromtu's.
They will train u on impromptu's.. which would definately help u to get rid of the fear u have... U will gain confidence after attending the course..
U've so many levels... but to start with go for the basic level and if u feel worth.. proceed with other levels...
Once when u gain confidence... that will give u a tone modulation.. so u won't be having an issue in that area... Ofcourse interaction will make u queen inthat area...U may lose few interview promotions now... but in the long run u don't have to live with this fear...

love..
lakshmi.

look into mirror and shout normal conversations., it helps.

Originally Posted by beautyg09

Hi ILs,
I have been reading through IL forums for some time .I found many of the tips to be very useful and this site is really informative . Today I am posting this to get help with my verbal communication skills..

I have 8 years exp and currently I am doing a managerial role where I need to interact with lots of customers across the globe as well as with very senior level folks from my company. Though I have good exp and educational background I seem to have some problems with my verbal communication . I am good at written english .Many times I hear comments from managers and interviewers that I am not assertive and after talking to me they felt that I am not having so much experience. ..Due to this I have lost several job offers and promotions..
I recorded my voice and found that I am unable to speak continuously (there are breaks between words).. Also the pitch of different words is different. I also have a regional influence and a particular accent ..This happens even in my informal communications say even when I talk to a friend over phone and whenever I answer calls..

Can you suggest some fast ways to improve my verbal communication . I know neutralizing the accent might take time but I want to improve on other aspects like talking continuously with one pitch and become assertive.. I am looking for fast methods as I have some important promotion interviews lined up for next week and I really want to have some improvement by then..
Eagerly waiting for your tips..

Thanks

My suggestion is read the newspaper loudly.
Have a English speaking PAL, with whom you daily speak in English for atleast an hour.
Write in English (emails, stories, blogs) and you will see how well you are fluent.