A way that I have improved my verbal communication skills are through parent-teacher conferences, being able to sandwich difficult news between something lighthearted, the difficult news, and then finishing up with another positive statement. Open house events also, I've had to review handbooks and rules and regs with parents, dealing with concerns and being able to work together as a team. I always make eye contact when communicating. That's very important to make sure that people understand that you are listening to them and you do hear them. Allowing people to finish speaking and not interrupting is a way that I find myself to be a good listener. Repeating their needs and goals to make sure that we're all on the same page, taking notes and messages are also a great way to communicate.