As you spend more time wearing your headset, it’s easy to develop bad habits that can ruin the quality of your communication. Here are 10 ways to improve your communication with your headset, from the moment you put your Simply Headsets on until you take it off at the end of the day. Most are simple, some are surprising, and all will help you sound more confident and make others feel like they’re being heard by someone who knows what they’re doing!
Talk slower
The first tip is one that I learned early on and it has a huge impact. I talk slower. Seriously, if you have ever wondered how people can talk at warp speed and then have time for everything else they need to do, well the answer is that they are just talking faster.
Slowing down your voice naturally reduces the pace of what you are saying, and it also allows the listener to keep up by hearing every word more clearly. It sounds obvious but when was the last time you paid attention to how fast you were talking?
Talking slower allows me more control over my tone of voice as well. Sometimes when we are nervous or stressed out we tend to talk faster, which creates confusion for the listener because of all the words and unfinished thoughts coming out of our mouths.
Use your headset for more than calls
You can also use your headset as a hands-free speaker or hands-free speakerphone. For example, you can connect your Bluetooth headset to a home stereo system, television or speakers, or headphones and then receive calls through it. If the device has noise-canceling capabilities, it will work even better. You’ll be able to watch TV in another room while on a call!
Check if there are any updates on your hardware
Your headset can be optimized for various tasks, it is just a matter of finding the right hardware that fits your needs. Turn up the volume on your device. Depending on the type of work you are doing, you may find it more beneficial to wear headphones at lower volumes.
Adjusting this allows you to receive more feedback from your surroundings without being too distracted by what is going on around you. Experiment with both options! Turn off notifications while using voice assistants such as Siri or Google Assistant.
Check if you have any available software updates
Find and select the Settings app in your Program Files. Select the General tab on the upper left side of your screen. When you are in this tab, scroll down to find Updates. Click on it and follow the instructions on what to do.
If there is a software update available for your headset, download it. This will help keep you up-to-date on any new developments or improvements to the headset’s hardware or software so that you can have a better experience using it!
Consider using a Bluetooth headset instead of a wire
All of the headset hacks listed below require you to use a Bluetooth headset. If you are still using wired headsets, it is time for an upgrade! Wired headsets are more expensive, hard to find compatible parts, and the audio quality is lower than its wireless counterpart. Not to mention how much easier it is not to have wires getting tangled around your desk when trying to type.
Adjust microphone sensitivity levels
A quick hack for improving your mic sensitivity levels is to adjust your headset or earpiece. Increase the volume of your call by turning the dial to the right, which will also increase sensitivity.
You can turn down the volume by moving it left and continue testing until you find a comfortable listening level for both you and your caller. Remember, you can do this during your conversation so that you’re not interrupted.
Don’t let background noise interrupt you
The whole point of being on a headset is to communicate, but even the best headset can’t do much if you’re in a noisy environment. If you’re looking for some headphone hacks, here are tips for reducing noise that could come from all around you:
- Adjust your environment – it’s easier to reduce noise before it hits your ears than after. Place something, like a cardboard box or pillows, around your head when working from home and use either a space or another room when working out of the office.
- Prepare for talking on the phone – it might seem like common sense, but not many people make sure their phone’s volume is at the lowest level and speakers are turned off when they chat on the phone.
Keep batteries charged, clean and updated
If you’re the kind of person who forgets to recharge their phone, chances are your headset battery is being forgotten too. But remember, a charged headset lasts much longer than one that’s low on power. Try charging your headset every time you charge your phone – this is also a good way of prolonging the life of your devices!
Sometimes, wear and tear can’t be avoided and that’s okay! Headsets are designed to be durable, so it doesn’t hurt to crack open the ear cup or remove the foam cushion if need be. Plus, having fresh ear cushions will make your headset feel new again.
Don’t let yourself get rusty when you haven’t used them in a while
Wear your headset around the house, turn on music and walk around like you’re at work. This is a great way to recalibrate your motor skills and touch on how well you can hear at various distances.
Introduce your ears to various noises by walking around outside for a few minutes or by turning on some non-lyrical music (the static sound is really good for that). Simulating what it’s like in an office environment, will help get rid of any inconsistencies in your current routine.
If you don’t feel comfortable wearing your headset, try other options
Maybe you don’t feel like wearing a headset. There are lots of ways to get your point across without using one. You can simply speak into the phone receiver and start talking if it’s not too noisy, or use a hands-free device that goes around your neck instead of on your ear, like those small portable speaker systems (but you might have to have the call on speakerphone mode).
Whatever you do, just be sure that you’re clear in what you’re saying and avoid sounding too rushed when speaking. Speak at a normal pace and take time for pauses if needed. You’ll sound more professional when it comes time for an important conversation this way!
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can reduce the number of arguments you have and make sure everyone is having a good time. Remember that these are only some of the ways you can improve your communication skills; one person’s hack might not work for another person. The best thing about communication is learning new tricks and adapting them to your needs. Good luck out there!
