Two ways to show communication skills

Almost every job I have ever applied for has wanted someone with
Excellent Communication Skills. The trouble is, how do you show communication skills in a cover letter or on a resume?

Here are two ideas

Highlight accomplishments that demonstrate your communication skills

-Created and implemented a conflict management training ( or process)
-Facilitated a coalition through the strategic planning process including developing a mission, vision and work plan.
-Led a work group that crafted our coalitions' communication plan.

The idea is to show potential employees what you have done with your communication skills.

Another idea is to use the credibility of quotes( which is basically testimony). So for instance, in a cover letter, I might say

My supervisors consistently rate my communication skills as excellent.

" Julie has established excellent working relationships with staff and partners"
(Supervisor at the Cancer Information Service)

Look for quotes in your performance appraisals, in evaluations, partner or coalition member surveys, and in your praise folders.  If you are not getting good quotes, consider changing how you ask your questions or at least adding one question that asks for quotes.