Communication Skills

Communication is the #1 Skill Employers Want

 

Assess

   Optimal Thinking 

 

Understand the communication process: communication process at Don Clark Leadership

Communication at Illinoisworknet

 

TRANSMISSION

MESSAGE
 
CONTENT
VERBAL
Words chosen to speak
. Know what you want
. Say what you mean 
     . Firmly with a comfortable level of emotion

 

CONTEXT
VOICE
. Volume: loud-soft
. Tone: emphasis conveys emotion
. Pitch: high-low
. Pace: fast-slow
. Clarity: speak clearly, enunciate words

 

Non-verbal Communication -accounts for a large percentage of communicating a message

. Body Language
. Eye contact
. Facial expressions
. Gestures
. Posture
. Proximity

   Assess

   Body Language Quiz

   communication at HelpGuide

 

RECEPTION
. Hear -eliminate environmental distractions as much as possible
. Listen actively -we think 4 times faster than a person can talk

• Focus, eye contact
• Listen for key points
• Listen for emotional content 
• Don't jump to conclusions
• Keep mind on track
• Restate, ask questions for clarification

Active Listening at MIT

Active Listening at Newconversations.net

 

RESPONSE
Verbal Feedback

. Paraphrase-restate what you heard in your own words
. Reflect feeling: So you feel…It sounds like you…
. Question: Do you mean…Could you tell me more? Is that accurate?
. Summarize: Let’s see if I understand what you’re saying 

 

Learning activity: practice in pairs, topic "something I'm really proud of is..." One minute each of 1) ineffective listening 2) effective listening 3) feedback. Listening Skills (pdf), Report Card (pdf)

 

Use I Statements to express emotions

Small Talk

• Ehow

Conversation 

 

Presentations 

• Create a presentation
• Practice it
• Present it
• Get feedback

 

Telephone Skills see Work Skills

 

Writing - 11 Rules of Writing 

 

Choose the right format

Ask the Right Questions

Feedback at MIT

 

GOAL PLANS | DEVELOPMENT CENTER |

PINTEREST - COMMUNICATION - CONVERSATION - LISTENING - PRESENTATIONS - STORYTELLING