COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Advanced Communications

Adapted by Jennifer Gaddis from www.ucc.ie/careers

Overview

Importance of Communication Communication Model Barriers Hints Skills Summary

Skills you will need in college and careers

Self-Awareness

Self-Promotion

Initiative

Initiative

Communication Skills

Self-Confidence

Networking

Negotiation Skills

Political Awareness

Team Building

Decision Making

But watch out…It’s everywhere!

Essays Projects Presentations Exams Dating Applications Interviews

Meetings Reports Presentations Letters Emails Phone Web

COLLEGE EMPLOYMENT

THE COMMUNICATION MODELC

OM

MU

NIC

ATO

RR

EC

EIV

ER

FEEDBACK

FEEDBACK

encodingMESSAGE &

MEDIUM

decoding

Noise

Interference

Piece of cake?

VISUAL55%

TONAL38%

VERBAL7%

Communication

Non-verbal communication

Eye contact Facial expressions Body language Tone of voice Emphasis

Deliberate silence Timing Appearance Touch Hand movements

93% of all communication… is NON-verbal!

So what’s the problem?

Defensiveness Inarticulateness Hidden agendas (manipulation, false pretenses) Status Environment Hostility or unresolved conflicts

Hints for more effective communication in a

classroomSit up straight.

Lean forward.

Ask questions.

Nod your head.

Take notes & Talk to the teacher

Conflict Management & Resolution

This is a two-way street! Be careful of how you are presenting yourself

non-verbally Be prepared to listen Be interested Keep an open mind Listen for the main ideas Listen critically (ACTUALLY LISTEN!) Resist distractions Help the speaker

Conflict Management & Resolution

Four Types of Attitudes: Assertive— “I win; You win”

Passive— “I lose; You win”

Aggressive— “I win; You lose”

Passive-Aggressive— Manipulation often using guiltIndirect aggressionGiving hints that your angry, but

never directly saying it.

Conflict Management & Resolution

Assertive Behavior Ground Rules1. Clearly know what it is you want to achieve or

address2. Make a clear statement3. Be calm and rational4. Be specific5. State what you will and will not do or agree to6. Do not get side-tracked7. Choose time and place for discussion, but be fair8. Give reasons, NOT excuses9. Consider compromises

Conflict Management & Resolution

Focus on what is changeableEmphasize observed behaviorElicit informationDefine ground rulesBe flexibleAccept ownershipChoose specific examplesKnow key messages

Summary

Good communicators… Are aware of their non-verbal communication Know what they want to say Establish and maintain relationships Understand others’ perspectives Are active listeners Understand and clarify messages