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Week 3 - Communication Skills

The document provides information about effective communication skills. It begins with learning outcomes and objectives that focus on developing communication, writing, and presentation abilities. It then defines communication as a two-way process of understanding through the exchange of information. The key parts of the communication process and various forms of communication are outlined. Barriers to effective communication are discussed. Important communication skills like listening, clarity, and empathy are identified. The value of developing writing and presentation expertise is explained.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
137 views

Week 3 - Communication Skills

The document provides information about effective communication skills. It begins with learning outcomes and objectives that focus on developing communication, writing, and presentation abilities. It then defines communication as a two-way process of understanding through the exchange of information. The key parts of the communication process and various forms of communication are outlined. Barriers to effective communication are discussed. Important communication skills like listening, clarity, and empathy are identified. The value of developing writing and presentation expertise is explained.

Uploaded by

Iodanutzs Uk
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Preparing for

Success : Self
Development and
Responsibility
Lecturer:
Email:
Office hours: 
WEEK 3

Communication Skills
Module Learning Outcomes
The PSSDR module is designed to provide you with an
opportunity to demonstrate your achievement of the following
module learning outcomes:
1) Demonstrate effective communication skills, applicable to
academic and professional contexts.
2) Work effectively with others in the delivery of a group project
3) Identify own academic and professional development needs
and create an action plan.
4) Demonstrate an awareness of the global context of higher
education and employment.
Learning objectives

At the end of the lesson learners should be able to:


1) Define and briefly explain the concept of “Communication”;
2) Clearly outline the six steps of the “Communication process”;
3) Name the five forms and 7C’s of Communication;
4) Name some key barriers to communication;
5) Identify some effective communication skills that students should
develop;
6) Outline the importance and value of “Effective Communication
Skills”;
7) Appreciate the importance and value of “Writing Skills” and
“Presentation Skills”.
Some Quotes of communication
▪ Before we learn the meaning of communication let us look at
some interesting quote of communication.

▪ “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion


that it has taken place.” George Bernard Shaw

▪ To effectively communicate, we must realise that we are all different


in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a
guide to our communication with others.”
Anthony Robbins
More Quotes of communication
▪ “Communication is your ticket to success, if you pay
attention and learn to do it effectively.” Theo Gold

▪ “The art of communication is the language of


leadership.” James Humes

▪ “Communication is one of the most important skills you


require for a successful life.” Catherine Pulsifer
Definition and brief explanation of the concept of
“Communication”
The Business Dictionary defines “Communication” as a “Two-way
process of reaching mutual understanding, in which participants not only
exchange (encode-decode) information, news, ideas and feelings but also
create and share meaning. 
In general, communication is a means of connecting people or places. 
In business, it is a key function of management - an organization cannot
operate without communication between levels, departments and
employees. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLQ4v2-R3KM.

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/communication.html
Further clarification of Communication

Communication is a dynamic process through which we


convey a message in the form of a thought, an idea or a
feeling to someone else.

How the message is received depends on a set of events,


stimuli, that person is exposed to.
Further clarification of Communication

How you say what you say (i.e., your response)


plays an important role in communication.

It is often said that ‘your attitude toward the


person you are conversing with influences their
attitude towards you’.
Outline the six steps of the “Communication process”
Communication process (cont.)
Communication process (cont.)
1) The sender initiates the process of communication.
2) By formulating and encoding a message.
3) Using an appropriate channel or medium, the sender sends the
message to the receiver.
4) The receiver receives the message.
5) The receiver decodes the message. 
6) The receiver then concludes the process by giving feedback to
the sender.
Forms or Levels of Communication
Verbal communication e.g., talking, singing, shouting, etc.
Written communication e.g., communicating by letter, email,
note, etc.
Non-verbal  communication(e.g., facial expressions, body
language, or gestures).
Visual communication (e.g., the use of images or pictures, such
as painting, photography, video or film).
Electronic communication (e.g., telephone calls, electronic mail,
cable television, or satellite broadcasts). 
7 Cs of Communication 
Some key Barriers to communication
(that have to do with the COMMUNICATOR)

Unwillingness to say things differently.

Unwillingness to relate to others differently.

Unwillingness to learn new approaches.

Lack of self-awareness and/or self-confidence.

Lack of Enthusiasm.

Voice quality.
Some key Barriers to communication
(that have to do with the COMMUNICATOR
Prejudice / preconceived ideas.

Disagreement / conflict between verbal and non-verbal


messages.
Negative Self Image.

Lack of / poor Feedback.

Lack of Motivation and Training.

Language and Vocabulary Level.


Some key Barriers to communication
(that have to do with the RECEIVER

Selective perception.
Unwillingness to change.
Lack of interest in the topic/subject.
Prejudice and Belief System.
Rebuttal instincts.
Personal Value System.
Here-and-now internal and external factors.
Some effective communication skills
that students should endeavour to develop

1. Listening - practice active listening. 

2. Nonverbal Communication - body language; nonverbal signals 

3. Clarity and Concision – clear verbal communication 

4. Friendliness - be polite in all your workplace communications.

5. Confidence - firm but friendly tone. 


Some effective communication skills
that students should endeavour to develop

6. Empathy - Active listening 

7. Open-Mindedness – be receptive to ideas 

8. Respect - taking the time to edit your message

9. Feedback – let the other party know your thoughts and feelings

10. Picking the Right Medium- message through email 


Importance of
“Effective Communication Skills”
Students need to put in effort to develop their communication skills to be able
to succeed in their chosen profession (Ihmeideh, et al. 2010). 
Effective communication centres around;
The usage of words, 
Speed or pace of delivery of words, 
Pitch modulation and
 Body language.
There are many types of communication skills, but generally they involve
oral and written skills.
Communication skills
NOTE: Listen to video on Youtube (link below)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6IAhXM-vps
Active listening  [The listener can show interest by maintaining eye contact
as much as possible, maintaining a relaxed body position, using a welcoming
facial expression, and using encouraging words].
Processing information. 
Thinking (about what you’ve heard).
Breathing in and out.
Responding and not reacting.
Showing or using positive body language.
Importance of “Writing Skills”
The following structure is key to learning and refining your writing skills:
PLANNING YOUR MESSAGE:
Whether you are planning to write a book, an assignment, a report, a composition, a review, or a
presentation – the following structure can help you PLAN and ORGANISE your thoughts and
message properly:
Purpose – What is the objective of the communication? What do you want to accomplish?
Audience – Who do you want to communicate with? Who is your target audience?
Structure – What will be the content and order of message? – Introduction – main text –
conclusion.
Style – The use of language, tone, approach, etc. come into play in this area.
How We Receive Messages: Words – 7%; Tone of voice – 38%; Body language – 55% 
Source: (Sir Ernest Gowers)
Top Tips for Effective Presentations
https://www.skillsyouneed.com/present/presentation-tips.html [Accessed 03/10/20]

How can you make a good presentation even more effective?


1. Show your Passion and Connect with your Audience.
2. Focus on your Audience’s Needs.
3. Keep it Simple: Concentrate on your Core Message.
4. Smile and Make Eye Contact with your Audience.
5. Start Strongly.
Top Tips for Effective Presentations

6. Remember the 10-20-30 Rule for Slideshows


7. Tell Stories - Human beings are programmed to respond to stories.
8. Use your Voice Effectively.
9. Use your Body Too.
10. Relax, Breathe and Enjoy.

NOTE: Start with: What is a Presentation?

https://slideplayer.com/slide/5740663/
Importance and value of
effective communication
Effective and timely communication:
Promote cordial relationships and work culture among the employees, which increase
production;
Creates healthy and happy environment within and outside the organization;
Creates healthy relations between and among people and groups;
Raises aspirations, sensitivity and general awareness;
Meets individual and organisational information needs;
Motivates the people to focus on and fulfil a purpose; 
Helps the administration to arrive at quick and appropriate decisions and implementation;
Is essential for proper planning and coordination;
Contributes towards the development of the individual organization, society, nation or country;
Creates an ethos of change and progress; and
Can salvage a crisis and motivate people to work towards a resolution of problems.
ACTIVITY FOR STUDENTS
Students to work in pairs, threes or four’s and
discuss the following topic: 

How can we improve our communication


abilities and skills? – groups to choose either
“writing skills” or “presenting skills”
Thank You!!

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