Effective Communication Skills

Objectives Define and understand communication and the communication process List and overcome the filters/barriers in a communication process Practice active listening Tips to improve verbal and non verbal communication

What are the most common ways we communicate? Visual Images Spoken Word Written Word Body Language

What is Communication? Communication is the transmission of an idea or feeling so that the sender and receiver share the same understanding. Communication is not a mysterious process. It takes place when the ideas from your mind are transferred to another’s and arrive intact, complete, and coherent.

The Communication Process Medium Barrier SENDER (encodes) Barrier RECEIVER (decodes) Feedback/Response

Types of Communication One-way communication Two-way communication One to many

Components of Communication Verbal Communication Vocal communication Non-verbal communication

Features of Effective Communication Active Listening Eye contact Posture Simple language Questioning skills

Benefits of effective communication Quicker problem solving Better decision making Steady work flow Strong business relations Better professional image

Barriers to communication Noise Inappropriate medium Assumptions/Misconceptions Emotions Language differences Cultural differences Poor listening skills Use of jargon Distractions

You must choose to participate in the process of listening. Hearing Vs Listening Hearing – Physical process, natural, passive Listening – Physical as well as mental process, active, learned process, a skill Listening is hard. You must choose to participate in the process of listening.

Active Listening The process of recognizing, understanding, and accurately interpreting communicated messages and responding to spoken and/or nonverbal messages. Steps to Effective Listening: Hearing Interpretation Evaluation Respond

Improving Verbal Communication-Tips Eliminate Noise Get Feedback – Verbal & Body Signals Speak Slowly & Rephrase your sentence Don’t Talk down to the other person Listen Carefully & Patiently

Improving Body Language - Tips Keep appropriate distance Touch only when appropriate Take care of your appearance Be aware - people may give false cues Maintain eye contact Smile genuinely

Success for YOU… …in the new global and diverse workplace requires excellent communication skills!

THANK YOU