Identifying Written and Oral Communication Skills

What is communication? Information exchanged or to be exchanged.

What is writing? Corresponding, communicating, or composing with handwritten or typed words

Why is written communication necessary? Some examples in school- Tests, papers, notes, teacher comments, etc Work Letters, memos, resumes, reference letters, articles, email, etc. Home/Personal Chore list, shopping list, text, email, notes, etc.

What is the purpose for writing? To give instruction or information (teaching, directions, etc.) To communicate informally or personally (letters, notes, etc.) To communicate formally or professionally (invitations, announcements, journals, etc.) To report happenings or events (through newspaper articles, magazines, etc.)

Who is the intended audience? Always identify WHO is reading the writing and how effectively it communicates what you are TRYING to say An audience may be very specific or very general.

Some traits of an audience that may affect how they receive the message. Age level Gender Ethnic origin Education level Attitude Background experiences Present job/occupation

As you write – think about your purpose Is this the point I want to get across? Will the audience understand what I’m trying to say? Is this interesting to them?

How can I become a better writer? Step 1—collect data or information Step 2—Organize information into a logical order (outline) Step 3—Prepare a rough draft (brainstorming)

Step 4—Edit or revise Step 5—Prepare a final draft Step 6—Check for mistakes; grammar, spelling, etc. Step 7—Compose your written work into the correct form

How do I know if my writing is good? Is it concise and to the point (not wordy)? Is it easy to understand? Is it interesting? Is it error-free? Is it in the correct form? Does the writing answer: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?

What is Oral communication? Spoken; verbal; word-of-mouth Oral communication is a vital part of everyday life. Speaking and listening ability have an impact on how well you and others get along.

Oral communication abilities have a big effect on you education, career, and personal life. Very few people are born with good voices and natural public speaking abilities; therefore these qualities are developed.

Types of Oral Communication Social Conversation Public Speaking Telephone Conversation Interviews

Social Conversation Common activity where people exchange ideas for information, entertainment, pleasure, and maybe persuasion. More than 90% of conversation is social. This should be developed-If you do not make good conversation at social gatherings you will not be fun to be with and probably will not make friends easily. Who is not fun to talk to? Why???

Social Conversation Things NOT TO DO: Monopolize the conversation Be an authority on everything Argue constantly Ignore other people’s ideas Use unpleasant language Be timid

Social Conversation Things TO DO: Participate equally with others Be receptive to ideas of others Listen and learn Use pleasant language Talk about interesting things

Public Speaking Delivering a speech or presentation to others; a formal way of giving information to a specific group. Many different kinds of speeches: professional (banquets, conversation, etc.), company presidents, attorneys, superintendents and principals, and teachers. To give a good speech, you must first be a good listener.

Public Speaking Improve yourself in the following areas: Attitude-a positive one Common Sense-a creative, but logical speaker encourages the audience to listen Understanding-the ability to read the audience and communicate with them allows the speaker to adjust the speech accordingly.

Aggressiveness – a speaker accomplishes the goals Speaking Style – develop one Courtesy – helps the speakers know what people want to hear.

Steps to becoming an effective public speaker Define the setting for the speech-know the date, place, event type, equipment needs, delivery time, etc. Determine goals to achieve-what should the speech accomplish Determine the main ideas to emphasize-what should be presented Note the major points in writing-stress 2-3 major points to support the main idea

Steps to becoming an effective public speaker Prepare the body of the speech-explain each supporting point Plan the Introduction and conclusion-needs to be interesting in the beginning, then drive home the main points again at the end and thank the audience Prepare note cards and audiovisuals Practice presenting the speech-videotape for practice

Telephone Conversation Most businesses use telephones as their primary means of communication (advertisement; selling products) Voice should give a good impression of the business to increase the effectiveness of the conversation Be alert, eager, show politeness, stay calm and give factual information

Interviews For jobs, scholarships, classes, and other activities You may look very impressive on paper, but if you do NOT interview good, you probably will not get he job or scholarship.

Points to be a successful interviewer Know essential information (study the company) Dress right for the occasion Be polite and pleasant Be seated only when asked to do so,

Show good mannerism Speak clearly and effectively Ask questions (only if they have NOT been answered. Express thanks to the interviewer. Give a firm handshake before leaving.