Communication Skills Presented by: Professor Namir Al-Tawil

Contents Definition of communication and CS. Common ways of communication. Communication goals. Methods of communication. Verbal and non-verbal communication. Barriers to effective communication. Presentation skills. Listening skills. Criteria for a good message.

Communication skills (CS) CS are the proficiency in the interchange of information. Including interpersonal, self-presentation, relationship, interviewing, group interaction & presentation skills. Communication skills are a part from the human behavior. Can be acquired and improved by learning and training.

Therefore: Effective communication requires efforts from both sender and recipient; otherwise it would becomes:  A process full of errors  A deranged message from the sender  A misinterpretation by the recipient

Barriers to Effective Communication Filtering Sender manipulate info so that it will be seen more favorably by the receivers. Selective Perception People selectively interpret what they see on the basis of their interests, background, experience, and attitude. Information Overload A condition in which information inflow exceeds an individual’s processing capacity.

Barriers to… (cont.) Communication Apprehension (dread) Undue tension and anxiety about oral communication, written communication, or both. Emotions How a receiver feels at the time a message is received will influence how the message is interpreted. Language Words have different meanings to different people.

Barriers to… (cont.) How to remove those barriers from the process:  Ensure the message is properly organized.  Do not send too much information too fast  Understand your audiences’ culture  Be confident and knowledgeable about the topic

Make a Great First Impression At a new encounter, you are evaluated and another person’s impression of you is formed.  Be on time  Present yourself appropriately  A winning smile  Be open and confident  Be positive, courteous, and attentive

Presentation skills

Tips for Presentation Skills The only reason the presenter gave the talk is to communicate something to you. Ensuring your verbal message:  Understand the purpose of the presentation  KISS the message  Be prepared  Unforgettable delivery

Tips for Presentation Skills Understand the purpose of presentation  Answer the W5H1 question  Who: the audience, their interest, value – etc.  What: the message you have & success criteria.  How: the best way to convey your message.  When: set timing; time to talk & time to silent.  Where: physical context of the communication.  Why: the reason audiences want to hear the msg.

Tips for Presentation Skills (cont.) KISS the message  Use your simple words  Make your word clear and concise  Keep in mind: “less is more” Be prepared  Rehearse well and set proper timing  Be mindful of the entire communication process  Well-learn the topic and be ready for unexpected questions

Tips for Presentation Skills (cont.) Unforgettable delivery  Use examples to bring your points to life  Don't talk too fast.  Pauses are effective  Use a variety of tones of voice  Use visual aids

Listening skills

31 Tips for Listening Skills Why do we listen?  We listen to obtain information.  We listen to understand.  We listen for enjoyment.  We listen to learn By having good listening skill, you can better influence, persuade, and negotiate; and avoid conflicts and misunderstandings. However, studies have found that we can capture the information only 25% to 50% of what we have heard.

Tips for Listening Skills (cont.) Keep in mind that the most important of “active listening” is that the listeners try to capture the message and also encourage the speaker to say all or most of his words. Five key elements of active listening:  Pay attention  Show that you’re listening  Provide feedback  Defer judgment  Respond appropriately - Look at the speaker directly. - Don’t mentally prepare a rebuttal. - Avoid being distracted by everything around. - Listen to the speaker’s body language. - Most importantly, listen to the speaker! No one else! - Nod occasionally - Smile and use other facial expression - Saying ‘yes’ or ‘uh huh’ to convey your attention - Reflect what has been said by paraphrasing - Ask question to clarify certain points - Summarize the speaker’s comment periodically - Allow the speaker to finish - Do not interrupt with counterargument. - Be open and honest in your response - Assert your opinion respectfully - Treat others the ways you want to be treated

Criteria of good message In line with the objective (s). Meaningful. Based on felt needs. Clear and understandable. Specific and accurate. Timely and adequate. Fitting the audience (listener). Interesting. Culturally and socially appropriate.

Conclusion Good communicators: Know what they want to say. Establish and maintain relationships. Understand others perspective. Active listeners. Understand and clarify messages.

References 1. Devito, A. Joseph. Essentials of human communication. 5th edition. US: Pearson Education, inc.; Arends, I. Richard. Learning to teach. 4th edition. US: McGraw-Hill; Dent, A.John. & Harden, M. Ronald. A practical guide for medical teachers. 2nd edition. UK: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; Al-Youzbaki, B. Dhafer. Medical communication skills. 2 nd edition. Mousul: No publication year.

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