Communication

Why is communication important? To convey a message So that others can understand our point of view To increase our understanding of others Enable us to build personal and professional relationships

When does communication occur? When the sender expresses an emotion or feeling, creates an idea, or senses the need to communicate Every communicative act is based on the message. Messages may be communicated both verbally and nonverbally. Communication breakdown- 7% words 38% tone 55% gestures/body language

Forms of nonverbal communication: Body language Facial expressions Eye contact Dress & physical appearance Gestures

With a partner, practice the following facial expressions: Sad Happy Angry Surprised Disgusted Scared How could you tell which expression represented which feeling?

Remember: over HALF the meaning others attach to our spoken message does not come from the words, but the tone of voice and body language. Many times, we depend on reading others’ facial expressions to judge how they feel. The eyes convey meaning as well. Eye contact (or lack thereof) communicates a persons confidence, friendliness, honesty, or overall desire to communicate. We draw conclusions about people before we ever exchange words based on a persons body language.

A persons appearance can also disclose information. A person dressed immaculately may pay close attention to details Someone who dresses “old fashioned” may be conservative in opinion Wearing excessive jewelry displays a materialistic personality Indicator of the type of job a person has

Effective listening is important in communication Helps the speaker become understood Actually hear and not assume what is said Sit/stand alertly, maintain eye contact with speaker Make verbal responses & summarize parts of what has been said for clarity Because of the difference in how fast a person can talk and others can listen, a time lag may exist in conversation -Good listeners use this time to organize the message to better understand Pay attention to the tone of words/nonverbal cues to receive the entire story

INTERVIEWING There are many aspects to conducting and participating in an interview. In order to ensure a successful interview, the following aspects must be addressed: Initial greet Remember that a person makes a conclusion about another within 7 seconds Shake the interviewee’s (person being interviewed) hand Smile Show confidence in yourself with your body language

Body Language Be conscious of negative body language Sitting up straight shows interest Avoid fidgeting Tone Be aware of the way you say things, not just what you say Try not to sound bored or annoyed

Effectively listening? Are you actually listening to the response being given? Your response to their answer should be based upon the answer given, not necessarily what you have written next in your notes. Close ended vs. open ended questions Close ended: Yes or No questions Does not allow chance for elaboration Open ended: 5 W’s & H questions Allows for the interviewee to continue with a thought Gives the interviewer a chance to obtain more info

Materials Be prepared! Make sure you have all the materials you will need before hand. Nothing is more frustrating than wasting a persons time because you showed up unprepared. Notepad Pencil/pen Questions Be polite! Remember your manners: Ma’am or Sir Don’t interrupt when the interviewee is speaking, let them finish their thought! Shake their hand and THANK THEM for their time