The Communication Process

After studying this topic, you should be able to: Improve your listening and speaking skills. Begin and develop conversations more easily. Use several forms of nonverbal communication to communicate more effectively.

Communication Conveying information in such a way that the message is received and understood.

Good communication Is a skill you will use throughout your life. It is based upon a mutual effort between two people to understand one another. Speakers must try to make the message relevant and listeners must open their minds.

Two types: Verbal- involves the use of words. Nonverbal- involves sending messages without words.

Verbal Communication Listening The first steps in improving your verbal communication skills are learning to listen and speak well. You learn to ignore unimportant sounds. Don’t ignore spoken messages that people are trying to send you.

Barriers to Good Listening Ignoring sounds Forgetting all or part of the message Not understanding the message being sent. Ex. Accents, slang, tone of voice, may think they are joking when they are serious

Overcoming Barriers Be an active listener- the listener gives feedback. Feedback- lets the speaker know the message is getting through to the listener and how it is being received. A passive listener may hear the spoken words, but not the meaning of the words. Passive listeners don’t respond, the speaker doesn’t know if the message is being received or not.

Active Listening Tips: Ask questions to clarify the message. Pay attention and be interested. Be patient. Keep the speaker in mind. Stay focused and use reflection. Listen to the speaker’s tone of voice.

Speaking Speaking affects your life in many ways. Speaking clearly will help you express your thoughts, feeling, and ideas to other.

Developing Speaking Skills Keep the listener in mind. Keep messages short and simple. Be considerate of other’s feelings. Be open and honest. Respect the listener. Be positive. Check to see if your message is being received.

How to Start a Conversation Ask questions. Make a sincere compliment. Mention something you have in common with the other person. Discuss one topic.

Nonverbal Communication Your appearance Your actions Manners- rules to follow for proper conduct Body language- you use body movements to send messages to others Personal space- the area around you The way you allow people to use your personal space depends upon the way you feel about these people.

Technology and Communication Technology- the use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. These new communication devices can be time-savers for those who use them properly. They can also be time-wasters as well.

Types of Technology Cell phones Pagers Voice mail Computers Internet- international network of computers that are joined together. E-mail- electronic mail. World Wide Web- part of the Internet that carries messages containing pictures, color, and sound. Online- when you can access the Internet