Effective Communication

Elements of Communication Speaker: someone who wishes to communicate a message Listener: the receiver of the message (in most conversations we are both speaker and listener in turn) Message: The content of the communication being sent Medium: the method of communication (speaking, writing, e- mail, telephone…)

Feedback: signals from the listener to indicate how the message is being received Noise: anything that interferes with the transmission of the message (sounds, emotions, cultural differences…)

How we Communicate 7% Verbal – the words we say 23% Tone – our emotion and how we say those words 70% Body Language – how we stand, facial expressions…

Effective Communication includes: Active Listening Choosing our words carefully Matching our words with our body language

Active Listening There is a difference between hearing and listening Hearing is receiving sound Listening is a skill that takes practice

Active Listening (SLANT) Sit up straight Lean forward Ask questions Nod and smile Track the speaker

Talking so people will listen Watch your timing: If your intended audience is distracted your message will not be well heard Know what you will say: depending on the particular message this may be worthwhile practicing Use “I” messages rather than “you” messages Be assertive: be clear on your message without being aggressive Keep your cool: losing your temper loses the point