EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLs

Communication

Why Communication is Important ?

BECAUSE… t Employers identify communication as one of the basic competencies every graduate should have, asserting that the ability to communicate is valuable for obtaining employment and maintaining successful job performance. When working as an entrepreneur communication helps in conflict management and problem solving

Effective communication is a key skill in entrepreneurship Effective communication is essential in business both for the owner and other individuals. Entrepreneurs should develop the ability to write, speak, and listen well.

Definitions… Communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas and feelings. The information, ideas, or feelings the sender wants to communicate are called messages The avenues through which messages are delivered are called channels/media. Circumstances under which communication takes place is called the setting The receiver’s response to the message is called feedback

Miscommunication happens… There may be obstacles that interfere with communication called barriers There may be biases against the opinion expressed that prevent a listener from understanding called emotional barriers Often times, there are other distractions, or things that compete with the message for the listener’s attention Be sure to use clear and concise language that is not full of jargon, or specialized vocabulary, used by members of a particular group

Detailed Communication Process Coding Decoding Message Channel Coding Decoding Noise Source Receiver Context Feedback Channel Mood values Culture Interest Sex Knowledge Attitude Environment Occupation Experience MESSAGE Environment values Culture Interest Sex Mood Knowledge Attitude Experience Occupation MESSAGE

THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS IN ACTION THE MESSAGE IS THOUGHT AND PUT INTO WORDS OR SYMBOLS MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED VIA PARTICULAR MEDIUM TRANSMISSION CHANNEL DECODING CHANNEL RECIEVER MESSAGE IS RECEIVED, DECODED AND INTERPRETED

Communication Process General Presentation STAGE 2 Message Feedback SOURCE RECEIVER STAGE 3 SOURCETARGET Message SOURCE/RECEIVER RECEVER/SOURCE Message / Feedback STAGE copyright THE CLIQUE

Output # Clarity # Pitch # Pause # Punctuation # Modulation # Speed # Register # Tone Input # Listening (Ack. Feeling) # The environment # Emotional climate # Discrimination - Gender - Different ethnic background - Age Difference VERBAL COMMUNICATION

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Communication Styles Assertive Pushing hard without attacking; permits others to influence outcome; expressive and self- enhancing without intruding on others. Good eye contact; Comfortable but firm posture; Strong, steady and audible voice; Facial expressions matched to message; Appropriately serious tone; Selective interruptions to ensure understanding. Direct and unambiguous language; No attributions or evaluations of others’ behavior; Use of “I” statements and cooperative “we” statements. Communication Nonverbal Behavior Verbal Behavior Style Description Pattern Pattern Style Description Pattern Pattern

Communication Styles (continued) Communication Nonverbal Behavior Verbal Behavior Style Description Pattern Pattern Style Description Pattern Pattern Aggressive Taking advantage of others; Expressive and self- enhancing at others’ expense. Glaring eye contact; Moving or leaning too close; Threatening gestures (pointing finger; clenched fist); Loud Voice; Frequent interruptions. Swear words and abusive language; Attributions and evaluations of others’ behavior; Sexist or racists terms; Explicit threats or put-downs.

Communication Styles (continued) Communication Nonverbal Behavior Verbal Behavior Style Description Pattern Pattern Style Description Pattern Pattern Nonassertive Encouraging others to take advantage of us; Inhibited; Self-denying. Little eye contact; Downward glances; Slumped postures; Constantly shifting weight; Wringing hands; Weak or whiny voice. Qualifiers (“maybe,” “kind of” ); Fillers (“uh,” “you know,” “well”); Negaters (“it’s really not that important,” “I’m not sure”).

Make Direct Eye Contact Stay In Tune with Your Body Language Speak Loud and Clear Practice It With Smile Stay focused Listen carefully What to Do…

And more to do is….. Try To Understand Other's Point of View Also Respond to Criticism with Empathy Own What’s Yours Use “I” messages Look for compromise Take a time-out Don’t give up

BENEFITS It helps us to feel good about both ourselves and others. It leads to the development of mutual respect for each other. It increases our self-esteem. It helps us achieve our goals. It minimizes hurting and alienating other people.

It reduces anxiety. It protects us from being taken advantage of by others. It enables us to make decisions and free choices in life. It enables us to express, both verbally and non- verbally, a wide range of feelings and thoughts, both positive and negative.

THANK YOU