Advanced Communications COMMUNICATION SKILLS Adapted by Jennifer Gaddis

Advanced Communications COMMUNICATION SKILLS Adapted by Jennifer Gaddis from www. ucc. ie/careers

Overview � Importance of Communication � Communication Model � Barriers � Hints � Skills � Summary

Skills you will need in college and careers Communication Skills Team Building Initiative Self-Awareness Self-Confidence Self-Promotion Initiative Decision Making Networking Negotiation Skills Political Awareness

But watch out… It’s everywhere! COLLEGE EMPLOYMENT � Essays � Meetings � Projects � Reports � Presentations � Exams � Letters � Dating � Emails � Applications � Phone � Interviews � Web

THE COMMUNICATION MODEL FEEDBACK encoding MESSAGE & MEDIUM decoding FEEDBACK

Piece of cake? Communication VERBAL 7% TONAL 38% VISUAL 55%

Non-verbal communication 93% of all communication… is NON-verbal! � Eye contact � Facial expressions � Body language � Tone of voice � Emphasis � Deliberate silence � Timing � Appearance � Touch � Hand movements

So what’s the problem? � Defensiveness � Inarticulateness � Hidden agendas (manipulation, false pretenses) � Status � Environment � Hostility or unresolved conflicts

Hints for more effective communication in a classroom �Sit up straight. �Lean forward. �Ask questions. �Nod your head. �Take notes & Talk to the teacher

Conflict Management & Resolution � This is a two-way street! �Be careful of how you are presenting yourself non -verbally �Be prepared to listen �Be interested �Keep an open mind �Listen for the main ideas �Listen critically (ACTUALLY LISTEN!) �Resist distractions �Help the speaker

Conflict Management & Resolution � Four Types of Attitudes: �Assertive— “I win; You win” �Passive— “I lose; You win” �Aggressive— “I win; You lose” �Passive-Aggressive— Manipulation often using guilt Indirect aggression Giving hints that your angry, but never directly saying it.

Conflict Management & Resolution � Assertive Behavior Ground Rules 1. Clearly know what it is you want to achieve or address 2. Make a clear statement 3. Be calm and rational 4. Be specific 5. State what you will and will not do or agree to 6. Do not get side-tracked 7. Choose time and place for discussion, but be fair 8. Give reasons, NOT excuses 9. Consider compromises

Conflict Management & Resolution �Focus on what is changeable �Emphasize observed behavior �Elicit information �Define ground rules �Be flexible �Accept ownership �Choose specific examples �Know key messages

Summary �Good communicators… �Are aware of their non-verbal communication �Know what they want to say �Establish and maintain relationships �Understand others’ perspectives �Are active listeners �Understand clarify messages