Communication Skills Unit 4

How do we communicate? Verbal Spoken words Inflection Tone Nonverbal Gestures Eye Contact Posture Appearance Written Letters Reports Social networking Text Messages

Tips for Good Verbal Communication Be articulate Avoid mumbling Speak loudly Use proper grammar Watch your pace

Tips for Good Nonverbal Communication Express yourself through body language Make expressive gestures Make good eye contact

Tips for Good Written Communication Follow the Writing Process for lengthy writing Avoid slang Use proper grammar/spelling Be clear and concise

The Writing Process PrewritingDraftingRevisingEditingPublishing

Active Listening Pay attention Look at speaker directly Put aside distractions Show that you are listening Nod occasionally Smile Open Posture Provide Feedback Reflect and paraphrase Ask questions Summarize

Communication in Conflict Listen to the other person Speak in a calm voice Don’t try to win the argument at any cost Don’t try to get the last word in Use “I” statements

Barriers to Effective Communication Use of jargon or over-complicated terms Emotional barriers or taboos Lack of attention or interest Physical disabilities Language differences Cultural differences