Communication Styles and Skills TSTC Student Success Center LT 308, 314, 315

First Impressions Types of Communication: Verbal Non-Verbal Facial Expressions Hand Gestures Eyes Roaming Moving/Fidgeting Arms Crossed Standing Alone/Away from Group Standing Too Close Listening

Types of Communication Formal and Informal

Why is Communication Important? Let’s look at a few scenarios: Meeting Someone for the First Time In Class In Public Job Fair Interview First Day on the Job Group Interaction at Work Group Leader

Animal Traits Communication Styles Inventory The Decision Maker The Deliberator The Harmonizer The Initiator

The Bear CEOs of corporations and businesses Often more concerned with task completion than involving individuals in the process Make great leaders as long as they don’t forget the human element and remember to involve all members of the team

The Rabbit “Cheerleader” types Spirited members of the group, use humor to lighten the mood Great to have on a team because they make things fun Think about a rabbit hopping; these individuals are either on a high—they get things done and move right along, or they are on a low—unproductive and unfocused Have a tendency to think outside the box, aiding in program development and creativity

The Turtle Often the most thoughtful on a team These individuals are concerned with the feelings of others and in making sure everyone is doing well—to them this is more important than getting the job done or making a quick decision Turtles are consistent, steady, and considerate Often need to be drawn out because they do not readily share their thoughts and feelings; sometimes have a tendency to allow themselves to be taken advantage of

The Owl Owls are often considered wise and solitary, but also vocal when they decide to be These individuals desire a long time period to gather information before making a decision When they make a decision, it is often the right one because they took the time and energy to gather the information first Owls are not impulsive; they are the “doer-bees” hat will most likely get the job done The organize and keep everyone else straight; they provide structure—without a Owl in the mix, your team may struggle with lack of organization and direction (unless the Bear is telling everyone what to do, of course )

Working Together Groups work well when there is a mix of the animal traits. Each brings its own strength to the table, and together they make up a very valuable team. However, they do have to learn HOW to communicate with one another…

Let’s Look Again… How Would Your Animal Trait React? Verbal Meeting Someone for the First Time Non-Verbal Facial Expressions In Class Hand Gestures In Public Eyes Roaming Job Fair Moving/Fidgeting Interview Arms Crossed First Day on the Job Standing Alone/Away from Group Group Interaction at Work Group Leader Standing Too Close

Questions? TSTC Student Success Center LT 308, 314, 315