On completion of this unit a learner should: 1 Be able to communicate information to suit audience, purpose and content 2 Be able to use IT tools to communicate and exchange information 3 Understand the impact of IT on individuals, communities and society.

General communication skills adapting content and style to audience eg modulating voice, terminology, format; providing accurate information; techniques for engaging audience interest eg changing intonation, use of technology such as multimedia or use of animation in presentations; ensuring the message gets across eg asking questions to check understanding

Face to face communication verbal exchanges signing, lip reading; techniques and cues eg body language, use of intonation; positive and negative language; Latin questioning words implying yes or no answer paying attention and active engagement eg nodding, summarising or paraphrasing.

Senseless Communication Clip without soundtrack What is happening? Now watch same clip with the original soundtrack Great Expectations (1946) - "Boy Meets Convict" (Dir:David Lean)

Senseless Communication Game for communication with Lego blocks This game requires two participants and building blocks. The participants sit with their backs to each other. Participant 1 is given an object that is already built with the blocks, and he describes the object to participant 2 with enough details so participant 2 can build the object. Allow the participants three to seven minutes to complete the game, depending on the complexity of the object. Read more: Best Way - Games for Learning Effective Communication Skills | eHow.com

Mixed Signals Words and body language should make sense together. * “No, I didn’t take any chocolate,” he said as he looked down and fidgeted. * “I’m not really upset about it,” she said with tears in her eyes. * "Yah, yah.. I’m listening,” he said as he stared at the television.

Using Active Listening As an active listener you remove all judgment about the other person’s situation. You do not give them any advice or your opinion – you just simply listen. Do not do the talking – allow the other person to talk. Give them the freedom to express, to let go of anything they have "bottled up". You may notice that if you nod your head at appropriate times it encourages them to talk more. Be aware of how your non-verbal cues change the conversation.

Using Active Listening_2 Be aware of how eye contact affects the flow of communication – if eye contact gets them talking more then make eye contact – if not, don’t. If you look away and stare at something in the distance does it make them hesitate or stop talking? If so, then keep your focus on them – keep them chatting! Use verbal cues during the conversation to encourage them to talk – “aha”, “oh yah”. (If you want any ideas – watch a talk show (like Opra) and see how the host gets a person to talk – or even slants the conversation when needed).