Human and Computer Interaction (H.C.I.) &Communication Skills Lecture (9) Prepared by Dr. Dunia Hamid Hameed

COMMUNICATION SKILLS- SPEAKING SKILLS Communication is a process through which the sender sends his message to the receiver. The process of communication is said to be complete when the receiver of the message is able to decode, understand and provide the required feedback to the sender.

Communication Process

Barriers of communication Barriers are obstacles to the process of communication. Barriers of communication can be divided into three major categories: 1- Physical Barrier: There are several physical barriers like: Noise: It is one of the most common barrier to communication. Noise must be reduced or minimized.

Barriers of communication Lack of Planning: Sometimes you are supposed to send a file and if you don’t plan the time the file will not reach to its destination on time and the sender can’t get the feedback. Barriers like postal strike or an incomplete application form comes under this category.

2- Semantic Barrier: Because of multiple meanings for words communication can get distorted resulting in a misunderstanding of the actual message. These distortions can be accidental or deliberate.

3- Psychological Barrier: There are a few barriers which come under this category:- Emotions: Sometimes we are attached to a particular thing very much and we expect the same kind of response from others. But others may not be that much emotionally attached to that thing. This can create misunderstanding among people. Premature Evaluation: “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing”. Generally people tend to take decisions without listening to the speaker. As a result problems arise a lot.

Types of Communication 1 Types of Communication 1. Communication with words: Speaking or Writing comes under this category. 2. Communication without words: Eye expressions, gestures, body language, shaking our head, And even staring at someone to express anger or displeasure are called body language.

Types of Communication with Words a- Oral Communication: Most of the communication in our life is oral as we learn to speak first then to write. Advantages: Speedy Interaction. Immediate Feedback. The speaker can observe the listener’s reaction. Disadvantages: It is not possible in every situation. It is very costly and time consuming too.

Written Communication b- Written Communication:- There are several modes of written communication like letter writing, notices, memo, circulars. Advantages: It is helpful in keeping records for the future reference. Single message can be sent through mass mailing to many people. These days emails are helpful in this.

Written Communication Disadvantages.: No matter the advantages are many nevertheless we cannot leave the disadvantages unnoticed. It is costly as it uses the paper extensively. Sometimes the messages are poorly expressed as the writing skills of the writer are not effective.

Communication Improvements Methods There are some effective ways to improve communication: Short, simple, words sentences and phrases help communication. Active voice in sentence construction is preferred. Messages should be personalized as much as possible.

Powerful Communication Methods By listening thinking and formulating your thoughts before you speak, you will increase your effectiveness as a powerful communicator. Think before you talk. Know your message. Get to the point quickly. Then, it is easier for the listener to remember what you said. Know the outcome you want from your conversation. Practice the power of persuasion. Almost everything you say is an attempt to persuade the other person to accept your point of view. For successful networking, plan in advance what you want to say and what you want to accomplish. Know something about the people you’ll be talking to.

Mind Mapping Mind Mapping is a system of recoding our thoughts so that we employ both left brain and right brain thinking, i.e., whole brain thinking. In order to do this, we use key words, symbols and colour.

Mind Mapping Methods Write down a main point, central thought or idea. Circle the main thought, then use interconnecting branches to show associated ideas. In note taking, mind map things you are thinking about, you will generate more ideas, see relationships among key words, write less than in conventional note taking. In making telephone calls, mind map who you are going to call, your purpose for calling, when you intend to call, what questions you want answered or what comments you want to make, and what information you want to share.

Online Communication Electronic mail (e-mail) is a quick way to send a message to one or more people if you have a computer. The receiver, however, may not open the e-mail for several hours or days. Anything you send in e-mail or on the internet should be considered public information.

Online Communication Methods Subscribe to an online service. Learn to use e-mail. You can also communicate through news- groups, chat rooms, and bulletin boards. Compose letters for e-mail with salutation and complementary close. Compose and edit off line. Be concise; get to the point quickly. Learn about “ netiquette,” the customs and manners involved in using on line services.