Effective Communication

Communication What is it? How do you now if it has happened? Who communicates? Where and when does it take place? Why communicate?

Communication “…a way of expressing or exchanging ideas and thoughts between one person or group and another.” BTEC National IT Practitioners, book 1, pg 20 Expression  How? Ideas and thoughts  Data, information, facts Exchanging  Two way

Discuss

Discuss

Methods & Tools Written ?? Verbal ?? Audible ?? Signals ?? Images ??

Which communication tool? Example: An astronomer has just found out that a meteorite is about to hit Old Trafford in 10 hrs, thankfully not on a match day, but enough to destroy the stadium. Does he: a.Write about it in his diary b.Send a 2 nd class letter to Alex Ferguson warning him of the impending disaster c.Contact an appropriate government Agency by phone

Unfortunately the Astronomer was a Liverpool fan… the letter is on its way!

Which communication tool? Example: Asking the person next to you if they could lend to you a pen for the lesson. Do you: a.Shout the request as loud as possible, like your life depends on it! b. or Text message c.Create a 10 page report outlining the advantages and disadvantages of owning your own pen and pass it on hoping they’ll get the hint. d.Ask politely

Which communication tool? Example: An employer creates a contract of employment for the employee to sign. Do you: a.Tattoo it on employee’s back b.Verbally tell them: You’ve got the job, now, how much do you want? c.Produce a document outlining contractual requirements for employee to sign

Discuss… What do we need to consider when communicating?

Factors to consider Formality  match of tool to context Geography  Distance considered Expense  Priority considerations Audience  Formal or informal Convenience  Most expedient Impact  What needs to be achieved Occasion  Appropriateness Time  Urgency considerations

Presentations! Ahhhhh! I hear you scream. In groups create a list of Do's and Don'ts and discuss with the rest of the group.  Things to consider… Using visual aids (what, how etc.) Purpose

Do’s and Don’ts Be organised! The more organised and focused your presentation is, the more relaxed you'll feel. Breathe! (It helps you relax.) Don't try to cover too much material. Just say what you need to say. Do speak clearly, slowly and at an appropriate level for your audience. Use vocabulary that is appropriate for your audience. If you use new vocabulary, make sure you explain it and write it on the board. Do make eye contact with all members of your audience. Do move around. Do use hand gestures. Do allow the audience to ask questions at the end of your presentation. Don't read your presentation. You can use short notes, but reading a presentation is unnatural; also, it makes it very difficult for your audience to follow. Do practice your presentation. Do remember to thank your audience.

Use of PowerPoint In groups create a list of Do's and Don'ts and discuss with the rest of the group. Discuss feedback

Do’s and Don’ts of PowerPoint Do’s  1. Use legible type size  2. Be brief  3. Use key words  4. Enhance readability  5. Make every word and image count  6. Limit the number of slides Don’ts  1. Don’t overuse special effects  2. Don’t use more than eight words per line or eight lines per slide  3. Don’t use too many words  4. Avoid hard-to-read colour combinations