COMMUNICATIONS Introductory Packet

Benefits of Oral Communication 1. Fast: More immediate than written communication Pass along information and get responses quickly 2. Meaningful: Use voice to add feelings to your words 3. Useful in the Future: All jobs require good communication skills

4 Parts of the Communication Process 1. Sender: Begins the process by conveying a message 2. Message: Information 3. Receiver: Listens to message & interprets it 4. Feedback: Response to message

Tips: Becoming a Better Listener  Prepare ahead of time: Choose a quiet place free of distractions where you can see & hear the speaker  Listen ACTIVELY—NOT PASSIVELY: Give the speaker your full attention  Be RESPECTFUL: Impolite behavior may cause the speaker to lose focus

Tips: Becoming a Better Listener Positive Critique Constructive criticism delivered in a positive manner Reason Positive—avoid hurt feelings & lowered self- confidence Immediate feedback—allows for improvement

Tips: Becoming a Better Speaker  Introduction and Conclusion Have a good “hook” or surprise factor Do not leave the audience wondering if it is over Conclusion should properly wrap up and summarize the speech  Stay focused Staying focused keeps your audiences attention Portrays message more clearly

Tips: Becoming a Better Speaker  Project voice & speak articulately: Speak loud enough for everyone to hear Speak slow enough to provide clarity to your words  Body Language: Use appropriate gestures to convey your message  Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with entire audience

Tips: Becoming a Better Speaker  Tone & Inflection: Set the appropriate mood for the speech Use appropriate changes in pitch—don’t be monotonous  Silence: Use dramatic pauses where appropriate—gives audience time to think  Pace yourself: Maintain a good sense of time—don’t be too quick or too slow

Tips: Becoming a Better Speaker  Incorporate Visuals: Use creative, interesting & relevant visuals to convey your message  Know your audience: Explain all unfamiliar jargon

5 Steps: Preparing Speeches 1. Survey known information: What do I know? What do I need to know? 2. Make use of different resources: Get different points of view on the topic 3. Organize information logically: Map out information before writing speech—material should flow well

5 Steps: Preparing Speeches 4. Use note cards/speech: Make sure handwriting is legible/font is large Number your cards/pages Use cues for visuals 5. PRACTICE: Practice builds confidence Practice in front of others Keep track of time