Effective Communication skills Prepared by Dr. Ali Issa Al Zahrani Leadership & Management Skills Training, Lusaka- Zambia 17 th -23 rd January, 2015

The concept of communication The exchange of ideas and information in order to develop a common understanding and confidence

Objectives of communication Increase the degree of acceptance of organizational roles Commitment to organizational goals Provision of data for decision-making Clarifying duties, authority and responsibility Increase information and knowledge exchange Find out how the other thinks and what...

Importance of communication Communication is the basis of our everyday lives. We share enormous quantities and qualities of data and information. From exchanging feelings and conveying ideas and reviewing news and exchange views and information to control.

Importance of communication comes from: The ability to accomplish goals depends on the efficiency of communication. The success that a person records in his/her work depends (85%) on communicative proficiency and only (15%) on practical skills or specialized profession. Some experts estimate that communication consumes 75-95% of the time of managers in various establishments.

Importance of communication comes from (cont…) Communication serves to transmit information, data and statistics and concepts across different channels that contribute to management decisions and the success of the school and its development It is essential in guiding and changing individual and collective behaviour of students and staff, and that is what educational efforts seek to do and are all for. It contributes to the transfer of concepts and ideas and thoughts through official channels to create coherence between components, and combine their efforts in order to achieve its objectives.

Importance of communication comes from (cont…) Meaningful way to ensure interaction and mutual exchange of different activities. A means of control and guidance of the activities of the Manager in directing the activities of employees. A way to motivate workers to do the roles required of them.

Elements of Communication The Communication process consists of five elements which are connected and without which we cannot say that communication has taken place and these are: 1. The Sender 2. The Message 3. The Channel/Method 4. The Receiver/Recepient 5. The Feedback

Means of communication Oral Written Non-verbal communication Communication constraints Misrepresentation of information Information Size

Elements of effective communication Attentive listening Impactful speech (Explanation) Usage of sign language Allowing for Question and discussion Evaluation Response

Steps to effective communication Verify the effectiveness of communication Extending your thinking circle: Listen carefully and absorb the message being conveyed by others: Always consider the source of information in mind: Design your message according to the level of your audience: Know what you will speak about: Be clear and specific: Do not shy away from saying: I do not know:

Steps to effective communication (Cont) Always remember that anything that reaches others is a means of communication: Stay away from being trapped in words such as (either/or): Always pay undivided attention to those who speak/talk to you: Do not interrupt the other person: Try submitting/placing your thoughts at the right place and at the right moment: Make sure that face to face contact is a continuous process: