Communication and Social Styles Administrative Professional Series Rosalie Owens

Do You Know… There are different ways that we interpret what is said

How the Listener Understands Through experiences By their cultures What the spoken word means How difficult the words are to understand

How Does the Speaker Speak? Using words that can be understood by the other person Using jargon – word association Using acronyms – letter group association. Body language and expression The tone of the voice

But, Are There Barriers? Environmental – background noise Physiological – body language Psychological – the way the sentence is put together Syntax errors – the way the sentence is put together These barriers all play a role in how the spoken word is understood

Now You’ve Spoken, How is it Heard? Verbally – the words that are said are heard Non-verbally – your words are spoken, but your body says other things Para-language – the tone of the voice changes the meaning

Are You a Good Listener? Do you make eye contact Ask questions Pay attention Don’t interrupt How is your body language Allow for personal space

Or Not….. Not paying attention No eye contact Closed body language – arms crossed Daydreaming Being disruptive Turning away from the speaker

Speaking and Listening – a Matter of Respect