1. Communication Styles and Skills
TSTC Student Success Center LT 308, 314, 315

2. First Impressions Types of Communication: Verbal Non-Verbal
Facial Expressions
Hand Gestures
Eyes Roaming
Moving/Fidgeting
Arms Crossed
Standing Alone/Away from Group
Standing Too Close
Listening

3. Types of Communication
Formal and Informal

4. Why is Communication Important?
Let’s look at a few scenarios:
Meeting Someone for the First Time
In Class
In Public
Job Fair
Interview
First Day on the Job
Group Interaction at Work
Group Leader

5. Animal Traits Communication Styles Inventory
The Decision Maker
The Deliberator
The Harmonizer
The Initiator

6. The Bear CEOs of corporations and businesses
Often more concerned with task completion than involving individuals in the process
Make great leaders as long as they don’t forget the human element and remember to involve all members of the team

7. The Rabbit “Cheerleader” types
Spirited members of the group, use humor to lighten the mood
Great to have on a team because they make things fun
Think about a rabbit hopping; these individuals are either on a high—they get things done and move right along, or they are on a low—unproductive and unfocused
Have a tendency to think outside the box, aiding in program development and creativity

8. The Turtle Often the most thoughtful on a team
These individuals are concerned with the feelings of others and in making sure everyone is doing well—to them this is more important than getting the job done or making a quick decision
Turtles are consistent, steady, and considerate
Often need to be drawn out because they do not readily share their thoughts and feelings; sometimes have a tendency to allow themselves to be taken advantage of

9. The Owl
Owls are often considered wise and solitary, but also vocal when they decide to be
These individuals desire a long time period to gather information before making a decision
When they make a decision, it is often the right one because they took the time and energy to gather the information first
Owls are not impulsive; they are the “doer-bees” hat will most likely get the job done
The organize and keep everyone else straight; they provide structure—without a Owl in the mix, your team may struggle with lack of organization and direction (unless the Bear is telling everyone what to do, of course )

10. Working Together
Groups work well when there is a mix of the animal traits. Each brings its own strength to the table, and together they make up a very valuable team. However, they do have to learn HOW to communicate with one another…

11. Let’s Look Again… How Would Your Animal Trait React? Verbal
Meeting Someone for the First Time
Non-Verbal
Facial Expressions
In Class
Hand Gestures
In Public
Eyes Roaming
Job Fair
Moving/Fidgeting
Interview
Arms Crossed
First Day on the Job
Standing Alone/Away from Group
Group Interaction at Work
Group Leader
Standing Too Close

12. Questions?
TSTC Student Success Center LT 308, 314, 315