1. Identifying Written and Oral Communication Skills

2. What is communication?
Information exchanged or to be exchanged.

3. What is writing?
Corresponding, communicating, or composing with handwritten or typed words

4. Why is written communication necessary?
Some examples in school-
Tests, papers, notes, teacher comments, etc
Work
Letters, memos, resumes, reference letters, articles, , etc.
Home/Personal
Chore list, shopping list, text, , notes, etc.

5. What is the purpose for writing?
To give instruction or information (teaching, directions, etc.)
To communicate informally or personally (letters, notes, etc.)
To communicate formally or professionally (invitations, announcements, journals, etc.)
To report happenings or events (through newspaper articles, magazines, etc.)

6. Who is the intended audience?
Always identify WHO is reading the writing and how effectively it communicates what you are TRYING to say
An audience may be very specific or very general.

7. Some traits of an audience that may affect how they receive the message.
Age level
Gender
Ethnic origin
Education level
Attitude
Background experiences
Present job/occupation

8. As you write – think about your purpose
Is this the point I want to get across?
Will the audience understand what I’m trying to say?
Is this interesting to them?

9. How can I become a better writer?
Step 1—collect data or information
Step 2—Organize information into a logical order (outline)
Step 3—Prepare a rough draft (brainstorming)

10. Step 4—Edit or revise
Step 5—Prepare a final draft
Step 6—Check for mistakes; grammar, spelling, etc.
Step 7—Compose your written work into the correct form

11. How do I know if my writing is good?
Is it concise and to the point (not wordy)?
Is it easy to understand?
Is it interesting?
Is it error-free?
Is it in the correct form?
Does the writing answer: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?

12. What is Oral communication?
Spoken; verbal; word-of-mouth
Oral communication is a vital part of everyday life.
Speaking and listening ability have an impact on how well you and others get along.

13. Oral communication abilities have a big effect on you education, career, and personal life.
Very few people are born with good voices and natural public speaking abilities; therefore these qualities are developed.

14. Types of Oral Communication
Social Conversation
Public Speaking
Telephone Conversation
Interviews

15. Social Conversation
Common activity where people exchange ideas for information, entertainment, pleasure, and maybe persuasion.
More than 90% of conversation is social.
This should be developed-If you do not make good conversation at social gatherings you will not be fun to be with and probably will not make friends easily.
Who is not fun to talk to? Why???

16. Social Conversation Things NOT TO DO: Monopolize the conversation
Be an authority on everything
Argue constantly
Ignore other people’s ideas
Use unpleasant language
Be timid

17. Social Conversation Things TO DO: Participate equally with others
Be receptive to ideas of others
Listen and learn
Use pleasant language
Talk about interesting things

18. Public Speaking
Delivering a speech or presentation to others; a formal way of giving information to a specific group.
Many different kinds of speeches: professional (banquets, conversation, etc.), company presidents, attorneys, superintendents and principals, and teachers.
To give a good speech, you must first be a good listener.

19. Public Speaking Improve yourself in the following areas:
Attitude-a positive one
Common Sense-a creative, but logical speaker encourages the audience to listen
Understanding-the ability to read the audience and communicate with them allows the speaker to adjust the speech accordingly.

20. Aggressiveness – a speaker accomplishes the goals
Speaking Style – develop one
Courtesy – helps the speakers know what people want to hear.

21. Steps to becoming an effective public speaker
Define the setting for the speech-know the date, place, event type, equipment needs, delivery time, etc.
Determine goals to achieve-what should the speech accomplish
Determine the main ideas to emphasize-what should be presented
Note the major points in writing-stress 2-3 major points to support the main idea

22. Steps to becoming an effective public speaker
Prepare the body of the speech-explain each supporting point
Plan the Introduction and conclusion-needs to be interesting in the beginning, then drive home the main points again at the end and thank the audience
Prepare note cards and audiovisuals
Practice presenting the speech-videotape for practice

23. Telephone Conversation
Most businesses use telephones as their primary means of communication (advertisement; selling products)
Voice should give a good impression of the business to increase the effectiveness of the conversation
Be alert, eager, show politeness, stay calm and give factual information

24. Interviews For jobs, scholarships, classes, and other activities
You may look very impressive on paper, but if you do NOT interview good, you probably will not get he job or scholarship.

25. Points to be a successful interviewer
Know essential information (study the company)
Dress right for the occasion
Be polite and pleasant
Be seated only when asked to do so,

26. Show good mannerism
Speak clearly and effectively
Ask questions (only if they have NOT been answered.
Express thanks to the interviewer.
Give a firm handshake before leaving.