Communication skills

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Communication skills Heike Arold Selected slides for the teaching unit C1

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Definition: The word "communication" has a Latin origin. In Latin "communicare" means "communemredere" - devotion to society. The deeper meaning of the word "communication" reflects the Latin motto "communicareestmultum", which can be translated as "means to give something back." The hidden message is to "share something with somebody”"

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Why are communication skills important in counseling? • Communication skills are the key for the development and a strong social network. They also help you to look after your own needs while respecting other people's needs. People are not born with good communication skills. Like any other skill, they are learned through attempt and mistakes and repeated practice: • non-verbal communication • interviewingforms • assertiveness Note: Of course, there are many aspects to carry out an effective communication and you can still use more specific help in specific areas (for example, learning how to solve conflicts, presentation techniques, giving feedback, etc.)

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Communication types • Direct and indirect • Conscious and unconscious • One-sided and two-sided • Verbal and non-verbal

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Directandindirectcommunication Direct communication takes place when there is no intermediary between sender and receiver. It is a communication between two or more people in the same place. The direct communication is usually the most effective form of communication because there is an direct feedback. This effectiveness is mainly influenced by psychological factors of the participants in the conversation. Indirect communication means that there is a communication channel between sender and receiver. Indirect communication types are telephone conversations, correspondence, communication via email, etc. The indirect communication is less effective than the direct one, because the receiver does not receive an immediate feedback. In addition, disturbances in the communication channel are possible..

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Consciousandunconsciouscommunication • Mostly we communicate consciously and for a specific purpose, but we also unconsciously transmit a lot of messages. There are three types of motives that determine our behavior: • We are fully aware of the motive, • We recognize the motive when someone will be pointed out it • for us; • We are not aware of the motive, we recognize it also not when • someone will be pointed out it for us. • When we communicate unconsciously, we use certain gestures and facial expressions that we can not control or control bad, as well as spoken and unspoken words.

Einseitige Kommunikation bedeutet, dass die Nachricht vom Sender an den Empfänger übermittelt wird, ohne dass eine Rückmeldung erfolgt. Dies ist kein Dialog, da der Empfänger keinen Einfluss auf den Sender hat. Häufig ist dies bei Nachrichten der Fall, die an eine große Anzahl von Menschen gerichtet sind. Diese Nachrichten sind kurz, klar und einfach. Einseitige Kommunikation ist typisch bei Meldungen in Massenmedien sowie bei Nachrichten innerhalb strenger Hierarchien (z.B. Feuerwehr, Rettungsdienst). Bei zweiseitiger Kommunikation erfolgt eine Rückmeldung durch den Empfänger an den Sender. Beide reagieren aufeinander, sie ergänzen sich und passen sich einander an. In der zweiseitigen Kommunikation übermitteln und erhalten wir Nachrichten und beseitigen Unstimmigkeiten. Die zweiseitige Kommunikation benötigt mehr Zeit, ist aber bei weitem wirkungsvoller was die Klärung von Meinungsverschiedenheiten betrifft. Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Verbal and non-verbal communication Verbal communication can be done in a spoken or written language. The spoken communication can take place directly or over the telephone, while in the written communication the language is conveyed by writing, letters, emails, pressure etc.

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Verbal and non-verbal communication Non-verbal communication describes communication using non-verbal means such as facial expressions, gestures, movement in the space, taking different positions in space, touch, smell and voice. It is the first form of communication, as old as humanity itself. Several senses are addressed when one receives a non-verbal message (seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling); that makes communication more efficient. Non-verbal communication can complement verbal communication, but can also be disharmonious. Spoken words are easier to control than non-verbal expressions. The latter can only be trained to a certain degree, but there is also uncontrollable body language.

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Meaningof non-verbal communication • The most of what we communicate with is non-verbal. What you say to people with your eyes or your body language is only as strong as what you say in words. If you feel anxious, you may behave in ways that you avoid communication with others. For example, you can avoid eye contact or speak very quietly. In other words, you are not trying to communicate, probably so that you are not to be judged negatively by others. But your body language and your communicating tone is a powerful message for others regarding: • Your emotional status (e.g. impatience, fear) • Your behavior towards the listener (e.g. subservience, contempt) • Your knowledge on the subject • Your honesty (do you have a secret agenda?)

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Method for improving the communication skills = self-checking • To start, ask yourself a few questions : • Do I have problems making eye contact when talking to others? • Do I have to smile too much because I'm nervous? Or too little? • Am I being sloppy? • Do I keep my head down? • Am I speaking in a shy voice? • Am I speaking too fast to speak when I'm scared? • Do I cross my arms and legs?

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik • Non-verbal behavior that you should pay attention to : • Posture (e.g. bend head up and forward) • Movement and gestures (e.g. keep your arms uncrossed) • Physical distance (e.g. being closer to someone when you are in conversation with others) • Eye contact (e.g. speaking with appropriate eye contact) • Facial expression (e.g. warm smile) • Volume of the voice (speaking at a volume that is good to hear) • Tone of voice (e.g. speaking with a confident tone)

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Tipsfor non-verbal communication • Try to have only one skill at a time, so you can ensure that you have mastered it before proceeding to the next skill. • Maybe you could ask a trusted friend or relative to give you feedback about your non-verbal behavior. This feedback can be very useful because we often do not really know how we affect others. • If you're able to make a videotape, it may make sense to control your body language while communicating. When you have identified a few problem areas, practice the appropriate body language. • You can also practice your new non-verbal skills in front of a mirror. • After gaining a bit of confidence and practice with non-verbal communication skills at home, try it out with others and see the interactions. For example, starting with conversations with employees and cashiers in stores is a good idea. Try to increase the amount of eye contact when you are talking to others; Smile more and pay attention to the reactions of others. For example, is the bank employee friendlier or more talkative when you have more eye contact and a smile?

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Ability to communicate with other people Whether we like it or not, we come in contact with different people in the consultation and we have to communicate with them. The success of our relationship with these people depends on how well we are able to listen and if we are able to adapt our communication style.. Speaker Listeners Listenrs Speakers

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik • Any interpersonal communication, be it a problem or a declaration of love, an explanation of an action, discussion between people, or professional advice from experts, always includes the following aspects : • Content - sometimes clear, explicit and special; sometimes hidden or not fully in line with communication; • Message of interaction - reflects the interaction and strives to build and strengthen it; • Reasons for carrying out checks. • Emotions play an important role in communication. Sometimes they remain hidden, in other cases - in a subtle way – they accompany the communication, and in the third case the communication is completely dependent on them.

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik 4 types of communication influencing

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Interviewing • Here are some questions you should ask yourself to identify the areas that you want to improve in your behavior: • Am I having trouble starting conversations? • Do I quickly make a sidestep when I want to say things? • Am I inclined to say "yes", I nod and try to make other people talk to avoid a conversation? • I do not like to talk about myself?

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik The conversationstart: • Start a conversation with general and non-personal words, such as a conversation about the weather ("Beautiful Days, isn’t it?"), A compliment ("The sweater looks good"), a made observation ("I noticed that you read a book about sails? "), or introduce yourself (" I do not think we met us before, I'm .. ").. • You do not need to say something very funny. It's better to be honest and genuine. • Once you've talked for a while, especially if you've known the person for some time, it might be useful to pick up more personal topics, such as relationships, family matters, personal feelings, spiritual beliefs, etc. • Remember to pay attention to your non-verbal behaviour - make eye contact and speak loud enough that others can hear you!

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Keep theconversationgoing: • Remember that talking is not a one-way street - do not talk too less or talk too much! As much as possible, try to contribute about half of the conversation if you are only two. • Disclose some personal information about yourself, how to organize your weekend activity, your favorite club, or a hobby or interest. Personal information does not have to be "too personal", tell thinks about your opinion by using e.g. movies and books, or talk about things you would like to do. • Try to show a little vulnerability: It's even okay to admit that you're a bit nervous (e.g. "I do not know what to say to break the ice", or "I'm always so nervous at parties where I don’t know anyone"). However, be careful not to reveal too much too soon, that might deter others.

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Keep theconversationgoing: • Ask questions about the other person. However, if you are just meeting someone, make sure the questions are not too personal. Corresponding questions could be about weekend activities, his preferences, or his opinion about something. For example: "How do you like this new restaurant?“ • Try to ask more open questions than close questions. A narrow question is one that can be answered in a few words, like yes or no, for example, "Do you have a job?" In contrast, an open question reveals much detail; for example, "How did you get to work?“ • Am I talking too much when I'm nervous?

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik End a conversation: • Remember, all conversation ends at some point - do not develop the feeling of being rejected or anxious when a conversation is nearing its end! If the conversation goes down, that does not mean that you have made a mistake or that you are bored. • Think of a dignified way to end a conversation. For example, you can say that you need to get back to work.

Institut für Bildung, Beruf und TechnikAbteilung: Technik und ihre Didaktik Useful hints: • Speaking is valuable, but the art of listening is even more valuable. • The fact that we use the same words as someone else does not mean that we always understand each other. • Often we do not hear what is said but what we want to hear.

Communication skills