HECMA Program Communication Skills

1. HECMA ProgramCommunication Skills Ms. Sandra Gorman

2. Building Communication Skills • Think of a time when a friend didn’t understand what you were trying to say. • Write two or three sentences that describe the situation

3. What is communication? The exchange of information through the use of words or actions There are three parts to communication • The sender • The receiver • The message

4. Miscommunication • What might prevent or stop a message from getting through to a receiver?

5. Communication • When you express yourself clearly & understand other people, you can communicate effectively. • The better you communicate, the stronger your relationships are likely to be. • Good communication skills can help you succeed in all parts of your life.

6. Verbal Communication • Expressing feelings, thoughts or experiences with words, either by speaking or writing. • You read a book, a magazine, an internet site or a street sign. • You keep in touch with people by phone, in person and by writing letters and emails. • It lets you enjoy television, radio and films

7. Nonverbal Communication • Getting messages across without using words. • Body Language: postures, gestures and facial expressions to send messages. • You can send a clear message when you don’t say anything at all. • Smile, wave, high-five, cross arms, frown

8. Nonverbal Communication • Body language is a powerful tool. It can give your words extra meaning. • It can also send messages you are NOT aware of. • Confident or Nervous speaking to a group.

9. Communication across cultures • Each culture has its own ways to communicate nonverbally. • People in some cultures bow to show respect. • Others feel that making direct eye contact during conversation is disrespectful • Others shake hands when they first meet • UAE examples

10. Communicating Effectively • Healthy relationships depend on good communication skills. • Your message must be clear • You must listen carefully and show you are interested

11. Speakingskills • Think about what you want to say • Use ‘I’ messages to express your thoughts, feelings, needs and expectations to keep the focus. • Use TACT: the sense of what to do or say to avoid offending others. Avoid being rude or insulting. • Make clear simple statements. Be specific and give examples.

12. Listening skills • Use body language to show you are listening carefully • Take advantage of pauses in the conversation to offer encouragement • Do NOT interrupt • When possible, mirror what you hear: repeat or rephrase the speaker’s thoughts and feelings as you understand them.

13. Writing skills • Emails, text messages and notes • Writing out your thoughts • You can make changes before you send it BUT there can be misunderstandings • They can’t always ask what you meant • They can’t hear your tone of voice • They can’t see you face or body language

14. Misunderstanding • Email and instant messaging are popular forms of communication. • How might electronic communication lead to confusion or misunderstandings?

15. Vocabulary • Communication: is the exchange of information through the use of words or actions • Verbal communication: expressing feelings, thoughts or experiences with words either by speaking or writing. • Nonverbal communication: getting messages across without using words • Body language: use postures, gestures and facial expressions to send messages • Tact: the sense of what to do or say to avoid offending others. Avoid being rude or insulting