Topic 10 : Communication Skills

Communication: The exchange of thoughts, messages or information by speech, signals, writing or behavior.

Rules for Effective Communication:

1. Recognize the difference between formal and informal settings and the communication needed for each.

2. Be clear and precise. Pay attention to your grammar and pronunciation.

3. Avoid slang -- it doesn't always translate well. The intended meaning isn't always what's received.

4. Know what you are saying without saying a word. Studies show that over 90 percent of communication is non-verbal. Be aware of what you are saying without speaking.

5. Be culturally aware. Gestures, proximity when speaking, and inflection can all be perceived differently by different cultures.

6. Proofread and revise. Formal, written communication needs to be grammatically correct. Always present your best.

7. Listen. Communication is two-way. Someone is transmitting and someone else is receiving. Make sure you are a good receiver.

Assignment #1 - Blog Post

There are three types of communication:

1) Written: through words: in print, on paper or electronically

2) Verbal: through speech: spoken word

3) Non-verbal: through gestures, body language, eye contact, clothing, hairstyles, symbols you wear, tone of voice, voice quality, style of speech

List three forms of communication for every type. For example, a form of written communication could be email. Then explain what barriers or problems could arise with each form of communication. Explain how those barriers or problems could be rectified or solved.

Assignment #2 - Blog Post

Write about your communication skills. Do you think you have good communication skills? Do you think you communicate effectively and efficiently with everyone you encounter? Do you communicate differently with different groups/kinds of people? If so, why? Do you see ways you could improve your communication skills?

Blog Post: Service Learning Weekly Journal.

Continue to write a one or two paragraph blog post that discusses your experiences thus far at your service learning placement. Be sure to write using complete sentences, proper capitalization, and proper grammar. You may want to include some of the following in your journal:

* how you use your communication skills on a weekly basis at your placement

* what you've learned about the profession

* what you've learned about working with the people at your placement

* any positive experiences you've had

* any negative experiences you've had

* what you look forward to in the coming weeks

* a picture or visual