Developing Effective Communication Skills
Overview
A 2-day workshop for I.T. professionals, managers, and office staff who seek to enhance their interpersonal communication skills.
Effective Communication is the core of all personal interaction. The efficient leader/manager/staff member recognises that goals can be achieved if the cooperation of those involved can be secured. The ability to communicate effectively with others allows the opportunity to influence their attitudes and actions to achieve the necessary outcome.
Available research indicates that as much as 70% of all business communications fail to achieve their purpose. Skill in communicating does not come without planning and effort; like any other skill, it must be developed through practice.
Intended For
Anyone whose job involves communication via presentations, meetings, and/or training sessions. This workshop is designed to develop how we, as human beings, communicate, interpret, and effectively respond, as we expand our business and interpersonal communication skills and styles.
Prerequisites
There are no pre-requisites for this course.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course participants will have an understanding of:
- The rules for good communications.
- How to develop rapport with others by altering communication style.
- Resolving conflict in your work environment.
- What presentation skills are needed to deliver your message effectively.
Content
Developing the "Building Block" Skills
Importance of good communication; preparation; know your material, audience, objectives. Structure the message, choose medium, barriers, communication style, follow-up.
Interviewing
Information gathering methods; questionnaires and interviews. Preparation, timing, taking notes, checklists, types of interviews and interviewees, guidelines and formats. Tips, do's and don'ts.
Listening Skills
Active listening strategies. Techniques to ensure we are 'tuned into' our colleagues dialogue.
Using Communication to Boost Individual Performance Strategies
Proven methods to harness human talent through recognition, group goal setting and the use of initiative.
Building Rapport - The Master Skill
Recognising the different 'modalities' of our communication - Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic. Pacing those we communicate with, adjusting our pattern to fit in with others. Physical and mental indicators that demonstrate we are in rapport.
Conflict Management
Analyse the needs of each party. Respecting and understanding other peoples values. Develop flexibility in your communication style.
Presentations
Objectives of presentations; planning the structural content, types of presentations, methods of getting the message across; The meeting room, materials, equipment. Giving presentations, speaking styles, faults, tips and techniques, handling questions, problems and their solutions.
Method Used
Lecturing is kept to the minimum necessary. A participative approach is used to enable learning by discovery.
Exercises and examples are used extensively to reinforce the knowledge gained over the course.
