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Good communication is based on good, logical thinking, the skilled use of
language and persuasion techniques, and non-verbal communication skills that
animate and enhance the spoken language ...
The Look of Effective Communication
FACIAL COMMUNICATION
“Facial expressions are an important channel of nonverbal communication. Even though the human species has acquired the powerful capabilities of a verbal language, the role of facial expressions in person-to-person interactions remains substantial. Messages of the face that provide commentary and illustration about verbal communications are significant in themselves. For example, the facial behaviors related to emotion can reveal part of the feeling side of a person's private life. Such emotion indicators range from stereotyped, full-face expressions that are obvious to fleeting, partial-face movements that are hard to see.” (1)
• Observe the speakers face when listening and be aware of what you are communicating with yours when you are speaking.
GESTURES
If you fail to gesture while speaking, you may be perceived as boring, stiff and unanimated. A lively and animated speaking style captures the listeners attention and makes your topic more interesting. Head nods, a form of gestures, communicate positive reinforcement to students and indicate that you are listening. (2)
• Be active when talking and listeing
• Use this for emphasizing points
THE SOUND OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Concise = Success
• Ask yourslef “what point am I trying to make” or “What point is this person trying to make?”
• Make a stayement and then support it.
• Always get to the “bottom line”
LISTENING SKILLS
• Stop thinking about your response and really listen.
• Use acknowledging statements that let the listener know you are following them.
• Ask clarifying questions when you don't understand something.
JARGON AND VOCABULARY
People specialize and tend to know more and more about less and less. Comunication skills can help you speak the language of the audience, and thereby gain acceptance for your ideas.
• Do not get too creative; using a thesaurus may not be necessary
• However, do not use the same words over and over
• Be short and sweet
• “It is not necessarily what you say, but how you say it ...”
COMPREHENDIBLE
• Make no assumptions; always make sure your audience understands
• Let people know where you are taking them so they can following
• Verbally outline when necessary
TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Listening ...
• Pay attention
• Don't think ahead to what youa re going to say
• Don't interupt
• Listen for feelings underneath the words
• Keep an open mind
• Encourage the speaker to continue
Looking ...
• Maintain eye contact
• Show that you are listeing
• Repeat what you are understanding
• Ask if that's what the person said
Being on the level ...
• Be honest in what you say
• Speak for yourself and use “I” statements when communicating
• Deal with the others person's feelings and reflect on your own feelings
Adapted from Original Source: “Effective Communication,” UT-Knoxville Leadership Guides
Additional Sources:
1. Adapted from: http://face-and-emotion.com/dataface/expression/expression.jsp , electronically accessed December 19, 2005
2. Adapted from: http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/commun-1.htm , electronically accessed December 19, 2005.
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