C O M M U N I C ATI N G
S E C T I O N 9 .1 : E V E RY DAY P E R S O N A L C O M M U N IC AT IO N
© 2 0 1 2 I D E A S C E N T E R - P U B L I C AT I O N S
COMMUNICATION
We use communication skills every day
Communication is crucial
Everyone benefits from improving communication skills
© 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications
TALK THE TALK
Have an appropriate expression
Moderate your speaking speed
Use pauses
Eliminate fillers
© 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications
TALK THE TALK (CONT.)
Speak loudly enough to be heard, but don’t be overbearing
Smile while you’re speaking on the phone
Watch your diction
Control your breathing
© 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications
LISTEN AND LEARN
Passive listening skills
S.O.L.E.R.
 Sit squarely facing other person
 Open posture toward the speaker
 Lean forward
 Eye contact
 Relax
© 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications
LISTEN AND LEARN (CONT.)
Active listening skills
 Concentrate and message and resist distractions
 Keep an open mind to others’ ideas
 Don’t tune out if you disagree
 Restate their key ideas
© 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications
AVOID CONFLICT WITH “I” MESSAGES
Conflict is inevitable in any relationship
“I” Messages
 “I feel angry when you … ”
Avoid generic accusations such as:
 Always
 Never
© 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications
FINAL THOUGHTS
Communication is irreversible
You cannot undo spoken words
Words can hurt a relationship beyond repair
© 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications
FURTHER REFLECTION
Discuss a situation in which you have needed strong communication skills.
What is your best/weakest communication skill? Why?
Have a conversation and notice the number of times you use words such as “uh,”
“um” or “like.”
© 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The 10 Principles of Listening
http://www.skillsyouneed.co.uk/IPS/Listening
_Skills.html
Communication Tips
www.sideroad.com
© 2012 IDEAS Center - Publications