Professional
communication
PGE 1 - ENGLISH TRACK
Year 2020 - 2021
ADÉLIE PLACINES
TABLE OF
CONTENT
03
04
06
08
09
10
12
13
Miscommunication
the techniques of
communication and
public speaking
models of
communication
Mehrabian model
of communication
why don't people
listen?
body language and
non-verbal
communication
Tips to do an
effective ted talk
Made to stick - be
confident &
overcome stage
fright
Page 02 / 15
MISCOMMUNICATION
Write a short summary of the
TED ED. (100 words)
Give a definition of
communication
Communication
is
a
way
This video is a TED ED conference about “How
miscommunication happens”.
Miscommunication can happen to everyone
to
share
something to other people. It is a way to
transfer information.
however situation because communication is
complex. To understand it, two theories of
communication were imagined.
The first theory is the transmission model
when
How does miscommunication
happen?
Miscommunication can happen because
the standard of understanding between
two people is not the same. It also could
be because they do not use well the
nonverbal communication.
Moreover, their facial expression or even
gesture and position can influence the
good or bad understanding of what they
there
is
a
direct
transmission
of
a
message from one person to another.
The second theory is the transactional model
who could be compared to a game of catch. In
this model information go from one person to
the
other
and
then,
they
create
meaning
together even if the interpretation depends on
the personal meaning.
To improve communication, it is possible to
listen
actively,
to
study
nonverbal
communication, to take time to understand,
and to consider that everyone has their own
perceptual filters.
said.
Page 03 / 15
MODELS OF
COMMUNICATION
1)Please read the following article and take notes.
Known as the "mother of all models", Shannon and Weaver's model of communication is a
mathematical theory of communication that maintains that human communication can be
broken down into 6 key concepts. It explains how messages are lost and distorted during an
exchange. Norbert Weiner's theory added a 7th concept which changed the model from a linear
model to a cyclic model.
The six key concepts are:
- Sender (source of information): has information and sends a message by choosing whom to
send it to and by which channel (orally, in writing ...)
- Encoder (transmitter): the machine (or person) that converts the idea into signals (spoken,
written or sign language words)
- Channel: infrastructure, also called “medium”, which obtains information from the sender
and the transmitter to the decoder and the receiver.
- Noise: interrupts a message. There are two types of noise: internal (coding or decoding
error) and external (something external is disturbing the message).
- Decoder: is the exact opposite of encoding.
- Receiver (Destination): the person finally receives the message.
- Feedback: recipient responds to the sender to close the communication loop.
Advantages:
1.
Explains
Disadvantages:
the
obstacles
to
effective
1. Linear model
communication by introducing the concept
2. Ignore power relations.
of "noise". This model includes three "levels"
3.
(technical problems, semantic problems, and
communication.
efficiency problems) where communication
To conclude, Shannon Weaver's model of
can be interrupted.
communication, also known as "information
2.
Let
look
at
the
critical
stages
of
Does
theory",
not
is
deal
a
with
one-to-many
mathematical
theory
communication.
considered to be a "linear" communication
3. Transferable to several situations
model.
To conclude, Shannon Weaver's model of communication, also known as "information theory",
is a mathematical theory considered to be a "linear" communication model.
Page 04 / 15
2) Then watch this video and take notes.
To
define
the
basic
model
For example, if it is a vocal message where
of
words are not distinguishable there will be a
communication, we include the sender,
miscommunication.
message, channel, and receiver.
take account of non-verbal communication
The goal is to help to increase the impact
and, feedback. In fact, in the original model,
of
of
the feedback is not part of the model. The
Shannon & Weaver is a simple model even
other problem is because of the people who
if people are complex. For example, if I can
are
write a message on my phone. Thus, the
interpretation
phone is a canal, and the receiver will
therefore be different. This model provides
understand the message like it is written.
an
In fact, communication has occurred when
transferred and how the message is sent and
a message has been sent and received.
received. However, it does not account well
the
message.
Whatever
the
The
basic
message,
a
model
noise
can
&
is
interpretive
regarding
concept
“communication
model, we cannot know if the
noise” to be highlighted. Thus,
receiver had understood well
to know from where the noise
the message or not.
Weaver's
of
it
to
improve
the
communication.
considers
simplification
information
of
during
what
an
is
not
efficient
feedback.
In
this
This
model
receiver
as
presents
someone
the
passive
who does not contribute to the
advantage of allowing a
has
it
came to permit to fix or even
Moreover,
exchange.
face-to-face
information
key concepts that allow the
the
happens
how
could
Thus,
model is a basic model.
it
message
and
Indeed, this theory introduces
prevent
Therefore,
not
imagination
the
of
does
dynamics.
3) Explain the model
and its advantages and
disadvantages
– 150 words
and
the
model
their
of
understanding
for
influence it.
Shannon
complicated,
This
this
the
to
model
exchange
be
of
two-way,
exchange. Indeed, this model
presents
the
sender
as
the
primary role and the receiver
and therefore, it is applicable
becomes only a passive person.
to general communication.
Moreover, this model does not
However, this model has for
take
main
communication,
disadvantage
linear model.
to
be
a
does
account
not
of
non-verbal
and
account
for
it
also
power
relationships.
Page 05 / 15
WHY DON’T PEOPLE LISTEN?
Sometimes people do not listen because
they do not understand conversations. In
addition, during a presentation, the lack of
dynamism or the fact that it is too long
makes it difficult to listen. Finally, if the
subject
is
not
considered
interesting,
staying focused is even more difficult.
SUMMARIZE THE TED IN AS FEW WORDS AS POSSIBLE
- JULIAN TREASURE
The video is a TED conference about "how to speak so that people want to listen" by
Julian Treasure. There are 7 habits to avoid: gossip (talk about people who are not
here), judging, negativity, complaining, excuse, exaggeration, and dogmatism (confusion
of facts).
However, to be a better orator, it is possible to use the HAIL system. Thus, you need to
be honest, authentic, integrity, and love. But it is also important to have a good voice
that means to use a good register, timbre, to do prosody to do not be monotone, and, to
make attention to the ton and the volume.
Page 06 / 15
CONCEPT MAP FOR
IMPACTFUL ORAL
COMMUNICATION
Our group works on the value of Honesty, and he is composed by Sara Joseau, Pauline
Solcourt and me.
Page 07 / 15
TIPS TO DO AN EFFECTIVE
TED TALK
What is the one common
ingredient to a TED talk and
what is your role as a
speaker?
What 4 guidelines does Chris
Anderson give for a successful
talk?
A common ingredient in any TED talk is
that the role of a speaker is to get an idea
into the minds of the audience, and they all
have
something
to
share
during
their
conference.
What is an idea?
To succeed in a speech you must:
According to Chris Anderson, an idea is a
- Limit yourself to a single major idea by
pattern that concerns millions of neurons.
illustrating it with context and examples
It creates connections inside the brain.
- Give the audience a reason
Thus, it is a type of information that can
attracting their curiosity
help to understand and move forward in
- Develop the idea step by step using the
today's world. So, an idea can be complex
language of the audience for better
and
understanding
difficult
to
grasp
or
simple
and
to
listen
by
beautiful. However, ideas must be useful
- Ensure that the shared idea has value for
and reliable to permit everyone to adapt
everyone and not only you or your company.
their mind to them.
Indeed, it must have a purpose and must benefit
the audience
Page 08 / 15
THE TECHNIQUES OF
COMMUNICATION AND
PUBLIC SPEAKING
WRITE A SUMMARY OF the TED talk by David JP Phillips
This conference is a TED talk presented by David JP Phillips in which he teaches us
the 110 techniques of communication and public speaking.
According to him, everyone can be a good speaker thanks to the 110 basic skills. Indeed,
being brilliant on stage depends only on skills and not on talent. Both verbal and nonverbal (body) language must be considered. During this conference, he chose to tell us
about the 5 most important skills according to him. As a result, as many skills as
possible must be taken into account, thereby creating one of the best possible
combinations of skills according to him:
Skill 34: Neutral position
Skill 8: Varied tempo
Skill 69: Step forward
Skill 98: Anaphor
Skill 67: Vertical movement
Skill 18: Volume decrease
Skill 22: Effect pause
Skill 101: Correctio
Skill 21: Thought break
Thus, body language is just as important as a verbal one. To this, he added that the
impact of Duquesne's smile (smile with his mouth and eyes) was not negligible.
Finally, he chooses to present it with an example of a good and a bad presentation.
Page 09 / 15
MEHRABIAN MODEL OF
COMMUNICATION
There are 3 vectors of communication:
1)Non-verbal (impact of 55% in communication)
2)Vocal (impact of 38% in communication)
3)Verbal (impact of 7% in communication)
These figures come from (often misquoted and misinterpreted) research by Albert
Mehrabian (1967)) Whilst the exact numbers may be challenged, the important points
can easily be lost in the debate about how valid or not the study was.
Indeed,
he
says
that
body
For example, during an email
How do you feel about the
validity of this model?
Which vector do you think
is the most important? –
200 words
language is the most important
exchange,
with 55% of the message being
transmit the message and when
conveyed
transmitting an order (army for
explain what you think
about it.
The
Mehrabian
involves
evaluating
model
the
importance of each vector
in
an
words
exchange
and
not in tune.
phrases
where
were
through
it.
only
example),
of words represents 38% of the
precedence.
message while, according to this
In my opinion, it is difficult to
theory,
the
separate the different factors
meaning of the words represents
in a communication exchange.
only
It
However, it seems to me that
should therefore be noted that
the most impactful vector is
communication is not only an
the way used to convey the
exchange of words but also the
message. Indeed, the tone used
whole environment around with
can
our facial and body expressions
meaning of the message. For
and the tone used during the
example, irony or seriousness
exchange.
are mainly conveyed by tone.
However, this theory is often
In addition, the pace of the
used in an oversimplified way
exchange also impacts. When
because being a body language
you slow down on a few words,
professional
immediately
make
7%
of
impact
the
does
sense
conversation.
of
message.
not
in
always
every
completely
we
also
can
Subsequently, the pronunciation
the
words
words
change
take
the
understand
that they are more important
than others.
Page 10 / 15
SOME RULES FOR
YOUR PRESENTATION
Vocal (impact of 38%)
The voice is a string instrument
which
needs
you
to
breathe
regularly
Speak loudly enough but vary the
volume
Speak slowly but put rhythm into
your speech
play with your tone of voice this
speaks more than words
Use silence
Articulate
Drink water!
Verbal (impact of 7%)
The first 30 seconds and the first 20 words are the most important
Speak using I or we and “you”.
Use words known by all.
If you can’t explain it to a 6-year-old it means you haven’t understood it yourself
Simplify your speech
Use the richness of the English language – adverbs adjectives synonyms
Be careful of the words you chose:
use words with meaning…
Use a maximum of « mental images » : the brain memorizes images… describe your
ideas as images
Non-verbal (impact of 55%)
4 min is enough to make an impression!
Each second counts…
You don't have a second chance to make a
Perfect
first impression
professional clothing
In oral communication, it’s important to
Maintain eye contact
look after your image to « seduce » your
Control your body language
public.
Occupy the space given
Perfect
physical
appearance
and
physical
appearance
and
Stay calm always
professional clothing
Use
appropriate
facial
expressions
–
remember the Duchenne smile !
Use your hands to make your point
Page 11 / 15
BODY LANGUAGE AND NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Read the article on body language in presentations Summarize what the author says
about body language and nonverbal communication – 150 -200 words
According to the Genard method, there is 5
4. Facial expressions are an important
body
part of body language It is essential for
language
keys
to
improve
the
speaking and the team presentation.
communication,
recognition,
and
understanding. It is possible to work in
1. Effective movement and gestures for
front of a mirror.
public speaking
You have to think about the NODS formula:
5.
Voice
enhancement
neutral, open, defined, and strong. Thus,
presentations is vital
you have to start in a neutral position, do
Apart from the brain, the voice is the
gesture sparingly, use defined movements
most
to amplify what you say.
communication
flexible
for
business
instrument
and,
it
can
of
make
a
drastic difference in whether your real
2. Use the space as an actor, and you will
message is heard.
control the room.
Learn how to occupy the space will permit
To
conclude,
according
to
Cuddy's
you to appear comfortable in the spotlight.
research, taking a powerful pose before
participating in a high-stress situation
3. How to use technology in presentations
allows for increase the feeling of being
The tools are there to help to get a point
in control and feeling less stress to
across, but it is just a tool, and you need to
improve your capacity to use the NODS
stay the influencer in the room.
formula.
Page 12 / 15
MADE TO STICK
Watch the video on Made to Stick by Dan and Chip Heath and Explain how to make ideas
stick. ( 150-200 words)
The video explains why some ideas stick when
others
die
in
order
to
help
us
design
our
communication in a way that makes our ideas
understood and transmitted. It is important to
focus on how to deliver a message. First, you
have
to
sort
the
information
transmitted.
Indeed, it is necessary to keep things simple and
to prioritize the necessary information. If the
audience is faced with too much information,
they will stop listening.
Subsequently, you have to surprise the audience
by
playing
on
the
unexpected
to
keep
the
audience's attention. Then, you need to keep
the
concrete
aspect
at
the
heart
of
the
presentation. Therefore, the idea conveyed must
be credible and authentic to make the speech
effective. Finally, it is useful to add short stories
that create emotions to make the audience feel
more concerned with your speech.
The Substance and the Medium of your Presentation
The substance of a communication must be prepared carefully in 5 stages :
1) Define the objective of your communication
(« Why I am speaking? » ; « What is the goal of
my presentation ? »)
THE
ONE
THING
that
convince your receivers.
Remember the
importance of THE RULE OF 3-"omnetrium
2) Define your main message
i.e
4) Decide on 3 arguments (or 3 ideas) to
you
want
your
receivers to retain more than the others.
3) Your objective is to transmit a message that
you know. To get this across to others you need
perfectum" (everything that comes in threes
is perfect, or, every set of three is complete)
5) Imagine the plan of your presentation : (
see the image of the triptych below)
to put yourself in their shoes !
A. A powerful introduction grab the audience’s attention right from the start : surprise, ask a
question, make people laugh, use a quotation, tell an anecdote, use a news story , be provocative, …
Banned : presentation of yourself ; summary of the points to be covered etc …
B. Tell STORIES and ANECDOTES to illustrate your message! Conditions : they need to have a link to
your message ; it must be simple and real ; true or believable.
C. A meticulous conclusion because it’s the final impression you leave (positive or negative):
/!\ Banned: thankyou + thank you for listening
Page 13 / 15
Watch the TED on PowerPoint by David JP Phillips
Summarise what the speaker says, including the 5 principles of an effective powerpoint
150-200 words
This TedTalk is a masterclass on how to improve our corporate Powerpoint presentations. The
speaker, David JP Philips, began with the following statement:
Corporate 'PowerPoints are, in most cases, poorly designed, which makes speeches forgettable,
and therefore counterproductive. He drew our attention to the fact that human working
memory is quite limited, with some experiences in everyday life.
1: Our attention is limited, so it is important
4: Contrast can be used to guide audience
to only put one information in each slide.
attention exactly where we want it to be. It is
therefore possible to slowly and efficiently
2: If there is text on our Powerpoint and we
get the public to process more information. A
speak at the same time, the audience will
dark background allows the audience's eyes to
not remember anything. A Powerpoint slide
breathe and focus on the speaker.
is meant to be a visual aid that represents
the main idea and short pieces of text (1 to
5: The last point concerns objects. By doing
3 words).
his public count of different sets of white
dots on the presentation screen, Mr. Philips
3:
There
attention
bright
are
things
more
than
and
warm
that
capture
others:
colors,
our
movement,
high
contrast
demonstrated
that
we
can
simultaneously
enjoy 6 objects and no more to be sure not to
lose the attention of our audience.
objects, and large objects. The central idea
should be the most important thing on the
slide.
His last word is that we can say that this will increase the number of slides in our
presentation, but that the number of slides has never been the problem of any Powerpoint
presentation, it is the amount of information and objects in each slide that will always be the
problem.
Page 14 / 15
HOW CAN WE BE
CONFIDENT
AND
OVERCOME STAGE
FRIGHT ?
During an oral presentation, it is normal to feel the jitters that come from the feeling to
worrying about being ridiculous. This reaction comes from the hypothalamus which makes the
feeling very difficult to control. Sweating, increased blood pressure, digestion stopped,
trembling, and stage fright acts directly on our bodies.
To combat it, we must already understand that it is a physical phenomenon affecting the body.
Knowing that this is natural and therefore inevitable, we must learn to control it. To do this,
you need to train to build your self-confidence.
Indeed, we must learn to detach ourselves from our will to be worthy, what others think of us
should not be at the heart of our thinking. So you have to be able to get past the mockery
because no one is better than the other, and you have to accept failure in order to gain selfconfidence.
So before going on stage, you must relax by extending your arms and breathing deeply to relax
the hypothalamus. Thus, one can speak clearly and appear relaxed thanks to the body's
adaptation to stage fright.
3 minute thesis winner - why is it so good?
During her oral presentation, she chose to illustrate
her subject with an example and images to make the
disease more understandable. In addition, she clearly
told us about her thesis and the different definitions of
the complex terms she uses. It can also be noted that
her speech was very well structured. Finally, she uses
the tone of her voice efficiently, but also the nonverbal language through simple but effective gestures.
Page 15 / 15