Communication Skills

Presented by:Professor Namir Al-Tawilnamiraltawil@gmail.com

Contents

Definition of communication and CS. Common ways of communication. Communication goals. Methods of communication. Verbal and non-verbal communication. Barriers to effective communication. Presentation skills. Listening skills. Criteria for a good message.

Communication skills (CS)

CS are the proficiency in the interchange of information.

Including interpersonal, self-presentation, relationship, interviewing, group interaction & presentation skills.

Communication skills are a part from the human behavior.

Can be acquired and improved by learning and training.

Therefore:

Effective communication requires efforts from both sender and recipient; otherwise it would becomes:A process full of errorsA deranged message from the senderA misinterpretation by the recipient

Barriers to Effective Barriers to Effective CommunicationCommunicationFiltering

Sender manipulate info so that it will be seen more favorably by the receivers.

Selective PerceptionPeople selectively interpret what they see on the basis of their interests, background, experience, and attitude.Information Overload

A condition in which information inflow exceeds an individual’s processing capacity.

Barriers to… (cont.)Barriers to… (cont.)

Communication Apprehension (dread)Undue tension and anxiety about oral communication, written communication, or both.

EmotionsHow a receiver feels at the time a message is received will influence how the message is interpreted.

LanguageWords have different meanings to different people.

Barriers to… (cont.)Barriers to… (cont.)

How to remove those barriers from the process:Ensure the message is properly organized.Do not send too much information too fastUnderstand your audiences’ cultureBe confident and knowledgeable about the

topic

Make a Great First ImpressionMake a Great First Impression

At a new encounter, you are evaluated and another person’s impression of you is formed.Be on timePresent yourself appropriatelyA winning smileBe open and confidentBe positive, courteous, and attentive

Presentation skills

Tips for Presentation SkillsTips for Presentation Skills

The only reason the presenter gave the talk is to communicate something to you.

Ensuring your verbal message:Understand the purpose of the presentation KISS the messageBe prepared Unforgettable delivery

Tips for Presentation SkillsTips for Presentation Skills Understand the purpose of presentation

Answer the W5H1 questionWho: the audience, their interest, value – etc.What: the message you have & success criteria.How: the best way to convey your message.When: set timing; time to talk & time to silent.Where: physical context of the communication.Why: the reason audiences want to hear the msg.

Tips for Presentation Skills Tips for Presentation Skills (cont.)(cont.) KISS the message

Use your simple wordsMake your word clear and conciseKeep in mind: “less is more”

Be preparedRehearse well and set proper timingBe mindful of the entire communication processWell-learn the topic and be ready for unexpected

questions

Tips for Presentation Skills Tips for Presentation Skills (cont.)(cont.) Unforgettable delivery

Use examples to bring your points to life Don't talk too fast. Pauses are effectiveUse a variety of tones of voice Use visual aids

Listening skills

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Tips for Listening SkillsTips for Listening Skills

Why do we listen? We listen to obtain information. We listen to understand. We listen for enjoyment. We listen to learn

By having good listening skill, you can better influence, persuade, and negotiate; and avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.

However, studies have found that we can capture the information only 25% to 50% of what we have heard.

Tips for Listening Skills (cont.)Tips for Listening Skills (cont.)

Keep in mind that the most important of “active listening” is that the listeners try to capture the message and also encourage the speaker to say all or most of his words.

Five key elements of active listening: Pay attention Show that you’re listening Provide feedback Defer judgment Respond appropriately

- Look at the speaker directly.- Don’t mentally prepare a rebuttal.- Avoid being distracted by everything around.- Listen to the speaker’s body language.- Most importantly, listen to the speaker! No one else!

- Nod occasionally- Smile and use other facial expression- Saying ‘yes’ or ‘uh huh’ to convey your attention- Reflect what has been said by paraphrasing- Ask question to clarify certain points- Summarize the speaker’s comment periodically- Allow the speaker to finish- Do not interrupt with counterargument.

- Be open and honest in your response- Assert your opinion respectfully- Treat others the ways you want to be treated

Criteria of good message

In line with the objective (s). Meaningful. Based on felt needs. Clear and understandable. Specific and accurate. Timely and adequate. Fitting the audience (listener). Interesting. Culturally and socially appropriate.

ConclusionGood communicators:

Know what they want to say. Establish and maintain relationships. Understand others perspective. Active listeners. Understand and clarify messages.

References

1. Devito, A. Joseph. Essentials of human communication. 5th edition. US: Pearson Education, inc.; 2005

2. Arends, I. Richard. Learning to teach. 4th edition. US: McGraw-Hill; 1998.

3. Dent, A.John. & Harden, M. Ronald. A practical guide for medical teachers. 2nd edition. UK: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005.

4. Al-Youzbaki, B. Dhafer. Medical communication skills. 2nd edition. Mousul: No publication year.

THANK U 4 listening