Communication is an interactive process where people exchange, share, transfer information, ideas, knowledge, meanings and feelings. This “exchange” is carried out by using verbal and non-verbal messages. Good and effective communication implies the full understanding of what the various parties involved in the “exchange of ideas” actually mean and feel. It is the basis of positive interaction between human beings. However, it is rarely achieved. Many people think communicating effectively is easy and that everyone can communicate. Unfortunately, this is not true. Messages sent are often changed by the time they arrive especially in verbal communications. What we say is often not what we meant and what the person understands is not always what we intended. However, proper training, underpinned by good theoretical and practical spheres can improve significantly the communication skills of almost anybody.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Select and use appropriate communication channels
2. Understanding the barriers to effective communication
3. Gather information from individuals or groups through interviews
4. Choose and use the most appropriate communication methods and media for different circumstances and different target individuals and groups.
5. Be able to prepare and present a power point presentation to an audience
Duration:
3 weeks
Teaching Methods:
Modified lectures, group and individual discussions and presentations, practical sessions, report writing.
Assessment:
Continuous assignments/practicals [40%], and final examination [60%].
Course Content:
- Process of Communication
- Active listening
- Importance of Communicating Effectively
- Barriers to Effective Communication
- Internal & External Communication
- Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication
- Writing and Presentation Skills; Letters, Reports, Proposals, Memorandum and E-Communication
- Interviews – Preparing for Job Interviews, Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae Writing
- Conflict Communication
- Cultural appropriateness in communication
- Teamwork
- Customer Service and Communication
Study Materials:
1. Anderson, D.S. & Miller, R.E. 2016. Health and Safety Communication: A practical Guide.
2. Davidson C. 2016. Winning techniques for Public Speaking and presenting: How to Influence people with Social Communication Skills.
3. Douglas I. 2017. Writing reports that get Results: Using lanaguage’s Power to Persuade.
4. Fiske, J. 2012. Introduction to Communication Studies (Studies in Culture and Communication).
5. Fitz Patrick L. & Valskov, K. 2014. Internal Communications: A manual for Practioners.
6. Griffiths, A. & Shepherd, E. 2013. Investigative Interviewing: The Conversation Management Approach.
7. Guirdham O. 2017. Communicating Across Cultures at Work.
8. Gutierez A. 2014. Effective Communication in the Workplace: Learn How to Communicate Effectively and Avoid Common Barriers to Effective Communication.
9. Heppell M. 2015. Five Star Service: How to Deliver Exceptional Customer Service.
10. Kinyon J. & Lasater, I. 2015. From Conflict to connection: Transforming Different Conversations into peaceful Resolutions.
11. Lake D. & Baerg, K. 2017. Teamwork, Leadership and Communication: Collaboration Basics for health Professionals.
12. Mathews, K. 2013. Verbal Communication Skills for Entrepreneurs
13. Maxwell J.C. & Runnette, S. 2015. Teamwork 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know.
14. Nolen, R. 2016. Body language: Effective Non-Verbal Communication to Understand People, Influence People and Attract People Instantly.
15. Open University. 2012. Report Writing.
16. Portigal, S. 2013. Interviewing Users: How to Uncover Compelling Insights.
17. Remland, S.M. 2016. Nonverbal Communication in Everyday Life.
18. Rogers C.R. & Farson, R.E. 2015. Active Listening.
19. Rost, M. & Wilson, J.J. 2013 Active Listening.
20. Sutton R.M. & Hornsey, M.J. 2012. Feedback: The Communication of Praise, Criticism and Advice (Language as Social Action)
21. Thomson N. 2014. Effective Communication: A Guide for the People Professions