Communication Strategies#1 Understanding The Big Picture

Communication is both an art and a science. It often involves acts of speaking and listening, reading and writing, but it also goes beyond these and incorporates the transmission of non-verbal language, sign language, codes transmitted electronically (e.g., Morse code), and physically (touch; hormones; muscles, tendons, nerves), and messages communicated through music, and by other means.

Although you communicate simply by being in the world, developing good verbal and body language skills involves learning and consciously using your skills to improve.

1.Introduction/Understanding the big picture 35

2.Understanding barriers 50

3.Understanding paraverbal and non verbal signals 50

4.Effective speaking 55

5.Listening and asking questions 55

6.Appreciative inquiry 35

7.The art of conversation 55

8.Advanced skills/wrap-up 55

The term communication process refers to the exchange of information (a message) between two or more people. For communication to succeed, both parties must be able to exchange information and understand each other. If the flow of information is blocked for some reason or the parties cannot make themselves understood, then communication fails.

We communicate in three major ways:

Spoken: There are two components to spoken communication.

Verbal: This is what you are saying.

Paraverbal: This means how you say it – your tone, speed, pitch, and volume.

Non-Verbal: These are the gestures and body language that accompany your words. Some examples: arms folded across your chest, tracing circles in the air, tapping your feet, or having a hunched-over posture.

Written: Communication can also take place via fax, e-mail, or written word.