This is an introduction to the workings of face-to-face communication skills - looking at what affects you and how you might better take charge of situations. It gives an overview of how communication works at its best, identifying where it can go wrong. We 'unpick' all the elements that go into effective communication and explain to people how they can be more in charge of the communication dynamic. The day will be based around this key aim, with participants being given the opportunity to practice and experience each section.
Anyone who wants to find out more about what works with the way you communicate and what gets in the way of you being a more effective communicator. We develop a range of tools and techniques to help you be more adept and self-assured.
This is a practical day filled with exercises, games, and discussion. The course will give you the skills to handle difficult and tricky situations and allow you more choice in the way you communicate with others.
None.
Instructor-led, group-paced.
By the end of today, delegates will be able to:
Communication dynamics
This is an introduction to the workings of face-to-face communication skills - looking at what affects you and how you might better take charge of situations. It gives an overview of how communication works at its best, identifying where it can go wrong. We 'unpick' all the elements that go into effective communication and explain to people how they can be more in charge of the communication dynamic. The day will be based around this key aim, with participants being given the opportunity to practice and experience each section.
Communication and how it works
We will invite everyone to explain how they believe communication works or doesn't! In sharing our ideas we will also see how complicated it all is and justify why we need to spend so long unpicking how it works. Remember poor communication is normal for that very reason; it's complex.
Things that affect communication skills
What makes us who we are inside and outside of work and how does that impact the sense we make of others and they of us? When was the last time you got something wrong? When were you last misunderstood?
Communication breakdowns seem to happen most when we base what we do on assumptions, perceptions, and misconceptions, rather than upon objective fact. After exploring why and how it happens, we will look at what you can do about it.
How your voice tone affects communication
We have a range of exercises that experiment with the effects of variations of tone. Each person will have the chance to identify their usual style and also consider how their tone affects the way that they may be perceived. From there we will practice ways to change different aspects of our natural style.
How words work
We have fun looking at ways to deliberately mix our message and bury its meaning under waffle, padding, and jargon. The idea is that if we know how to make our communications worse, we can also see how to make them clearer.
Impact of body language
We have a variety of exercises to demonstrate the power and control the listener has, through body language and attitude. Making ourselves consciously aware of our options means that we can remain on a front foot when it comes to communicating effectively. From looking at the effect of our listening skills to creating the first and the lasting impression we choose, we will offer a range of tools and techniques that can really make a difference.
Difficult communication situations
Throughout the day you will have applied our exercises to your real-life experiences. Here we also look to recreate communications when you were unsatisfied with the outcome. The idea is that we will draw upon any of the tools and techniques covered over the course of the day.
Working to your communication strengths
Everyone will give a brief description of what they already do that they know works about them. They will then have a chance to reflect upon how others see them through the feedback of others.
Persuade others to your way of thinking
By focusing on planning the outcome that you want, you will be more likely to achieve your goal. This session will develop participants' aptitude for influencing and persuading others.
Action Planning
The final exercise of the course is for you each to devise a personal plan of Action, identifying your personal take-out of the workshop, where they know they will practice, and areas for their development.
Finally, we have you identify what will stop you from putting this into practice and what support you need to help yourself put your newly developed skills into practice.
