Section 1: Fundamentals of Communication > Subsection 1: Introduction to the Section > 2.1.1.1. Introduction to Communication
- In this course, we’ll start by exploring the ins and outs of effective communication.
- You’ll learn how to select the best format for sharing your ideas, how to structure your messages to maximize impact, and the tips for delivering an impressive presentation.
- Armed with these skills, you’ll be ready to learn how to build and support a high functioning team in the third part of the course.
Section 1: Fundamentals of Communication > Subsection 2: Fundamentals of Effective Communication > 2.1.2.1. Communication Matters
- In this next section, we’re talking about communication, because what you say and how you say it matters a lot.
Section 1: Fundamentals of Communication > Subsection 2: Fundamentals of Effective Communication > 2.1.2.3. Workplace Communication Basics
- Communication goes beyond how you write an email or present yourself on the phone; it’s also about picking up on other verbal and nonverbal cues.
- When you speak with another person, particularly in a professional context, it helps to habitually ask yourself, “What messages am I sending?” To increase your awareness of how you interact professionally, pay attention to these three fundamental types of communication: written, verbal, and nonverbal.
- Verbal Communication: When you exchange messages through spoken language, you’re practicing verbal communication.
- Effective verbal communication skills are vital in a variety of situations and reflect your level of professionalism and knowledge.
- Nonverbal Communication: This type of communication involves sending and receiving unspoken messages by way of facial expressions, body language, posture, and eye contact.
Section 1: Fundamentals of Communication > Subsection 2: Fundamentals of Effective Communication > 2.1.2.5. Importance of Code Switching
- Whenever you’re communicating in a professional setting, it’s important to be conscious and intentional about code switching.
- Code switching is a communication approach that can be used when there is a shift in audience or setting.
- In professional settings, you should thoughtfully match your tone and communication style to the situation.
- Consider three things:
- First, the message.
- How lengthy, detailed, and complex is the information you want to convey?
- Second, the audience.
- What level of formality is appropriate in this situation?
- What are the time constraints?
- Third, the urgency.
- How critical is the information to making time-sensitive decisions?
- By practicing code switching techniques in professional settings, you can present yourself in a way that ensures you will always be taken seriously.
Section 1: Fundamentals of Communication > Subsection 3: Structuring Effective Communication > 2.1.3.2. Top-Down Thinking
- The two primary goals of top-down thinking are:
- To structure your communication in a way that is both compelling and memorable to your target audience, and
- To build a solid foundation for your argument that incorporates specific data and supporting evidence.
- The tiers are modeled in the following way:
- The top tier, or Narrative Introduction, identifies the reason for your communication.
- The middle tier, or Key Point Headlines, are the unique points designed to explain the hypothetical solution in the narrative introduction.
- The bottom tier, or Supporting Data, presents the information that supports each Key Point Headline.
- Think of the top tier as a short, compelling way to communicate your message to an audience.
- The bottom two tiers support this message logically using data and evidence.
- In the upcoming units, you’ll take a closer look at each tier of the pyramid to improve your ability to communicate effectively.
Section 1: Fundamentals of Communication > Subsection 4: Guidelines for Effective Communications > 2.1.4.3. Language and Tone
- Language refers to the way that you construct your message, and tone is the attitude or voice in which your message is delivered.
- The language and tone you choose will ultimately drive how your message is received, so it’s important to be mindful of both.
- Let’s take a closer look at five techniques that will help you create effective messages:
- Always use formal language.
- An active voice delivers your message confidently and efficiently, whereas a passive voice can cloud the meaning and subject of your communication.
- Use clear language and phrases that demonstrate your expertise and how you can add value in a situation.
- Be solution-focused. When you have a problem, avoid dwelling on the complications and focus on the steps you can take to solve the problem.
- Establish personal connection and trust in your communications.
- The next time that you construct a business email or prepare a presentation, consider how your tone and language will affect the message you hope to convey.
Section 1: Fundamentals of Communication > Subsection 4: Guidelines for Effective Communications > 2.1.4.7. Framework for Managing Interpersonal Conflicts
- When approached thoughtfully, situations such as contentious meetings present opportunities for team growth.
- Communication can be a helpful way to manage expectations, establish priorities, reaffirm common goals, and recognize competing perspectives.
- From there, you can work through different types of conflict with several different key strategies.
- In the following units, we’ll explore the five most common frameworks for managing interpersonal conflicts:
- Accommodation.
- Avoidance.
- Collaboration.
- Competition.
- Compromise.
Section 1: Fundamentals of Communication > Subsection 5: Conclusion > 2.1.5.2. Thinking About Effective Communication
- The next section will dive even deeper into some communication best practices and strategies.
- Before you move onto the next section, take a moment to reflect on the content that we just covered.
- Keep these fundamental concepts in mind as you practice your communication skills and begin applying them to your endeavors!
