Communication Strategies

2 Days

Introduction

For the better part of every day, we are communicating to and with others. Whether it’s the speech you deliver in the boardroom, the level of attention you give your spouse when they are talking to you, or the look you give the cat, it all means something.

The Communication Strategies workshop will help participants understand the different methods of communication and how to make the most of each of them. These strategies will provide a great benefit for any organisation and its employees. They will trickle down throughout the organisation and positively impact everyone involved.

Programme Objectives:

• Understand what communication is
• Identify the different ways that communication can take place
• Identify barriers to communication and how to overcome them
• Develop non-verbal and paraverbal communication skills
• Use the STAR method to speak on the spot
• Listen actively and effectively
• Ask good questions
• Use appreciative inquiry as a communication tool
• Adeptly converse and network with others
• Identify and mitigate precipitating factors
• Establish common ground with others
• Use “I” messages

Method and Approach

This programme will involve the use of slides, handout material, work manual with all instructor notes and slides, examples of best practice, appropriate videos and appropriate video material.

The use of flip-charts, syndicate workshops and reporting back sessions will encourage a fully participative and enjoyable event. Delegates will be encouraged to participate actively in relating previous work experiences.

Who Should Attend

This course will benefit all employees in an organisation who regularly communicate with internal and external stakeholders. The course will particularly benefit sales and marketing personnel, who must communicate effectively with client, and all managers who must clearly communicate their expectations of their staff members.

Course Content

This two-day course will cover the following subjects:

Module One: Getting Started

• Introduction to the course
• Workshop Objectives

Module Two: The Big Picture

• What is Communication?
• How Do We Communicate?
• Other Factors in Communication

Module Three: Understanding Communication Barriers

• An Overview of Common Barriers
• Language Barriers
• Cultural Barriers
• Differences in Time and Place

Module Four: Paraverbal Communication Skills

• The Power of Pitch
• The Truth about Tone
• The Strength of Speed

Module Five: Non-Verbal Communication

• Understanding the Mehrabian Study
• All About Body Language
• Interpreting Gestures

Module Six: Speaking Like a STAR

• S = Situation
• T = Task
• A = Action
• R = Result
• Summary

Module Seven: Listening Skills

• Seven Ways to Listen Better Today
• Understanding Active Listening
• Sending Good Signals to Others

Module Eight: Asking Good Questions

• Open Questions
• Closed Questions
• Probing Questions

Module Nine: Appreciative Inquiry

• The Purpose of AI
• The Four Stages
• Examples and Case Studies

Module Ten: Mastering the Art of Conversation

• Level One: Discussing General Topics
• Level Two: Sharing Ideas and Perspectives
• Level Three: Sharing Personal Experiences
• Our Top Networking Tips

Module Eleven: Advanced Communication Skills

• Understanding Precipitating Factors
• Establishing Common Ground
• Using “I” Messages

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise