Communication

•Why is communication important?• To convey a message• So that others can understand our point of

view• To increase our understanding of others• Enable us to build personal and professional

relationships

• When does communication occur?• When the sender expresses an emotion or feeling,

creates an idea, or senses the need to communicateEvery communicative act is based on the message.

Messages may be communicated both verbally and nonverbally.Communication breakdown-7% words38% tone55% gestures/body language

• Forms of nonverbal communication:• Body language• Facial expressions• Eye contact• Dress & physical appearance• Gestures

• With a partner, practice the following facial expressions:• Sad• Happy• Angry• Surprised• Disgusted• Scared

How could you tell which expression represented which feeling?

• Remember: over HALF the meaning others attach to our spoken message does not come from the words, but the tone of voice and body language.

• Many times, we depend on reading others’ facial expressions to judge how they feel.

• The eyes convey meaning as well. • Eye contact (or lack thereof) communicates a persons confidence,

friendliness, honesty, or overall desire to communicate.• We draw conclusions about people before we ever exchange

words based on a persons body language.

• A persons appearance can also disclose information.• A person dressed immaculately may pay close attention to details• Someone who dresses “old fashioned” may be conservative in

opinion• Wearing excessive jewelry displays a materialistic personality • Indicator of the type of job a person has

• Effective listening is important in communication• Helps the speaker become understood• Actually hear and not assume what is said• Sit/stand alertly, maintain eye contact with speaker• Make verbal responses & summarize parts of what has been said

for clarityBecause of the difference in how fast a person can talk and

others can listen, a time lag may exist in conversation-Good listeners use this time to organize the message to better understand

• Pay attention to the tone of words/nonverbal cues to receive the entire story

INTERVIEWING

There are many aspects to conducting and participating in an interview. In order to ensure a successful interview, the following aspects must be addressed:• Initial greet• Remember that a person makes a conclusion about another

within 7 seconds• Shake the interviewee’s (person being interviewed) hand• Smile• Show confidence in yourself with your body language

• Body Language• Be conscious of negative body language• Sitting up straight shows interest• Avoid fidgeting

• Tone• Be aware of the way you say things, not just what you say• Try not to sound bored or annoyed

• Effectively listening?• Are you actually listening to the response being given? • Your response to their answer should be based upon the answer

given, not necessarily what you have written next in your notes. • Close ended vs. open ended questions• Close ended: Yes or No questions

• Does not allow chance for elaboration• Open ended: 5 W’s & H questions

• Allows for the interviewee to continue with a thought • Gives the interviewer a chance to obtain more info

• Materials• Be prepared! Make sure you have all the materials you will need

before hand. Nothing is more frustrating than wasting a persons time because you showed up unprepared.• Notepad • Pencil/pen• Questions

• Be polite!• Remember your manners:

• Ma’am or Sir• Don’t interrupt when the interviewee is speaking, let them finish

their thought!• Shake their hand and THANK THEM for their time