How to be a more Effective Communicator

Send three and fourpence, we're going to a dance* - how to be a more effective communicator

Misunderstanding another person's communication can have serious consequences as in the example above (supposedly from a First World War directive* - 'send for reinforcements, we're going to advance)

The patient phoning the hospital asking for Sir Michael Spears (cervical smears) are all examples of how we can get it so wrong - and so easily. In today's fast paced, ever changing world, the art of effective communication is a vital skill in improving business relationships and even reducing the threat of litigation (especially in financial services where a great deal of communication is over the phone)

key areas covered:

• Setting communication objectives - the use of supersize goals
• Selecting the right words to use
• The use of questions
• The art of active listening
• The 3 different ways of receiving information

Learning outcomes

• Which is the most important ingredient to effective communications? The words we say, the tone of voice or our body posture? This session looks at both verbal and non-verbal communication to discover the most effective method of transmitting and receiving information
• Vocal intonation. The words that we speak. (magic words, open door words, building words) The way that we say them (tone, pace and volume) The three types of question and which one to use and when. Also how to select words and phrases that are non confrontational (18 examples given)
• The skill of active listening. The four key stages to active listening (rather than waiting for your turn to talk) and how to ensure that the words and body language are congruent. (the arc of distortion) Are you really hearing what I am saying?
• Body language and body posture. Each person uses over 1 million body signals each day. Using the power of body language involves four stages. Discover what they are and how to use them in your discussions. Gestures and Postures. What they mean and how to avoid them / accentuate them
• How to recognise the other person's preferred learning style. One of the most powerful tools for effective communication. The adoption of this skill enables pacing, rapport building and conflict avoidance.

Available as HALF DAY Introduction to effective communication skills