Communicating and Providing Information
Clear and Purposeful Communication
- Articulate thoughts: Aim to explain ideas clearly and concisely. Your aim should be to be understood by the listener.
- Constructive dialogue: Build on the information provided by others to form a more rounded view of the topic.
- Persuasion: Learn to present your arguments convincingly, balancing emotion and fact. Your language choice is important here.
Form and Content
- Appropriate vocabulary: Choose words and phrases that suit the topic and your audience. Your language should be descriptive but not overly complex.
- Sequence of Information: Organise your statements logically. Make deliberate choices about what to say first, next and last to guide the listener's understanding.
- Relevance: Resist the temptation to include irrelevant details. Stay on topic to keep your communication concise and focused.
Reception and Response to Information
- Active listening: Show that you are listening by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and giving verbal and non-verbal cues.
- Interpretation: Work on understanding the underlying meaning or implications of the information that is provided to you.
- Clarification: If you don't understand, don't hesitate to politely ask for further explanation or reiteration.
Feedback and Reflection
- Taking in feedback: Accept constructive criticism positively. Use it as an opportunity to improve your speaking and listening skills.
- Self-assessment: After communicating, reflect on how you might improve. Consider both what went well and areas for development.
- Peer review: Listen to others and provide thoughtful, constructive criticism to aid their development.