COMMUNICATION

SKILLS
• STEPS TO MEANINGFUL
COMMUNICATION
• A Simple guide to improving
your communication skills
and meaning what you say.
SUBTOPICS UNDER STEPS TO MEANINGFUL
COMMUNICATION
• 1. Ways of improving Verbal communication
• 2. Ways of improving non-verbal communication
• 3. Listening effectively
• 4. Giving the right kind of information
• 5. Application of the Helical Model of communication
 Communication that applies the principles of:
- - Clarity
MEANINGFUL
- - Accuracy
COMMUNICATION
- - Adding Value
- - Relevance
 • As stated above, meaningful communication needs to
meet the principle of being clear.
• This then means that, the non-verbal cues of
NON-VERBAL language, must be properly mastered to ensure that
COMMUNICATION they are able to complement the verbal cues of
language
• The next slide looks at ways of improving non-verbal
communication
IMPROVING NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

A. Pay attention to non-verbal

B. Focus on tonal variations:
signals: these signals can
Tone may be a powerful tool
convey crucial information that
for amplifying your message
cannot be expressed in words.

C. Ask questions - Don't be

scared to make inquiries if So that's what you're saying..."
you're unsure about another "Are you suggesting that we..."
person's nonverbal cues.
IMPROVING VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Think before Speaking: Use voiceless pauses, to

Think garner your thoughts and ideas, before speaking.

Use Concise Language: present the information

Use clearly and in few words. Avoid using complicated
words and including irrelevant information.

Employ Active Listening: Techniques of Active

Employ Listening include Ask clarifying questions to ensure
you fully understand the information or message.

Wait until the other person finishes speaking before

Wait responding.

Gain Feedback: After you make a presentation at

Gain work, ask a trusted colleague or a supervisor for
their opinion on your performance
STEPS TO EFFECTIVE
ACTIVE LISTENING

• Active Listening is a step to

achieving effective
communication.
• It comprises 45% of the total
communication
 • 1. Face the Speaker and Maintain eye-contact. This
acts as feedback of interest between the speaker and
the receiver.
• 2. Be attentive while relaxed. Ensure that you pay
attention.
WAYS TO • 3. Keep an Open Mind: Avoid judging or criticizing the
ACHIEVING information given by the other person.
EFFECTIVE • 4. Avoid interrupting and/or Imposing your solution:
LISTENING Interruptions and overlaps threaten the conversation
flow
• 5. Ask clarifying questions. After the speaker pauses,
ask clarifying questions
 • Key take-away: Communication progresses with age as our experience and
vocabulary increases.
• This model compares the Communication process to a Helical Spring.
• The Helical spring is small at the bottom but becomes bigger as Communication
progresses.
• Summary: Communication is an endless spiral of increasing complexity

APPLICATION OF • This model argues that Communication is supposed to be continuous, but also
evolving.
DANCE HELICAL’S
• In simple terms, for communication to be effective, one must understand that
COMMUNICATION their Communication, evolves, continues, is modified and grows depending on
MODEL past experiences and how well they know the conversation environment.
• YOU CONTINUE TO SHOW EXCELLANCE IN COMMUNICATION, THROUGH
CONTINOUS PRACTICE.
VIDEO ON: DANCE HELICAL’S MODEL OF
COMMUNICATION
CREDIBILITY IN GIVING INFORMATION

• By your information being credible, this means it is capable of inspiring belief.

• It is trustworthy.
• Ensure that:
1. Your assertions are backed up by facts and figures
2. It is most recent and or updated
3. It is the most correct form
4. It avoids falling into confirmation and/or negativity biases
5. The Source is certified/credited to be a source of good information

6. Your stand is defined

CONFIRMATION & NEGATIVITY BIAS

CONFIRMATION BIAS NEGATIVITY BIAS

REFERENCES:

• http://www.wright.edu/~scott.williams/skills/listening.htm
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-improve-verbal-communication-skills
•
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills#how-to-improve-your-communi
cation-skills
• : https://sites.google.com/site/evaluatingsourcecredibility/for-students/what-does-credibility-mean
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05FMqwe70Ws