Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) encompasses techniques that support or replace spoken communication.

Types of AAC Systems

• Unaided communication does not use extra equipment and uses body language, gestures, and sign language.
• Aided communication uses additional equipment, be it low-tech (book) or high-tech (pictures/symbols).
• Communication aids include computer displays and text that is neither printed nor hand-produced.
• Multimedia combines text, audio, video, image, and animation.
• Tools like Powtoon, Adobe Spark/Voice, and Haiku Deck can enhance communication through animated presentations, web stories/videos, and accessible images.

Communication Strategy

• A communication strategy is a carefully designed plan for delivering information effectively.

Types of Communication Strategies

• Verbal strategies include written forms like email, text and chat as well as spoken methods like phone calls, video chats, and in-person meetings
• Non-verbal strategies rely on body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and distance.
• Visual strategies employ signs, web pages, and illustrations.

Communication Purposes

• Informative communication aims to convey factual information, introducing new learning, and reinforcing existing knowledge.
• Persuasive communication seeks to sway others by being logical, reasonable, and focusing on objectivity rather than emotion.
• Argumentative communication intends to convince others through logic and reasoning, like in debates.

Public Speaking

• Public speaking involves sharing ideas and influencing audiences.

Types of Public Speaking

• Read speech is delivered from a complete manuscript.
• Memorized speech is recited from memory without notes.
• Impromptu speech is delivered without preparation.
• Extemporaneous speech is planned and rehearsed and uses minimal notes.
• Tone sets how the audience accepts the message.
• Stage fright is normal but can be reduced with preparation.
• Clarity is crucial, necessitating simple and easily understood messages while avoiding long presentations.

Interview

• An interview is a two-party interaction.
• The interviewer asks questions.
• The interviewee answers questions.

Workplace Communication

• Workplace communication is professional exchange within individuals, groups, organizations, or departments.
• Key considerations include purpose, audience, and tone.

Types of Workplace Communication

• Upward communication flows to higher positions.
• Lateral communication occurs between colleagues at the same level.
• Downward communication goes to lower positions.
• Outward communication is directed to people outside the company.

Business Letter

• A business letter is a formal means of communication.
• A business letter includes the heading, inside address, salutation, body, complimentary closing, and signature block.

Business Letter Formats

• Block format has all parts left-aligned.
• Modified block format has some parts tabbed and justified.
• Semi-block format has indented paragraphs with a left-aligned heading.

Types of Business Letters

• Letters of request, inquiry, order, acknowledgement, complaint/claim, and adjustment are all types of business letters.

Ethics in Communication

• Selective misquoting is unethical because it distorts messages and can mislead audiences.

Media vs. Multimedia

• Media refers to text displayed on a computer.
• Multimedia combines text, audio, video, images, and animation.