Communication Skills PDF

Communication Skills Communication skills is the ability to use language (receptive) and express (expressive) information  Language Language is a vital part of human Without language, we can’t share ideas and grow connection. Although all species have them into...

Communication Skills Communication skills is the ability to use language (receptive) and express (expressive) information  Language Language is a vital part of human Without language, we can’t share ideas and grow connection. Although all species have them into something more. (Without language, the their ways of communicating. sharing and evolution of ideas would be limited, as language is the primary tool for expressing thoughts, conveying emotions, and building upon the knowledge of others). Language allows us to share our ideas, By mastering your communication skills, you can share thoughts, and feelings with others. ideas with people who come from a different country, or simply learning how to use language to master an interview, demand presence in a room, or connect with others. Communication Goals To change To persuade behavior To get action To get and give information To ensure understanding  On the basis of organization relationship Formal Informal On the basis of Expression Oral Written Types Gesture On the basis of Flow of Communication Vertical Horizontal Barriers to communicate Semantic Barriers Emotional Or Psychological Barriers Organizational Barriers Personal Barriers Semantic Barriers Symbols with Unclarified different assumption meaning Badly Specialist's expressed language message Faulty translation Emotional and Psychological Barriers Fear of Rejection Negative Emotions (Anger) Low Self Stress and Anxiety Confidence Organizational Barriers Organizational policy Organization Complexity rules & in organization regulation  Communication Process Communication is the process of sending and receiving information among people Communication Receiver Use the channel to transmit the message Sender Feedback Communication Involves Three Components These Three Components Are Used To Verbal Messages — the words Send Clear we choose Paraverbal Messages — how Concise Messages we say the words Receive and Correctly Nonverbal Messages — Understand Messages that our body language Sent to Us Tips to good communication skills Maintain Body awareness Gestures eye contact with and expressions the audience Convey one's Practice effective thoughts communication skills Why Effective Communication Matters  Personal life Professional life Social and community involvement Personal life 1. Building and maintaining relationships 2. Resolving conflicts 3. Active listening and empathy Professional life: 1. Enhancing teamwork and collaboration 2. Leadership and management 3. Job interviews Social and community involvement 1. Civic engagement (process in which people take collective action to address issues of public concern, e.g. volunteering, and national service) 2. Public speaking Communication is a multifaceted process that adapts to different situations and contexts: 1. Expression: Encoding: This is the phase where the sender, also known as the encoder, formulates the message they want to convey. The sender selects words, symbols, or non-verbal cues to express their thoughts, feelings, or information. Transmission: Once the message is encoded, it is transmitted through a chosen communication channel, such as speaking, writing, using body language, or employing technology like email, text messaging, or video calls. 2. Interpretation: Reception: In this phase, the receiver, also known as the decoder, perceives the message through their senses. They hear, read, see, or otherwise sense the communication from the sender. Decoding: After reception, the receiver decodes the message, interpreting its meaning based on their understanding of the language, context, and the sender's non-verbal cues. Decoding can be influenced by the receiver's past experiences, and culture. 3. Response: Comprehension: The receiver gains an understanding of the message based on their interpretation. This phase involves comprehending the message's content. Feedback: In response to the message, the receiver may provide feedback. Feedback can be verbal or non-verbal and serves to inform the sender that the message has been received and understood. It may also include a response to the content or an action based on the message. Follow-Up: Depending on the nature of the communication, there might be a follow-up phase where the sender and receiver engage in further dialogue or take actions as a result of the communication Example: Scenario: Sarah, a project manager, needs to ask her colleague, John, to submit a report by the end of the day. She chooses to send a quick email to convey this request. 1. Expression: Encoding: Sarah, the sender, formulates her message: "John, please make sure to submit the quarterly report by 5 PM today. Thank you!" She selects words that are clear and polite to express her request. Transmission: Sarah types the message and sends it via email, choosing this channel because it's quick and reliable in their work environment. 2. Interpretation: Reception: John, the receiver, gets a notification on his phone and opens the email. He reads Sarah's email. Decoding: John interprets the message based on his understanding of the words that used and the context. He realizes that Sarah needs the report before 5 PM and understands the urgency of the request. He also notes the polite tone of the message, which suggests a professional, friendly communication. 3. Response: Comprehension: John fully understands the content of the message, recognizing that he needs to prioritize the report to meet the deadline. Feedback: John replies to the email, writing: "Got it, Sarah. I'll send the report by 4 PM." This verbal feedback confirms that he has received and understood the message. Follow-Up: Later in the day, John sends the completed report to Sarah by 4 PM, completing the communication loop with an action based on the initial request.  Language Elements 1. Clarity Definition: Using language in a way that ensures the intended audience fully understands your ideas. Example: A doctor explaining a medical condition to a patient in simple terms: o Instead of saying: "You have hypertension." o They say: "You have high blood pressure." This ensures the patient clearly understands the health issue. 2. Economy Definition: Avoiding unnecessary language and using only the necessary words. Example: A teacher giving concise instructions to students: o Instead of saying: "Okay, now I want you to take out your notebooks, find a pen that works, and get ready to start writing, please." o They say: "Take out your notebooks and a pen, and start writing." This avoids extra fluff and gets straight to the point. 3. Obscenity Definition: Using indecent language, including curse words and hateful remarks. Example: In a professional meeting, someone says: o “This idea is stupid and anyone who supports it is an idiot.” Such language is considered inappropriate for effective communication, especially in formal settings. 4. Obscure Language/Jargon Definition: Using very specific language or technical terms that your audience will not understand. Example: A computer technician explaining a problem using jargon: o “The issue lies with the GPU's failure to process high-frequency shaders in real- time.” o A clearer way could be: "Your computer's graphics card isn’t able to handle certain tasks properly, causing the problem." This helps make technical information accessible to a non-expert audience. 5. Power Definition: Using language to exert power over someone, to manipulate, command, or establish authority. Example: A manager giving direct commands to an employee: o “I need this report done by 5 PM today, no excuses.” The manager is asserting their authority and making it clear that the task is non- negotiable, demonstrating power over the employee. AFFIXES  What Is a Root Word? A root word is a word or word part that forms the basis of new words through the addition of prefixes and suffixes. They aren’t usually words that can stand alone in English. -Aud- doesn't mean anything, you can't use it as a stand-alone word. It is the root of common English words like audio and audience.  What Is a Base Words? Base words, are always words that can stand alone in English. These words have meaning on their own, but they can also have prefixes and suffixes added to them to make new words. Prefixes can be added to make words like bicycle, and motorcycle. Suffixes can be added to make words like cyclist or cyclers.  Suffixes can change the plurality or tense of a base word, as with “-s” and “-ed.” Some suffixes change the part of speech a word owns, like “- tion”. Root words help you identify the meaning of a bigger, multisyllabic word by breaking it down into smaller units. Example: The word “Disrespectfully”. This understanding serves as a great starting point for analyzing the meaning. 1. Building Vocabulary through Affixes Affixes play an important role in expanding vocabulary, which is essential for effective communication. By learning common prefixes and suffixes, individuals can decode unfamiliar words and use them accurately. For example: Medical Communication: Many medical terms, such as "cardiovascular" (from the root cardio- meaning heart and vascular referring to blood vessels), are formed with affixes. 2. Clarity and Precision in Communication Affixes help in conveying specific meanings, thereby improving the clarity and precision of communication. Example: The difference between happy and unhappy shows how a prefix can completely alter the meaning of a word, which is essential in contexts like formal discussions, negotiations, or presentations. 3. Adapting Communication for Different Contexts Affixes allow speakers and writers to modify root words to suit different communication settings. Being able to use formal vs. informal language appropriately can enhance contextual communication skills. Example: The suffix -ness can turn an adjective into a noun (kind → kindness), which might be more suitable in a formal or academic setting. Semester 1 Medical Terminology Basics of Medical Terms Building The order of word parts used in forming a medical term: prefixes first, roots second, suffixes last. A combining form is used in combination with another word part. Word Roots: It is the fundamental unit (the basic meaning) of each medical term. It is the part to which modifying word parts are added. Medical word roots usually, but not always, indicate the part of the body involved. Examples: ▪ Cardi = heart ▪ Gastr = stomach ▪ Nephr = kidney ▪ Neur = nerve ▪ Appendic = appendix ▪ Gloss = tongue ▪ Stomat = mouth Suffixes: A suffix is a short word part or series of parts added at the end of a root to modify its meaning. Suffixes usually indicate medical condition (disorder or disease) or the diagnostic or surgical procedure. Suffixes may name a medical specialty or specialist. 3 Semester 1 Medical Terminology The meaning of the suffix is usually placed first when the term is defined. Examples: ▪ Cardiomegaly = increase the size of the heart )‫(زيادة في الحجم‬. ▪ Gastralgia = pain of the stomach )‫ (ألم‬. ▪ Neuritis = inflammation of the nerves )‫(التهاب‬. ▪ Nephropathy = damage of the kidney )‫(تلف‬. Combining forms: created by adding a vowel (usually the letter “o”) to the end of a word root when a word root is connected to a suffix (or another root) begins with a consonant. Examples: – cardi/o = heart – gastr/o = stomach – ‘The term psychology (the study of mind)’: the main root is psych (mind), and the suffix is -logy (study of). Psychology, the “o” letter is added to create a more English sounding word. Prefixes: A prefix is a short word part added before a root (pre = before) to modify its meaning. Prefixes usually indicate location (position or direction), time, speed, number, size, color or negation. Examples: Pericardium = around the heart (position). Epigastric = above the stomach (direction). 4 Chapter 4 Nonverbal Communication Table 4.1 Vocal and Nonvocal Elements of Communication Verbal Nonverbal Communication Communication Vocal Spoken words Paralanguage (pitch, volume, speaking rate, etc.) Writing, sign Body language (gestures, facial expressions, eye Nonvocal language contact, etc.) Source: Adapted from Owen Hargie, Skilled Interpersonal Interaction: Research, Theory, and Practice (London: Routledge, 2011), 45. Principles of Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal communication has a distinct history and serves separate evolutionary functions from verbal communication. For example, nonverbal communication is primarily biologically based while verbal communication is primarily culturally based. This is evidenced by the fact that some nonverbal communication has the same meaning across cultures while no verbal communication systems share that same universal recognizability.Peter A. Andersen, Nonverbal Communication: Forms and Functions (Mountain View, CA: Mayfield, 1999), 17. Nonverbal communication also evolved earlier than verbal communication and served an early and important survival function that helped humans later develop verbal communication. While some of our nonverbal communication abilities, like our sense of smell, lost strength as our verbal capacities increased, other abilities like paralanguage and movement have grown alongside verbal complexity. The fact that nonverbal communication is processed by an older part of our brain makes it more instinctual and involuntary than verbal communication. Nonverbal Communication Conveys Important Interpersonal and Emotional Messages You’ve probably heard that more meaning is generated from nonverbal communication than from verbal. Some studies have claimed that 90 percent of our meaning is derived from nonverbal signals, but more recent and reliable findings claim that it is closer to 65 percent.Laura K. Guerrero and Kory Floyd, Nonverbal Communication in Close Relationships (Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum, 2006): 2. We may rely more on nonverbal signals in situations where verbal and nonverbal messages conflict and in situations where emotional or relational communication is taking place.Owen Hargie, Skilled Interpersonal Interaction: Research, Theory, and Practice, 5th ed. (London: Routledge, 2011), 47. For example, when someone asks a question and we’re not sure about the “angle” they are taking, we may hone in on 4.1 Principles and Functions of Nonverbal Communication 183 Lingua Franca  Definition of Lingua Franca "Lingua Franca" is a language or a dialect that serves as a common means of communication between speakers of different native languages. It acts as a bridge language that enables people from various linguistic backgrounds to communicate with each other, typically in situations where they do not share a common mother tongue.  Definition of Lingua Franca Contexts in which English serves as a Lingua Franca: Business: English is often used as the language of international trade and business negotiations. Academia: English is the primary language of scientific research, academic publications, and conferences. Diplomacy: In international diplomacy like the United Nations, English is one of the working languages, facilitating communication between representatives from various nations. Tourism: English is often used by travelers as a common language to communicate with people from diverse linguistic backgrounds in different countries.  Characteristics of Lingua Franca These characteristics are designed to simplify communication and facilitate understanding among diverse language communities.  Characteristics of Lingua Franca 1. Simplified Grammar Lingua Franca often has a simplified and straightforward grammar structure. It typically features a reduced number of verb conjugations, tenses, and grammatical rules compared to more complex native languages.  Characteristics of Lingua Franca 2. Practical Vocabulary A Lingua Franca focuses on practical, everyday vocabulary and phrases that are essential for communication in specific contexts. The vocabulary is often geared towards the immediate needs of speakers from different linguistic backgrounds.  Characteristics of Lingua Franca 3. Flexibility Lingua Franca is adaptable and flexible. It can incorporate elements from multiple languages, allowing speakers to use words and expressions from their own languages when communicating. This helps bridge language gaps effectively.  VERB CONJUGATION Verb conjugation is the process of changing a verb to reflect tense, mood, voice, aspect, person, and number. Conjugation shows who is performing the action, when it occurs, and sometimes how the action is carried out. In English, verbs are conjugated primarily for: Tense (present, past, future) Aspect (simple, continuous, perfect, perfect continuous) Person and Number (first, second, third; singular or plural) 1. Simple Tenses 1. Present Simple: Indicates a habitual action or a general truth. o Example: I walk to work every day. 2. Past Simple: Describes an action completed in the past. o Example: She walked to the store yesterday. 3. Future Simple: Indicates an action that will happen in the future. o Example: They will walk to the meeting tomorrow. 2. Continuous Tenses 1. Present Continuous: Describes an action that is currently happening. o Example: He is walking to the office right now. 2. Past Continuous: Indicates an action that was ongoing at a specific time in the past. o Example: They were walking in the park when it started raining. 3. Future Continuous: Refers to an action that will be ongoing at a specific time in the future. o Example: I will be walking to the library tomorrow at 10 a.m. 3. Perfect Tenses 1. Present Perfect: Describes an action that happened at an unspecified time before now or started in the past and continues to the present. o Example: She has walked three miles so far. 2. Past Perfect: Indicates an action completed before another past action. o Example: They had walked to the store before it closed. 3. Future Perfect: Refers to an action that will be completed before a specific future time. o Example: By noon, he will have walked five miles. Examples  VERB CONJUGATION Tense Example Present Simple I study every evening. Past Simple She studied last night. Future Simple We will study tomorrow. Present Continuous I am studying right now. Past Continuous They were studying when I arrived. Future Continuous He will be studying at this time tomorrow. Present Perfect She has studied for the test. Past Perfect We had studied before the exam began. Future Perfect By next week, I will have studied everything. Pragmatics Pragmatics It is a branch that studies how context and social factors influence the interpretation of language. It deals with how people use language in real-world situations to convey meaning effectively, beyond the strict grammatical and lexical aspects. Pragmatics examines how context, speaker intentions, and social conventions play an important role in understanding language. Some key concepts in pragmatics  Implicature: it refers to the meaning that is indirectly conveyed through context rather than explicitly stated.  Speech Acts: Speech acts are actions performed through speech, such as making requests, giving commands, making promises, or expressing opinions.  Deixis: Deixis involves words or phrases that rely on context for their interpretation, like pronouns or demonstrative.  Conversational Maxims: These are a set of principles that guide effective communications. That include 4 types: 1. The maxim of quantity (speak as much as needed, but no more) 2. Quality (only say what you believe to be true) 3. Relation (be relevant) 4. Manner (avoid ambiguity).  Politeness Theory: Politeness theory explores how people use language to maintain face (social identity) during interactions. This theory explains the strategies individuals use to avoid threatening the face of others. Examples 1. Implicature: Can you open the AC? Implicature: The weather is hot. 2. Speech Acts: Request: Can you please close the window? Command: Pass me the salt. Promise: I promise I'll be there on time. Opinion: In my opinion, this movie is fantastic. 3. Deixis: Pronoun: He is going to the store. Demonstrative: I prefer this shirt. Conversational Maxims: Maxim of Quantity: If someone asks, "How was your day?" responding with a lengthy, detailed story about your day might be seen as excessive. Maxim of Quality: If you say, "The Earth is flat," but you know it's not, you violate the maxim of quality. Maxim of Relation: When discussing a specific topic, staying relevant to that topic is important. Maxim of Manner: Speaking clearly and avoiding overly complex or ambiguous language helps maintain this maxim. Politeness Theory: Direct Request: Give me the remote. Indirect Request (to be more polite): Would you mind passing me the remote? 1.0 Meaning of Euphemism A euphemism is a word or phrase used to convey unpleasant or sensitive information in a less direct, often softer way. It involves expressing potentially distressing ideas more subtly to reduce discomfort. 1.1 Use of Euphemisms Euphemisms provide alternative ways to express difficult or negative information. Since not all communication is about positive news, it can be beneficial to convey challenging topics in a way that is more socially acceptable or less harsh. Below are some reasons for using euphemisms in communication: 1. To lessen emotional impact when discussing sensitive issues. 2. To maintain social etiquette in formal or professional settings. 3. To address prohibited topics in a more approachable manner. 1.2 When Not to Use Euphemisms Euphemisms, by nature, soften reality, so they should be avoided when direct communication is essential. Euphemisms should not be used to mislead or obscure critical information, as doing so can be unethical or harmful. In situations involving safety, emergencies, or legal matters, using clear and direct language is crucial to avoid misunderstandings. For example, in a fire emergency, saying, “There’s a little smoke” instead of acknowledging a significant fire could delay necessary action. 1.3 Examples of Euphemisms 1. “Certified pre-owned” instead of “used car.” 2. “Under the weather” instead of “sick.” 3. “Creative with the truth” instead of “lying.” 4. “Passed away” instead of “died.” Homonyms, Homophones & Homographs  Homonyms are words that have the same spelling and often the same pronunciation but have different meanings. Example: Can (noun): A container, like a soda can. He drank a can of soda. Can (verb): To be able to do something. She can swim well.  Homographs are words that are spelled the same but may have different pronunciations and meanings. Example: Lead (verb): To guide or be in charge. She will lead the team to victory. Lead (noun): A type of metal. The pipes are made of lead.  Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and often different spellings. Example To: A preposition, as in I am going to the store. Too: Means "also" or "excessively," as in I want some too. Two: The number 2, as in She has two cats. The art of effective speaking  Understand Your Audience To engage your audience effectively, it is essential to understand their needs, interests, and knowledge level. Tailor your speech accordingly, using language and examples that resonate with them. Conducting research on your audience before, can help you identify their expectations and deliver a presentation that meets their specific needs.  Develop a Clear Structure A well-structured speech is easier to follow. Divide your presentation into distinct sections - introduction, body, and conclusion. In the introduction, provide an overview of what you will be discussing. In the body, present your main ideas, supported by examples and/or statistics. Finally, conclude by summarizing your key points.  Start with an Opening The first few seconds of your speech are important for grabbing your audience's attention. Begin with a strong opening. You can use a powerful quote, a story, or a question. By setting the tone early on, you will create a sense of anticipation and make your audience eager to listen.  Master Non-Verbal Communication Public speaking is not just about the words you speak; it also involves non-verbal cues that can significantly impact your message. Pay attention to your body language, facial expressions, and gestures. Maintain eye contact with your audience, use appropriate hand movements to emphasize key points. Effective non-verbal communication enhances your credibility and helps establish a connection with your audience.  Utilize Visual Aids Visual aids such as slides, images, or props can enhance the impact of your speech. Use them strategically to support your message and engage your audience visually. However, be mindful not to overload your presentation with excessive visuals, as it may distract from your main points. Keep the visuals simple, relevant, and easy to understand.  The 6 by 6 Rule for Presentations If you were to present on a topic using the 6×6 rule, all of your slides would resemble something like this: 1. Have only one idea per slide 2. Have no more than six points 3. This slide has six bullet points 4. Each bullet point has six words The 6×6 Rule is a great reminder to cut and edit when possible to keep things concise, but it doesn’t have to be the standard for every single slide.  The 6 by 6 Rule for Presentations Why it doesn’t always work? Your main focus should be conveying your main points as clearly as possible. While it’s true that you don’t want to lose people in text heavy slides, there are times when it’s just not possible to explain your point in six words or less. If you want to use a quote to further explain your message, you can’t exactly break up the quote and eliminate words.  Use Rhetorical Devices Rhetorical devices add style to your speech, making it more captivating and persuasive. (The choice of which device to use often depends on the intended purpose and the specific context of the communication). Employ techniques such as repetition, metaphors, and similes to create memorable phrases and emphasize key ideas. However, use these devices and ensure they serve the purpose of enhancing your message rather than overshadowing it.  Engage the Audience Engaging your audience throughout your speech keeps them invested in your message. Encourage participation by asking thought-provoking questions, using rhetorical questions (powerful tool in communication and can be used to make a point, create emphasis, engage the audience, or provoke thought without expecting an actual response) to incorporate interactive elements like brief activities or polls. CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK  Definition of Constructive Feedback Constructive feedback is a feedback that is provided with the intention of helping the recipient improve and develop their skills, performance, or behavior. It is characterized by being specific, and focused on the task or behavior rather than the individual. Constructive feedback aims to: 1.Highlight Strengths: Acknowledge what the individual is doing well and the positive aspects of their performance or behavior. 2.Identify Areas for Improvement: Point out specific areas where there a way for growth, development, or change. 3.Offer Actionable Suggestions: Provide practical recommendations or suggestions for how the individual can enhance their performance or behavior. 4.Be Supportive: Communicate in a respectful and non-judgmental manner, with the goal of helping the recipient succeed and grow rather than criticizing them. 5.Promote Growth and Learning: Encourage the recipient to learn from the feedback and take steps to make improvements in the future. "SBI" model The "SBI" model, also known as the "Situation, Behavior, Impact" model, is a structured approach for providing constructive feedback. This model helps individuals communicate feedback in a clear, specific, and actionable way, making it easier for the recipient to understand the feedback and take steps for improvement Here's an explanation of each component of the SBI model: Situation (S): In this part of the feedback, you start by describing the specific context or situation in which you observed the individual's behavior. This sets the stage and provides clarity on when and where the behavior occurred. The situation should be factual and not based on assumptions. Behavior (B): Next, you describe the observable behavior or actions of the individual that you want to provide feedback on. This should be objective of what the person did, rather than your opinion. The behavior should be something that the individual can recognize. Impact (I): This is the most critical part of the feedback. In the impact section, you explain the consequences or effects of the observed behavior. You describe how the behavior influenced the situation, others, or the task. The impact should focus on the results, outcomes, or feelings that the behavior generated. It's essential to be specific about the effects, whether positive or negative. The SBI model is a structured and effective way to provide feedback because it focuses on observable actions and their consequences, making it easier for the recipient to grasp the feedback, reflect on it, and take appropriate steps for improvement or change. It promotes a constructive approach to feedback, which is beneficial in both personal and professional settings. Helpful feedback Specific: Clearly identifies areas of strength and areas for improvement, suggesting steps to improve. Timely: Delivered soon after the task is completed, so the person can connect the feedback with their recent work and apply it effectively. Objective and Focused on Behaviors: Focuses on specific actions or behaviors rather than personal characteristics. Balanced (Positive and Constructive): Includes both positive feedback and constructive suggestions, so the recipient feels encouraged, not discouraged. Encouraging and Motivating: Frames challenges as opportunities for growth, helping the person feel motivated to improve. Helpful feedback Helpful Feedback on a Presentation: During your presentation, you maintained good eye contact with the audience, which helped engage them. However, there were some instances where your speech was a bit fast, making it challenging for everyone to follow. Consider slowing down your pace for better clarity. Helpful Feedback on a Written Report: I appreciate the thorough research and clear organization of your report. It provides a solid foundation for your arguments. To enhance it further, you could include more specific examples to illustrate your points and strengthen your conclusions. Helpful Feedback on Teamwork: You did an excellent job collaborating with your team, which fostered a positive working environment. However, in future group projects, consider setting clearer deadlines for tasks to ensure smoother coordination and timely completion. Unhelpful feedback Vague or Non-Specific: includes unclear points, leaving the recipient unsure of what they did well or where they need to improve, or it tries to address too many issues at once or is complex and unclear, making it hard to implement changes. Delayed: Given too long after the work was completed, making it hard for the person to connect feedback with their actions. Personal or Judgmental: Focuses on the person rather than the work. Focused on Negatives: Provides only criticism without recognizing any positive aspects, which can discourage rather than encourage improvement. Unhelpful feedback Unhelpful Feedback on a Presentation: Your presentation was terrible. You need to improve. This feedback is unhelpful because it is vague and doesn't provide any specific information on what the presenter did wrong or how to improve. Unhelpful Feedback on a Written Report: Your report is boring. This feedback is unhelpful because it lacks specific part of weaknesses. It doesn't pinpoint what aspects of the report are boring or how to make it more engaging. Unhelpful Feedback on Teamwork: You didn't work well with your team. This feedback is unhelpful because it's overly general and doesn't provide any details about the issues in teamwork or suggestions for improvement. Public Speakers Public speaking is a process, an act and an art of making a speech before an audience. It’s the unique style and presence that you bring to a speaking setting. Think of it as a heightened, polished version of yourself, designed to hold attention and make your message resonate. This character isn’t fake or forced; it’s about amplifying aspects of who you are to connect powerfully with others.  Characteristics of a Strong Public Speaking Persona Confidence is important; a confident tone helps you establish authority. Good speakers can read the room and adjust their tone, pace, or content to suit the audience.  Developing Your Character Body language is important; a relaxed, open stance shows confidence. Your tone and voice are also essential, try to vary your pitch, volume, and speed to keep the audience’s interest.  Engaging with Your Audience Engagement is a big part of public speaking. Simple techniques, like making eye contact, can make your audience feel valued and included. Asking questions or inviting participation can also keep people interested.  Using visual aids Adding a visual dimension to your presentation can make it look more professional-looking. Although, not every business presentation or public speaking event should forcedly be accompanied by slide shows, graphs and pictures. When planning your public speech or your presentation you should always keep your main objective in mind. - What is the purpose of your speech? - What is it that you want to achieve with your performance? - What do you want your listeners to take from your presentation?  5 The Three P’s of a Successful Speech The positive outcome of a speech does not depend solely on the oratory skills of the speaker. It is influenced by many factors such as the topic of presentation, the attitude of the audience, the quality of the material, the length of the speech and so on. However, the remaining success will depend on how well the presenter follows the Three P’s:- Preparation- Practice- Performance Adjusting Language and Tone to Match Audience Needs Defining Tone and Its Role in Communication Tone is the speaker's attitude conveyed through their choice of words, vocal inflection, and overall approach to the audience. Tone significantly affects how the audience perceives the speaker’s message, impacting both understanding and engagement. A well-chosen tone reinforces the speaker’s purpose, making the message clearer, more persuasive, or more relatable.  The Importance of Adapting Language and Tone Based on Audience Type 1. Enhance Understanding and Engagement Academic Audiences: Prefer formal language, technical terms, and clear structure. Professional Audiences: Value clarity, conciseness, and industry-relevant insights. Informal Audiences: Respond well to relaxed language and personal connections.  The Importance of Adapting Language and Tone Based on Audience Type 2. Build Credibility and Trust Aligning tone with audience expectations establishes trust. Shows respect for the audience’s knowledge level and perspective. Builds rapport by matching their style and needs.  The Importance of Adapting Language and Tone Based on Audience Type 3. Improve Retention and Influence Tailored language helps the message stick with the audience. The right tone influences feelings (e.g., urgency, empathy). Increases impact of the message by making it memorable.  The Importance of Adapting Language and Tone Based on Audience Type 4. Prevent Miscommunication Avoids jargon overload or overly simplistic language. Reduces risk of misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Ensures the message is appropriate and well-received. 1. Academic Audiences Purpose and Structure: Academic audiences often expect detailed, structured, and evidence-based information. They value logic, critical thinking, and in-depth analysis. Language: Use formal language and clear definitions. Academic audiences appreciate precision, so technical terms or field- specific vocabulary are acceptable, especially when presenting to experts. Example: When presenting a research paper to professors, provide well-organized arguments, cite credible sources, and discuss findings with objectivity. 2. Professional Audiences (e.g., Clients) Purpose and Structure: Professional audiences often prioritize efficiency, relevance, and actionable information. They expect concise explanations and practical insights that help them achieve goals or solve problems. Language: Use industry-specific terms sparingly (only when necessary for clarity), and keep language concise. For clients, avoid excessive jargon unless you know they are familiar with it. Example: When explaining a project update to a client, focus on key achievements, timelines, and solutions to potential issues. Avoid over-explaining or technical details unless asked. 3. Social Audiences (e.g., Friends, Community Groups) Purpose and Structure: Informal audiences often seek connection or entertainment information. The structure can be more flexible and conversational. Language: Use simple, relatable language and everyday terms. Example: When explaining a health topic to a community group, avoid medical jargon and instead use relatable terms. Academic: Detailed, formal, logical Professional: Concise, relevant, action-oriented Informal: Simple, relatable, personal