Modulating voice when speaking to suit the listener or audience
Pitch change, can keep the listener interested as it could mean something is happening.
Repetition, regular up and down modulation can create patterns of repetition that isn’t always recognised.
Articulating and expressing ideas clearly and concisely
Think before you speak, so this allows you to say what your thinking and keeps the concept on subject to what your talking about.
Encourage feedback from the people you are articulating to and always be open for repetition so your audience can understand you.
Listening actively (e.g by taking notes)
Making sure you are concentrating on what is being said by other people and not just hearing them.
Taking notes, eye contact, smiling, nodding your head or even the simple use of the word yes.
Clarifying and confirming understanding (e.g by paraphrasing or repetition)
Clarifying can be to offer the essential meaning back to the speaker what they have just said.
Simple uses of phrases such as “I’m not to sure I understand” so this can help to clarify and confirm your understanding.
Also asking if certain parts could be repeated could help confirm what has been said.
Responding to questions with accurate information Making sure you know the facts about what your talking before you say anything to the audience.
Allowing the audience to explain issues or finish asking questions before answering.
Knowing your products before speaking would help retain accurate information.
Summarize and restate the question to make sure you understand before responding.
Ensuring content is appropriate to the needs of the audience
Getting to know some of the background of the audience will help,
E.G using images, hand gestures, sign language (if appropriate), brail etc.
Body language is very important when reading in front of an audience.
Identifying and avoiding listening barriers
The most common is working out what your going to ask at the end of the speech, this means we can not be listening to what is being said at this time.
The main barriers are, listening to more than 1 person at a time, not being fully focused, and surroundings and this leads to assumptions.
We need to make sure we don’t excessively talk, making sure were away from distractions and interruptions.
Maintaining focus on the purpose of the communication
The main focus of communication is described to be, Clear – always be clear about your message. Concise – Making sure you keep to the point and keep it brief.
Concrete – Making sure what your saying is true.
Correct – Will make your statement error free.
Coherent – Can be logical, such as the way emails are written.
Complete – Making sure your statement has everything the audience requires.
Courteous – Friendly, honest and open.
Select appropriate communication styles
Language – Making sure you don’t use big words to confuse people that might not understand them. Body language – Making sure you body language isn’t offensive in the stance or hand styles you choose.
Always remember your not communication with something but with someone.
Adapt terminology and vocabulary to the needs of the audience
Making sure you use clear English words and don’t use slang words.
Make sure there isn’t any bad language.
How much detail I my presentation in, will everyone understand it.
Will I need to add visual aids to my presentation.
Reduce barriers to listening
Make sure your body posture is appropriate, don’t slouch.
Removing all distractions from around you that would lead you to become distracted.
Making sure you keep and maintain as much eye contact as possible.
Differentiate between facts and feelings
A feeling could be something that isn’t true or accurate. A fact is something that has been proven to be true.