Advanced Business Communication Skills IDS.pptx

business communication

1. English Language Communication Skills July 2024 By: Salma Kanaan

2. Introduction to Advanced Business Communication Skills Overview of the Course Objectives : Enhance strategic communication abilities Master advanced persuasion techniques Develop crisis communication skills Improve leadership communication

3. Importance of Advanced Communication in Business: 3

4. Strategic Communication Planning 4 Aligning Communication Strategies with Organizational Goals: Understanding organizational vision and mission Identifying communication objectives Integrating communication strategies with business goals

5. Developing a Strategic Communication Plan Steps to create a communication plan : Identifying your target audiences Crafting key messages Selecting communication channels Implementing and monitoring the plan 5

6. Group Activity 6 Develop a strategic Communication Plan Identify your audience Craft key messages Select the Communication Channels

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8. Why is Communication Important? 1. Personal Relationships Expressing thoughts, sharing experiences, and actively listening create a bond of understanding and trust. Effective communication allows couples, friends, and family members to navigate challenges, resolve conflicts, and celebrate shared joys, contributing to the resilience and richness of relationships. 2. Professional Success From job interviews to daily interactions at work, the ability to convey ideas clearly and collaborate effectively is paramount. A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that effective communication skills top the qualities employers seek in new hires. Strong communication enhances individual performance and fuels leadership qualities, teamwork, and career advancement. 8

9. Why is Communication Important? 3. Problem-Solving When faced with challenges, communication becomes a dynamic tool for finding solutions. Open and effective communication allows for exchanging ideas, perspectives, and insights, leading to more informed problem-solving and better decision-making. Teams that communicate well can tap into the collective intelligence of their members, fostering innovative approaches to complex issues. 4. Building Confidence As individuals become skilled communicators, they articulate their viewpoints effectively and develop a sense of assurance in their abilities. This newfound confidence extends beyond communication skills, positively impacting various aspects of life, from personal interactions to professional presentations and public speaking engagements.

10. Present simple - to have the verb ‚to have ‘ I have we have you have you have he / she / it ha s they have 10 Examples: - I / you / they / we have a new computer. - He / she / it ha s a great seense of humor.

11. Present simple – to play, to rest, to learn the verbs ‚to play ‘ ‚to rest ‘ ‚to learn ‘ I play rest learn we play rest learn you play rest learn you play rest learn he / she / it play s rest s learn s they play rest learn 11

12. Present simple - to go, to fly the verbs ‚to play ‘ ‚to rest ‘ ‚to learn ‘ I go fly we go fly you go fly you go fly he / she / it go es fl ies they go fly 12

13. Present simple – your turn! 13

14. Present continuous 14

15. Present continuous (+) person + to be + verb + -ing  positive: I am talking we are talking you are talking you are talking he/she/it is talking they are talking 15

16. Present continuous (-) person + to be + not + verb + -ing  negative: I am not talking we are not talking you are not talking you are not talking he/she/it is not talking they are not talking 16

17. Present continuous (?) to be + person + verb + -ing + ?  positive: am I talking? are we talking? are you talking? are you talking? is he/she/it talking? are they talking? 17

18. Present simple – your turn! Give me three sentences using the simple continuous 18

19. Repetition:Present simple & C ontinuous Present simple for facts : Regularly repeated actions Generalizations Present continuous for actions: Actions at the time of speaking Limited periods of time (processes) 20

20. Revision: Present simple & Continuous Present simple: focus on facts & truths Ahmad doesn‘t go out every Friday. Do you like cartoons? Present continuous:focus on actions Do not disturb me. I am eating . He is writing an important letter just now. Are you using the computer at the moment? 21 + + - - ? ?

21. The past simple We use the past simple to talk about finished actions in the past. regular verbs irregular verbs + - I you he/she/it we you they stayed in a hotel. went on holiday. didn‘t stay in a hotel. didn‘t go on holiday. Did you stay in a hotel? – Yes, I did . Did you go on holiday? – No, I didn‘t . 22

22. The past simple (2) Infinitive Past Work Stay Like Study Stop Work ed Stay ed Like d (just add d if verb finishes in e ) Stud ied (y  i after consonant) Stop ped (double consonant if verb Finishes consonant-vowel-consonant) 23

23. The past simple (3) – I rregular V erbs Three groups of irregular verbs: Infinitive Past Past participle 1 hit hit hit put put put 2 tell told told sell sold sold 3 wake woke woken take took taken 24

24. your turn!! Give me three senetnces using the past simple 25

25. The past continuous We use the past continuous to describe an action in progress at a specific moment in the past . + I he was working. she it you we were working. they - I he wasn‘t working. she it you we weren‘t working. they ? Was he working ? Yes, he was . No, he wasn‘t . Were they working ? Yes, they were . No, they weren‘t . 26

26. Past simple or past continuous ? Study the following examples . What‘s the rule ? When I took the photo , they were writing a song . I was sitting at home when I saw the news on TV. They were waiting for us when we arrived . I was driving when you phoned me . 27

27. Past simple or past Continuous? 28

28. Summary O past future 29

29. Give me three sentences using the past continuous your turn!! 30

30. Repetition: Present Tenses with Future Meaning 31

31. Repetition: Present Tenses with Future Meaning 32

32. G oing to-future 33 We use going to- future when we‘ve already decided to do something in the future. I ‘m going to buy a new computer . (= I‘ve decided to buy a new computer .) He ‘s not going to help you . He doesn‘t like shopping. Are you going to give me my money back soon ?  to be + going to + verb

33. Going to-future (2) 34

34. will-future 35

35. will-future (2) Instead of will we can also use shall . - I shall be late tomorrow. (= I will be late) - I think we shall win tha game. (=we will win) I + shall = I + will; we + shall = we + will *you shall; *he/she/it shall; *they shall !!! 36

36. will-future (3) We also use will- future for offers and as spontaneaous (re)actions. Your bag looks heavy. I ‘ll help you. It‘s cold in here. – I ‘ll close the window for you. It‘s raining. I think I ‘ll stay inside. When should we meet? – I ‘ll phone you tomorrow. 37

37. will-future (4) 38

38. Going to -future or will -future ? 39

39. Homework Write a letter to me. Use the simple present, simple past and future Tell me What will you do and /or what you are doing; What you did last week; About your plans for the future. 40

40. Sentence Structure Sentence structure is how all the parts of a sentence fit together. If you want to make more advanced and interesting sentences, you first have to understand how sentence structure works. Sentence structure is the order of all the parts in a sentence: subject, predicate, objects, phrases, punctuation, etc. It deals a lot with independent and dependent clauses and how they combine (explained below), the placement of words and phrases next to what they modify, as well as the use of proper grammar.

41. Basic parts of a sentence Every sentence requires at least a verb and a subject; a verb is an action, and a subject is the noun that does the action. I am waiting. In this example, am waiting is the verb. The main verb is wait, but when we conjugate it in the present continuous, we use the – ing form and add the auxiliary verb am. The subject is I, the person who waits.

42. 4 sentence structure grammar rules Aside from knowing the parts of a sentence, you also have to follow the  grammar  rules. In case you forget, here’s a quick list: Capitalize the first letter of the first word in a sentence.  End a sentence with a period, question mark, exclamation point, or quotation marks. Most of the time, the subject of the sentence comes first, the verb comes second, and the objects come last. (Subject -> Verb -> Object) If the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. This is known as  subject-verb agreement.

43. Activity

44. Most Common Grammatical Errors It's not easy. Words and phrases that sound fine in your head can look strange when you write them down.

45. Common Mistakes 1. They're vs. Their vs. There One's a contraction for "they are" (they're), one refers to something owned by a group (their), and one refers to a place (there). You know the difference among the three -- just make sure you triple check that you're using the right ones in the right places at the right times. I find it's helpful to search through my posts (try control + F on PC or command + F on Mac) for those words and check that they're being used in the right context. Here's the correct usage of "they're," "there," and "their": They're going to love going there -- I heard their food is the best!

46. Common Mistakes 2. Your vs. You're The difference between these two is owning something versus actually being something: You made it around the track in under a minute -- you're fast! How's your fast going? Are you getting hungry? See the difference? "Your" is possessive and "you're" is a contraction of "you are." Again, if you're having trouble keeping them straight, try doing another grammar check before you hit publish.

47. 3. Its vs. It's This one tends to confuse even the best of writers. "Its" is possessive and "it's" is a contraction of "it is." Lots of people get tripped up because "it's" has an 's after it, which normally means something is possessive. But in this case, it's actually a contraction. Do a control + F to find this mistake in your writing. It's really hard to catch on your own, but it's a mistake everyone can make.

48. 4. Incomplete Comparisons This one drives me up a wall when I see it in the wild. Can you see what's wrong with this sentence? Our car model is faster, better, stronger. Faster, better, stronger ... than what? What are you comparing your car to? A horse? A competitor's car? An older model? When you're asserting that something should be compared to something else, make sure you always clarify what that something else is. Otherwise, it's impossible for your readers to discern what the comparison actually means.

49. Activity

50. Module 2 Expand your Vocabulary Are you on a quest to broaden your English vocabulary? Whether you're a native speaker looking to refine your lexicon or an ESL student eager to improve, discovering effective ways to expand your vocabulary is crucial. The richness of English lies in its vast collection of words, which allows for the precise expression of thoughts, emotions, and ideas.

51. Read, read and read Immersing yourself in a variety of written materials is a foundational step toward vocabulary enhancement. By exploring different genres—be it fiction, non-fiction, or technical texts—you encounter a broad spectrum of language, from the everyday to the specialized. This exposure allows you to see words used in multiple contexts, offering a deeper understanding of their meanings and applications. Challenge yourself to explore topics outside your comfort zone, as this can introduce you to terms and phrases you might not encounter in your daily life.

52. Keep a Vocabulary Journal Maintaining a vocabulary journal can significantly enhance your ability to recall and use new words. This method involves writing down unfamiliar terms as you come across them, along with their definitions. To deepen your understanding, also include synonyms, antonyms, and construct an example sentence that incorporates the new word. This multifaceted approach not only aids in memorizing the term but enriches your comprehension of its practical application in everyday language.

53. Engage in Active Listening In our pursuit to enhance vocabulary, we often underestimate the potency of listening. But just as reading allows us to process and understand new words visually, listening introduces us to the auditory essence of vocabulary.

54. Conversations with Native Speakers Real-time Vocabulary Expansion: In spontaneous conversations, there’s no script. This unpredictability means you’ll constantly encounter fresh phrases, idioms, and expressions. Cultural Enrichment: Language isn’t just about words. It’s deeply intertwined with culture, traditions, and history. Native speakers, often subconsciously, bring these cultural layers into conversations, enhancing not just your vocabulary but also your understanding of the language’s cultural backdrop. Instant Feedback: There’s immediate feedback when you’re actively participating in a conversation. Misunderstood a word? Used a phrase incorrectly? Your conversational partner can instantly correct or clarify, ensuring immediate learning.

55. Use Vocabulary Apps and Games Adaptable Levels: Most apps come with varying levels of difficulty, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced learners. This adaptability ensures that you’re always operating at the right challenge level, neither feeling overwhelmed nor under-stimulated. Repetition and Recall: One of the cornerstones of memory is repetition. Vocabulary apps often utilize the principle of spaced repetition. By revisiting words at specific intervals, the app ensures that the word doesn’t just remain in your fleeting memory but gets embedded deeply, ready for recall at any moment. Portability and Flexibility: Whether you’re waiting in line, commuting, or just relaxing, these apps are accessible at your fingertips. This means you can convert any spare moment into a vocabulary-enhancing opportunity. Engaging Game Mechanics: Games, by nature, are competitive. Vocabulary games often pit you against time, scores, or even other players. This competitive element drives you to push your boundaries, ensuring continuous and progressive learning.

56. Visualize what the word or phrase looks like Picture the word in your mind. Identify the word in a sentence. Look for context clues to identify the meaning of the word.

57. Rainbow Memory

58. Memory Differentiation Sensory Memory is the first stage of memory. It lasts for only a fraction of a second, and it stores information from our senses. For example, when you see something, the image is stored in your sensory memory. Short-term Memory is the second stage of memory. It is like a temporary storage area for information. The average person can remember about 7 items in short-term memory at any one time. Long-Term Memory is the third stage of memory. It is a permanent storehouse for information. The average person can remember about 100,000 items in long-term memory. Memorization is a key cognitive process of the brain as almost all human intelligence is functioning based on it.

59. Module 3: Improving Pronunciation Comprehension Understanding English Accents If you want to improve your understanding of English accents, you can follow a few tips. Firstly, try to listen to as many different accents as you can. This will help you to develop an ear for different pronunciations and intonations. Secondly, try to practice speaking in different accents.

60. Enhance Listening Skills Listen to What You Enjoy Understanding most of what you listen to is the fundamental step to improving your skills. Once you have that in place, you then need to decide exactly what kinds of comprehensible content you will practice with. While you technically could listen to anything that meets that 60%-80% comprehensibility standard, you ideally want to choose materials that are relevant and interesting to you as a person. This is important because relevant and interesting materials will always be more enjoyable to listen to compared to other resources. If you enjoy what you listen to, you will have more motivation to continue listening, and be more resistant to stopping, or losing focus.

61. Focus on the Big Picture, Not Small Details Of all the major skills of language, listening skills require the most focus. This is because if you don't focus on what you're listening to, you may miss the core "message" that is being communicated. To make matters worse, you can't usually "go back to the beginning" to recover information you've missed; most of the time, you'll have to make people repeat themselves, which can cost time and energy, and cause frustration. Even when you can "rewind" (e.g. with recorded audio) the exact information you missed can be hard to identify. Because of all of this, it is paramount that you focus on "the big picture" when listening, and that you avoid getting distracted by small details .

62. Learn Actively by Taking Notes When working on your listening skills, take out a notebook or piece of paper, and do the following: Write down the topic of the audio If there are multiple speakers, write down their names, or come up with labels for each (e.g. Speaker 1, Speaker 2) Write down the gist of what each speaker says, including any main points they try to communicate If you frequently hear a word you do not understand, try to write it down so you can look it up later If there's a word or sentence you find interesting, write it down so that you can practice using it in your own conversations.

63. Effective Communication Skills non-verbal communication in interpersonal relations Nonverbal communication is a must-have for our relationships. It’s a powerful tool that helps us express our thoughts, feelings and intentions without saying anything. We can use body language, facial expressions, gestures and even the tone of voice to show more than words. Nonverbal cues are essential in our interactions. They give us extra info and help us understand the underlying message. A smile can show friendliness, whereas crossed arms might signal discomfort. Paying attention to these cues gives us better insights into someone’s thoughts and feelings. Nonverbal communication also adds clarity to verbal communication. It can back up or contradict our words. When words and nonverbal actions match, trust is built. But when they contradict each other, confusion or mistrust can arise.

64. Importance of active listening It also has other advantages. You can grasp the speaker’s intended message, and so avoid miscommunication or confusion. Plus, it shows you care about their thoughts and feelings. To enhance your active listening skills, try these tips: Eye contact: Look at the speaker. It shows you’re interested and focused on the talk. Minimize distractions: Put away all devices and find a quiet place. That way you won’t be disturbed. Don’t interrupt: Show patience when listening. Wait for pauses before asking questions or saying something. Think about what you hear: Summarize or paraphrase what was said to show you get it. It confirms your comprehension and encourages further dialogue. Apply these ideas to your communication approach and refine your active listening skills. Remember, communication isn’t just about speaking. It also needs attentive and compassionate listening.

65. Techniques for improving listening skills To communicate effectively, strong listening skills are paramount. One can perfect these skills through different techniques. Focus on the speaker, show empathy, understand non-verbal cues and be self-aware. Stanford University found that we spend 40-60% of our communication time listening. This shows how crucial it is to hone listening skills. They form the basis for successful communication. Some methods to enhance listening: Give undivided attention. Eliminate distractions and make eye contact. Summarize what the speaker said. Show that you understand and value them. Observe non-verbal communication. Look for body language, facial expressions, and tone.

66. Maintain Eye Contact Eye contact is key for successful communication. It helps build connections and shows interest. Whether in a conversation or presenting, eye contact boosts communication. Here is a 3-step guide on how to do it properly. Step 1: Be there. Put away distractions and give full attention. This shows respect and interest in what is being said. Step 2: Look naturally. Keep eye contact with the speaker, but not too much or too little. It should be balanced. Step 3: Learn cultural norms. Eye contact rules vary across cultures. Adapt to the norms for good communication.

67. Ask Questions Asking questions for clarification Questions for clarification are vital for effective communication. Asking further details lets you fully understand the message. Be direct and detailed to get the information you need. This stops any misunderstandings. Asking questions shows active listening. It shows you care and understand the speaker. This encourages open communication, creating better relationships.

68. Business Writing Skills Guide To Writing a Business Email Follow these steps to write a great professional email: Choose a clear subject line. Begin with a greeting. State your purpose. Close with a professional signature. Proofread.

69. Writing a Business Email 1. Choose a clear subject line The subject line is a brief summary of what your email is about. The subject line lets the recipient know what they should expect to find more information on when they open your email. It is important for the subject line to be clear and professional to ensure the recipient understands the purpose of the email and opens your email to read it. It is best to be direct and clear in the subject line to prevent your email from mistakenly being overlooked or deleted.

70. Writing a Business Email 2. Begin with a greeting Every business email should begin with a professional greeting. Your greeting should be concise and should aim to address the recipient by name. However, if you do not know the recipient's name, you can use their professional title instead. A few examples of greetings commonly used in business emails include "Dear", "Good morning/afternoon/evening", "Hello" and "Greetings". 3. State your purpose Every business email should have a purpose, and preferably there should be only one purpose per email. Try to ensure your email conveys a clear message related to a specific subject, task or request. Doing this will help ensure important details are not missed and will help prevent confusion. Starting your email with a sentence that clearly states the purpose can help ensure the recipient understands why you are writing the email.

71. Writing a Business Email 4. Close with a professional signature In a business email, your email's signature line acts as a business card. Many businesses have pre-formatted signatures for their employees. A professional signature typically includes a formal closing salutation, your name, professional title, the name of your company and your contact information. Your professional signature may also include your company's logo or a picture of yourself. 5. Proofread After you have finished writing your email, you should proofread the email for spelling and grammar errors. You should also make sure your email's message is clear. When proofreading a business email, try to think of yourself as the recipient reading the email to ensure you have used the appropriate tone, style and format. Finally, if there are supposed to be attachments double check that you have attached the documents before sending the email.

72. Writing a Business Email Business email writing tips Know your audience: It is important to know who your audience is before you begin writing a business email. Most business emails need a formal tone, style and format to keep them professional. Use empathy when writing: The tone and intended meaning of written communication can sometimes be challenging for a reader to determine. Using empathy while writing your email will help you ensure your tone remains positive and prevent misunderstandings from arising. Make sure your email is necessary: Most people receive a lot of emails every day. Making sure your email is needed before sending a business email can help improve the likelihood of the recipient actually opening, reading and responding to your email.

73. Activity Write an Email

74. How To Write a Business Memo A business memo is one of the primary ways you can communicate information to all employees in your organization. Memos are intended to be a fast and effective way to distribute information, and they may include an important executive summary that breaks down the memo's vital points.

75. How To Write a Business Memo 1. List the purpose of the memo in the introductory paragraph Readers should know instantly what you're communicating to your audience in the introductory paragraph. You need to craft the content of your memo to address questions that employees may have. List the purpose of the memo before expanding on details about the decision-making or what led to the current situation. This way, you give a chronological series of events to give more clarity about the actions employees need to take, if any. 2. Be concise and keep the language positive throughout Since you're writing this memo to coworkers and managers you interact with daily, keep language positive. Short and clear sentences using active voice help you get your purpose across, which can increase your credibility with your colleagues.

76. How To Write a Business Memo 3. Communicate the message of the memo in the subject line The subject line should tell the reader exactly what they should expect to learn from the memo and give them direction on where to file it in their email folders. For example, a budget update for the marketing department helps the readers understand the subject of the memo and previews potential actions that affect the department and its operations going forward. 4. Use the body paragraph and conclusion to break down your information The body paragraph elaborates on the decision the company is announcing and how it affects each employee going forward. You want to address potential feelings for employees, but you need to do it in a way that's relatable to staff members. Express your gratitude for their hard work and your plan to work with employees to navigate recurring changes.

77. Best methods of writing reports Know your audience and purpose Before you start writing, you need to identify who will read your report or memo and what you want to achieve. This will help you tailor your tone, style, and content to suit your audience and purpose. For example, if you are writing a report for senior management, you may want to use a formal and concise language, highlight the main points and recommendations, and provide evidence and analysis to support your claims.

78. Best methods of writing reports Use a clear and consistent format A good report or memo should have a clear and consistent format that makes it easy to read and follow. Depending on the length and complexity of your document, you may want to use headings, subheadings, bullet points, tables, charts, or other visual aids to organize your information and highlight the key points. You should also use a standard font, size, and spacing, and follow the conventions of your organization or industry for formatting and referencing.

79. Best methods of writing reports Start with an introduction The introduction is the first part of your report or memo that your readers will see, so you need to make a good impression and capture their attention. The introduction should briefly introduce the topic, the background, the purpose, and the scope of your document.

80. Best methods of writing reports Develop your body paragraphs The body paragraphs are the main part of your report or memo where you present and discuss your information, arguments, or recommendations. Each body paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph, followed by supporting sentences that provide details, examples, evidence, or analysis.

81. Best methods of writing reports End with a conclusion The conclusion is the last part of your report or memo that your readers will see, so you need to leave a lasting impression and reinforce your message. The conclusion should summarize the main points and findings of your document, restate your purpose and recommendations, and provide a call to action or a suggestion for further steps.

82. Cross-Cultural Communication Do Your Homework Before starting a business in a new country or even attending a meeting, take the time to research and understand the local business etiquette. This could include everything from formalities and dress code to gift-giving customs and negotiation styles. Doing your research ahead of time will show respect for the local culture and help you avoid embarrassing mistakes.

83. Cross-Cultural Communication Understand Communication Styles Communication styles can vary greatly between cultures. Some cultures prefer direct communication, while others value subtlety and politeness more, leading to an indirect style of communication. Understand the communication style of your host country to avoid misinterpretations and to communicate effectively with your business partners, employees, and customers.

84. Cross-Cultural Communication Be Aware of Non-Verbal Cues Non-verbal communication often conveys as much (if not more) meaning than words. Be aware of body language, eye contact, personal space, and gestures, as these can have different implications in different cultures. Misunderstanding non-verbal cues can lead to awkward situations or conflicts. Practice Patience Adapting to a new business culture can take time. Be patient with yourself and others. Be open to new ideas and ways of doing things. Remember, it's okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. Navigating cultural differences in business etiquette can seem daunting, but it's an essential part of being successful in business in a different country. With research, awareness, patience, and a willingness to learn, you can successfully navigate these differences and thrive in your new business environment.

85. Presentation and Public Speaking Skills

86. Presentation and Public Speaking Skills Communication • Why are communication skills so important for good interpersonal relationships? • To get better at communicating, it helps to start with simple conversations. • Where do you find topics of conversation that you can bring up at the next party or office get-together? • Where can you get some good conversational openers?

87. Communication What makes a good conversation starter? While there isn't an exact formula, you can tailor your questions for different situations. For instance, the conversation starters you use with your friends will differ from, say, your boss. Here are the common types of questions: Open-ended: A broad, open-ended question typically generates a far more engaging answer than a closed, yes-or-no one.

88. Communication Speaking Characteristics Volume Play with your volume and get control of it. Varying volume allows you to emphasize by being louder or softer at times. Get a good idea of your natural volume. People who deliver the news or who act as commentators use variety for maximum effect

89. Communication Five Good Rules 1. Talk to yourself in positive terms. 2. When you speak to individuals, take the time to express yourself in an organized manner. 3. Ask for feedback. 4. When presenting to a group, have a message worth communicating. 5. Know when to stop talking.

90. Presentation Skills Tips for Looking Professional • Dress the way you want to be perceived. • Look like you care about what you are doing. • Dress comfortably and be proud of who you are. • Always appear as neat and clean as possible. • Choose clothes carefully and make sure they fit properly. • You do not have to appear too fashion conscious nor spend a lot of money trying to keep up with trends. • Know the colors and styles that suit you,and stick to them.

91. Presentation Skills • Some nervousness is normal! • These jitters can actually help you. • Confidence will grow as you give more presentations. • Shift your focus from yourself to the audience. • Sources of nervousness: • Internal negative comments • Hyper-responsibility

92. Presentation Skills About Nervousness Put Yourself in Control • Allow plenty of time to check out the room and equipment. • Start on time. • Greet people as they come in. • Eliminate any physical barriers that stand between the audience and you. • Do some deep breathing. • Avoid caffeine. • Speak about things that you care about.

93. Presentation Skills Mastering Nonverbal Communication • Leave the appropriate distance between you and the audience • Stand erect • Consider your appearance • Move about and use gestures • Control your facial expressions/mannerisms • Maintain eye contact

94. Presentation Skills Using Notes • Do not ever consider memorizing. • Instead, learn to use notes effectively. • Many presenters use their visuals as notes. • For long presentations, your notes may go into more detail than is necessary for short ones. • If you plan to use extensive notes, underline key points or use a highlighter.

95. Presentation Skills Managing the Question and Answer Period • Establish ground rules • Let people finish • Respond to everything, even statements • Restate the question • Stay on track • Admit you do not know the answer • Control the discussion • Move toward action

96. Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Most Common Conflicts the Occur in the Workplace The three most common examples of workplace conflict are: Between employees in a business Amongst managers and employees Between employees of a business and its clients

97. Negotiation and Conflict Resolution 1. Be an Active Listener One of the most essential practical conflict resolution skills is active listening. To be an active listener, one must be focused on what the other person is saying. Rather than listening to respond, you must listen to understand the other person’s point of view. This will help you move past any confusion to get closer to a solution. Listen to why the other person is upset Make sure you understand what the other person is telling you Do not interrupt when the other person is talking Repeat what you heard back to them to understand better

98. Negotiation and Conflict Resolution 2. Have Patience for Others Next on our list of conflict resolution skills is having patience. Sometimes, challenges or disputes can be rushed towards a solution. Therefore, you must practice patience. Everyone wants to be correct and have their opinion validated. Therefore, you will need to consider all points of view and have patience until a problem is solved correctly. 3. Effective Communication When coming to a solution, communication is key. Therefore, to have conflict resolution skills that are effective, you must be willing to talk openly with others. When a problem or dispute arises, all parties need to give their point of view. This also helps promote healthy partnerships where transparency is valued.

99. Negotiation and Conflict Resolution 4. Keep an Optimistic Mindset Another skill that individuals should have when solving a problem is to have an optimistic mindset. During challenges, it is easy to become pessimistic. Therefore, when we remain positive, we can keep the conversation moving towards solving the problem rather than hit more issues along the way. 5. Remain Unbiased at all Times Lastly, another one of the critical conflict resolution skills that you should practice is remaining unbiased. By being impartial, one must separate the problem from those involved. Look at the challenges or disputes at hand and focus on working through each hurdle rather than the personalities of each person.

100. Negotiation and Conflict Resolution 6. Don’t take things personally When conflict arises at work, many people take it personally. As a result, they will become defensive and look to protect themselves rather than focusing on the issue that is in front of them. Therefore, when conflict happens do not get personal with what is being said or done during this time. 7. Observe the body language of others Not only conflict resolution skills, but nonverbal communication is important to keep in mind. If you disagree with someone or something they said, it might be easy for them to get the wrong idea about your stance on this topic if you don’t say anything at all! So do not just stand there and let things continue – speak up and communicate that what was said does not reflect how you feel/what you want. You can start by saying: “I hear what you’re saying…” Then go from there depending on where the conversation takes place!

101. Negotiation and Conflict Resolution 8. Focus on the current problem If you just focus on what happened in the past, there is no way that a solution will be found. In fact, dwelling on old challenges can result in even more issues cropping up so keep your head up and look towards resolving this issue! 9. Don’t get baited into reacting emotionally or raising your voice When conflict arises, if you start to feel yourself going off the deep end it is best to stop and take a step back. The last thing anyone wants is for conflict resolution skills to go out the window because of emotions! So before reacting think about how you want others around you or your organization as a whole will benefit from this conversation being resolved in one way or another.

102. Negotiation and Conflict Resolution 10. Be humble enough to apologize/forgive the other person If conflict resolution skills are not being used it is likely because of one thing – no one likes to be wrong. This might lead to conflict if someone doesn’t apologize or recognize that they were at fault for something which can make the other party feel unheard and frustrated. So think about how you would want someone else in your shoes to act, then do just that by saying sorry when necessary! 11. Agree to disagree and move forward No conflict resolution skill is more important than this one – learning how to be okay with not having the perfect solution, especially when it comes down to working together as a team! A good way to resolve conflict in the workplace is to ask the question. “Does your behavior violate our core values?” Using your company’s core values as the ultimate truth for what is acceptable behavior is a good way of preventing conflicts. Take our free course preview on “Discovering and Implementing Your Core Values”

103. Negotiation Negotiation is a fundamental aspect of both personal and professional life. Whether you're discussing a business deal, resolving conflicts, or making important decisions, effective communication plays a crucial role in achieving successful outcomes. By utilizing effective communication strategies, negotiators can build trust, understand each other's needs, and reach mutually beneficial agreements. In this article, we will explore the importance of effective communication in negotiation and provide practical strategies to enhance your communication skills.

104. Negotiation Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful negotiation. It allows negotiators to express their interests, understand the other party's perspective, and find common ground. When communication is clear, concise, and respectful, it fosters a positive atmosphere and promotes collaboration. Here are some key reasons why effective communication is essential in negotiation: Building Rapport and Trust: Effective communication helps establish rapport and trust between negotiators. When parties feel understood and respected, they are more likely to cooperate and work towards finding mutually beneficial solutions.

105. Negotiation Understanding Interests and Needs: Communicating effectively allows negotiators to uncover each other's underlying interests and needs. By actively listening and asking probing questions, negotiators can gain valuable insights that can lead to creative problem-solving. Managing Emotions: Negotiations can be emotionally charged, but effective communication can help manage emotions and maintain a calm and professional atmosphere. By using empathetic language and active listening, negotiators can address emotions constructively and prevent unnecessary conflicts.

106. Negotiation Creating Win-Win Solutions: Effective communication enables negotiators to explore various options and collaborate towards win-win solutions. By clearly articulating their interests and actively considering the other party's perspective, negotiators can find creative solutions that satisfy both sides.

107. Negotiation 1. Active Listening: Understand, Empathize, and Clarify Active listening is a foundational skill in effective communication. It involves fully focusing on the speaker, understanding their message, and responding appropriately. Here are some key components of active listening: Understanding: Pay close attention to the speaker's words, tone, and non-verbal cues to gain a comprehensive understanding of their message. Avoid interrupting and allow the speaker to express themselves fully. Empathizing: Put yourself in the speaker's shoes and try to understand their perspective and emotions. Show empathy by acknowledging their feelings and validating their experiences. Clarifying: When necessary, ask clarifying questions to ensure you have a clear understanding of the speaker's message. Restate what you've understood to confirm your comprehension and avoid misinterpretations.

108. Negotiation 2. Clear and Concise Communication: Say What You Mean Clear and concise communication is vital in negotiation to avoid misunderstandings and confusion. Here are some tips for effective communication: Use Plain Language: Avoid jargon and technical terms that may be unfamiliar to the other party. Use simple and straightforward language to convey your message clearly. Be Specific: Provide specific details and examples to support your points. Vague statements can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation. Organize Your Thoughts: Structure your communication in a logical and organized manner. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to make your message more digestible and accessible.

109. Negotiation 3. Non-Verbal Communication: Pay Attention to Body Language Non-verbal communication, including body language, gestures, and facial expressions, can convey powerful messages in negotiation. Pay attention to your own non-verbal cues and be mindful of the other party's signals. Here are some key aspects of non-verbal communication: Maintain Eye Contact: Establishing and maintaining eye contact shows attentiveness and sincerity. Avoid excessive or avoidant eye contact, as it can be perceived as disinterest or deception. Use Open and Inviting Body Language: Adopt an open posture, with relaxed shoulders and uncrossed arms, to convey openness and approachability. Lean slightly towards the speaker to demonstrate engagement. Mirror and Match: Subtly mirror the other party's body language and gestures to build rapport and establish a connection. Be careful not to mimic the other party excessively, as it can come across as insincere.

110. Negotiation 4. Emotional Intelligence: Manage Emotions Effectively Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions and understand the emotions of others. It plays a crucial role in negotiation, as emotions can greatly impact the outcome. Here are some strategies to enhance emotional intelligence: Self-Awareness: Recognize and understand your own emotions and how they may influence your behavior and decision-making. Take a moment to reflect on your emotions before responding. Empathy: Put yourself in the other party's shoes and try to understand their emotions and perspective. Show empathy by acknowledging their feelings and validating their experiences. Emotion Regulation: Develop techniques to manage your emotions effectively during negotiations. Take deep breaths, practice mindfulness, or use positive self-talk to stay calm and focused.

111. Negotiation 5. Use Effective Questioning Techniques: Gather Information and Clarify Asking effective questions is a powerful communication tool in negotiation. It helps gather information, clarify misunderstandings, and encourage the other party to share their perspective. Here are some techniques for effective questioning: Open-Ended Questions: Use open-ended questions to encourage the other party to provide detailed and thoughtful responses. These questions begin with "what," "how," or "why" and prompt the speaker to elaborate. Reflective Questions: Use reflective questions to demonstrate active listening and show that you understand the speaker's perspective. Repeat or paraphrase their statements to confirm your understanding. Clarifying Questions: When faced with ambiguity or confusion, ask clarifying questions to ensure you have a clear understanding of the speaker's message. Seek specific details or examples to avoid misinterpretations.

112. Negotiation 6. Negotiate with Respect and Courtesy: Foster Collaboration Respect and courtesy are foundational elements of effective communication in negotiation. Treat the other party with respect and maintain a courteous attitude throughout the negotiation process. Here are some ways to foster collaboration: Avoid Personal Attacks: Focus on the issues at hand and avoid personal attacks or derogatory language. Keep the conversation professional and respectful. Acknowledge and Validate: Show appreciation for the other party's perspective and contributions. Acknowledge their ideas and validate their experiences to build rapport and trust. Seek Common Ground: Look for areas of agreement and shared interests to foster collaboration. Emphasize the mutual benefits of finding a solution that satisfies both sides.

113. Negotiation 7. Negotiation requires flexibility and adaptability to navigate unexpected challenges and explore new possibilities. By being open to new ideas and perspectives, you can create a more collaborative and innovative negotiation environment. Here are some strategies for flexibility and adaptability: Be Open-Minded: Approach negotiations with an open mind and be willing to consider alternative solutions. Avoid rigid positions and be adaptable to changing circumstances. Creative Problem-Solving: Encourage creative problem-solving by brainstorming and exploring multiple options. Embrace innovative approaches and consider unconventional solutions. Focus on Interests, Not Positions: Look beyond the surface-level positions and focus on underlying interests. By understanding each other's needs and motivations, you can find solutions that satisfy both parties.

114. Negotiation 8. Practice Active Negotiation: Continual Improvement Effective communication in negotiation is a skill that can be honed through practice and continual improvement. Actively seek opportunities to negotiate and apply the strategies discussed in this article. Reflect on your negotiation experiences, identify areas for growth, and strive for continual improvement. Here are some ways to actively practice negotiation: Role-Playing: Engage in role-playing exercises to simulate negotiation scenarios and practice your communication skills. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to identify areas for improvement. Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from colleagues, clients, or mentors who have observed your negotiation skills. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives and help you refine your approach. Continual Learning: Stay updated on negotiation techniques, theories, and best practices by reading books, attending workshops, or enrolling in negotiation courses. Apply the knowledge gained to enhance your negotiation skills.

115. Leadership Communication Leadership communication is the practice that leaders use to better understand and communicate with their team members. They use leadership communication to present ideas, strategize and gather feedback. Leaders can practice leadership communication to understand how they're being perceived and improve the quality of communication between each employee and themselves.

116. Leadership Communication Inspires team If a leader delivers messages clearly, they can inspire their team to take action in a situation. Effective leadership can encourage growth, motivate success and improve profitability. If the leader has a certain goal, they can communicate their vision and a plan for how each team member can be a part of achieving the goal.

117. Leadership Communication Builds confidence in leadership skills Practicing leadership communication can help build leadership skills. If a leader develops a pattern of using communication effectively, it can increase their confidence when speaking with employees. Confidence, even if just in appearance, can help leaders communicate more effectively to their team members.

118. Leadership Skills Convey ideas more effectively Good communication principles can help a leader convey their ideas. They can prioritize, emphasize and explain their messages so that employees receive an easy-to-understand message from their leader. This can help clarify project details, safety procedures, goal-setting and individual responsibilities.

119. Leadership Skills Prioritization One aspect of leadership communication is how you choose to prioritize your requests to your employees or team members. To improve your communication, you can create prioritized plans of action so that information reaches your employees in a scheduled order. This helps eliminate confusion and adds efficiency by sending action requests in a logical order. For example, when communicating a new project, you should first explain the task before reviewing the resources they need for completion. If you request actions in the correct order, there's less chance of wasted work.

120. Leadership Skills Allow and use feedback Ask for feedback to see how you might improve your communication methods and abilities. This can help you identify both your strengths and weaknesses concerning leadership. Consider seeking feedback from team members, supervisors and peers. Make sure you're visible and approachable so employees feel they can offer you feedback and suggest ideas for improvement. Use employee reviews, surveys or a team comment box as an opportunity to request feedback on your leadership abilities.

121. Leadership Skills Practice positive language Positive language can help improve your perception as a leader. Employees may be more responsive to confident or encouraging words in speeches, presentations and conversations. Leading with positivity in words and actions can also help you improve the mood and atmosphere of your department and promote productivity.

122. Leadership Skills Address the individual As a leader, it's important to individualize your management, strategies and responsibilities by addressing your individual employees as much as possible. The more employees you lead, the harder it may be to think individually and empathize with your team. However, taking time to speak to each employee about instructions, project directions and expectations may help them better understand and respond honestly to you. Additionally, by working individually and taking time to listen to their feedback, you can improve your management methodology.

123. Continuous Improvement and Application Creating a personal development plan for ongoing language improvement is a great way to enhance your communication skills. Here’s a structured approach you can follow: 1. Set Clear Goals: Short-term Goals: Focus on immediate areas for improvement, such as expanding vocabulary, improving pronunciation, or mastering key phrases. Long-term Goals: Aim for fluency, cultural understanding, or professional language use in your field of work.

124. Continuous Improvement and Application 2. Develop Skills: Listening: Listen to podcasts, music, or watch movies in the target language. Speaking: Practice speaking regularly, use language learning apps, or join speaking courses. Reading: Read articles, books, or other materials in the language. Writing: Keep a journal, write essays, or correspond with a friend.

125. Continuous Improvement and Application 4. Practice Consistently: Dedicate a specific time each day for language practice. Engage in active learning by taking notes and summarizing what you learn. 5. Measure Progress: Take regular language proficiency tests to gauge your improvement. Reflect on your ability to understand and communicate in different scenarios. 6. Seek Feedback: Get feedback from native speakers, teachers, or through language learning communities.

126. Key takeaways

127. English Language Communication Skills