1. Am I Saying What I Think Im Saying?: Effective Communication
Dubuque Circles Initiative Leadership Track Series
2. We send from 100-300 messages a day. These include the
message we intend to send; the message we actually send; the
message as the hearer interprets it; the response of the hearer
based on what he or she heard; and our reaction to the exchange of
words, meaning and interpretation.
3. What is Communication? Its more than just spitting out words
The process of communication is what allows us to interact with
other people Without it, we would be unable to share knowledge or
experiences with anything outside of ourselves Communication
includes: Speaking Writing Gestures Touch Broadcasting
4. Why Is Communication Important? Helps group members build
trust and respect, foster learning and accomplish goals Are
important tools for sharing ideas, feelings and commitments Allows
a diverse group of people to be able to understand the issues and
make decisions for effective change Employers hire effective
communicators
5. NOT ALL COMMUNICATION IS ALIKE.
6. Food for Thought
7. Effective vs. Ineffective Communication Effective
Communication I Statements Non-Evaluative Statements Tactful
Statements Asking/Requesting Honest Statements Taking Statements
Ineffective Communication You Statements Evaluative/Judgment
Statements Tactless Statements Demanding Dishonest Statements
Blaming/Giving Shoulds
8. 5 Habits of Highly Effective Communicators Mind the say-do
gap Make the complex simple Find your own voice Be visible Listen
with your eyes as well as your ears
9. PROCESS FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
10. Step 1: Acknowledge Thoughts, Ideas or Feelings First Show
your readiness to listen by recognizing and hearing the thoughts,
ideas, and feelings of the other person Use nods, uh-huhs, and
comments that indicate you recognize the validity of the speakers
feelings
11. Step 2: Say It In Different Words Paraphrase what the other
person is saying by repeating what the speaker is saying in your
own words, without adding anything not there in the first place
Paraphrasing lets the other person know you are trying to
understand It clarifies the communication and slows the pace of the
conversation
12. Step 3: Ask Open-Ended Questions Ask for help when you get
lost in a conversation Test your interpretation of what the speaker
is saying Ask relevant, open-ended questions beginning with what,
how, please explain, or describe
13. Step 4: Summarize & Clarify Pull together what you have
heard Make sure you understand the speakers intent Avoid the trap
of selective perception React to the real reaction, not the
predetermined reaction Getting clear can help the speaker clarify
possible choices
14. Step 5: Give an Opinion Do this with caution Ask whether
the speaker is willing or wants to hear your opinion Dont give it
if the speaker declines
15. COMMUNICATION GOES BEYOND JUST WORDS
16. The Communication Equation Heard See or Feel Words
17. Body Language Eye contact Sustained 5-10 seconds Asks for
acknowledgement Posture Stand tall Balance weight forward Relax
Hands Natural gestures Waist or higher No hands in pockets
18. Blocks to Effective Communication Me-too-ism, such as Thats
nothing, let me tell you what happened to me! Moralizing,
preaching, being judgmental. Asking a direct question to satisfy
your curiosity Giving advice Consolation comments, such as Its
going to be all right Arguing or disagreeing with the speaker
Analyzing or interrupting
