Understand the common causes of communication breakdowns and create strategies to communicate more effectively.

British playwright George Bernard Shaw is attributed with saying, "The biggest problem with communication is the illusion we have achieved it." Too often, we assume that the people on the receiving end of our communication understand the messages we're trying to convey when they don't. This breakdown in communication often leads to problems in our personal and professional lives. After this course, you will be able to describe what it means to truly communicate with others, explain why communication is difficult to achieve, list common causes of breakdowns in communication, and create strategies to communicate more effectively.

Learning Objectives

• You will be able to recognize what it means to truly communicate with others.
• You will be able to identify why communication is difficult to achieve.
• You will be able to identify common causes of communication breakdowns.
• You will be able to identify strategies to communicate more effectively.

Agenda

What Is Communication?

• When the Sender of the Message and the Receiver of the Message Have the Same Understanding of the Message
• We Communicate to Gain a Desired Response From Our Audience
• You're an Effective Communicator If You're Getting the Responses You Want From Others

Why Communication Is Difficult to Achieve

• Our Personality, Gender, Culture, Age, Education, and a Variety of Other Things Create Our Communication Style
• Our Style Is Unique to Us
• It Is Difficult for People With Different Styles to Have the Same Understanding of Messages

Common Causes of Breakdowns in Communication

• Assuming Communication Is a Simple Process
• Not Understanding Communication Styles
• Not Tailoring the Message
• Not Using Appropriate Communication Methods
• Not Checking for Understanding
• No Follow Through
• Not Listening

Strategies to Communicate More Effectively

• Understand That Communication Is Difficult to Achieve
• Know How You Communicate
• Know Your Audience
• Remember the Reason for the Communication
• Tailor Your Message for Your Audience
• Use the Appropriate Communication Method
• Check for Understanding
• Follow Through
• Improve Your Listening Skills

Questions and Answers