The document discusses effective communication skills and provides tips for improvement. It outlines different types of communication, including formal, informal, spoken, written, and nonverbal communication. Barriers to effective communication can be personal, organizational, or related to the communication process. Some ways to overcome these barriers include practicing pronunciation, reading regularly, understanding before communicating, and not being afraid to ask questions. The importance of listening skills, speaking skills such as clarity, and writing skills like planning and proofreading are also covered.

1. Improving your skills to communicate better Effective Communications Mahieash Johnney IFRC – Communications & Reporting Manager Summarized presentation

2. Research shows that communication is ...

3. to express our emotions achieve joint understanding to get things done pass on and obtain information reach decisions develop relationships Why communication?

4. Ways & effects of Communication Formal Less flexible, more accurate but less responsive most of the time... (business emails, reports, memos) Informal More flexible, less accurate but responsive (gossip, text, chatting)

5. What is Communication? Art of getting your message across effectively through: Spoken words – first & simple way Body language – can make or mar Written words – reflects importance Visuals – leaves greatest impact

6. Communication The flow.. Message Feedback Sender Formulating Channel Delivery Receiver Perception Understanding Response

7. Is scarcer than quality water Is measured by results or actions Does not need to be very complex Is aimed at informing others Is complete and clear Effective Communicatioon

8. Personal Barriers Your style and character (rude, polite, shy, outspoken) Preparation & presentation Lack of clarity (pronunciation, pitch, etc.) Lack of credibility Timing Barriers To effective communication

9. Proper Pronunciation Communication Help Pen Buffalo Career Guest Colonel Buffet Bouquet Rendezvous Bulb Fax Somaratne Devotees Ramanayake Barriers To effective communication

10. Organizational Barriers Culture Environment Size & structure Pace of activity Barriers To effective communication

11. Process Barriers Channel/Medium Irrelevant Information loading Lack of Response or Feedback Inappropriate Questions Barriers To effective communication

12. Say to yourself, “I will get Response” Come up with a topic for discussion everyday Start improving upon pronunciation Develop habit of reading – start with the English newspaper / Comics Understand first, then communicate Don’t be afraid of asking questions Overcoming the barriers

13. Say to yourself, “I will get Response” Come up with a topic for discussion everyday Start improving upon pronunciation Develop habit of reading – start with the English newspaper / Comics Understand first, then communicate Don’t be afraid of asking questions Overcoming the barriers

14. Ways & effects of Communication Facial Expressions Gestures Posture Body language

15. Body language Frustration Clearing throat, "whew" sound, Whistling, smoking, pinching flesh covering mouth, jiggling money or keys, tugging ears, wringing hands. Short breaths, "tsk" sound, tightly clenched hands, wringing hands, Fist like gestures pointing index finger rubbing hand through hair rubbing back of neck. Nervousness

16. Body language Confidence Cooperation Upper body in sprinter's position, open hands, sitting on edge of chair, hand to face gestures, unbuttoning coat. Steeple hands, hands behind back, back stiffened, hands in coat pockets with thumb out, hands on tapels of coat

17. Ways & effects of Communication Speaking Skills

18. Speaking skills “ A wise man reflects before he speaks; a fool speaks, and then reflects on what he has uttered.” - French Proverb.

19. Ways & effects of Communication Writing Skills

20. Speaking skills Clarity in Writing… Rs 1000000000 Rs. 100,000,000/- Rs. 100 million

21. Speaking skills While Writing… Use simple language – avoid ambiguous words Reread the letter when you have finished Plan what you want to say in your letter/ report Check spelling & punctuation, then send

22. Speaking skills Visualize the reader when you are writing Don’t write unbroken paragraphs Use numbered paragraphs to make cross-referencing easier Punctuation plays the role of body language in writing Keep in mind while writing

23. Ways & effects of Communication Listening Skills

24. Listening skills to receive information to understand effectively to enhance clarity to empathize Objective of Listening is…

25. “ I HEAR, I forget I SEE, I remember I DO, I understand” Remember

26. THANK YOU!