Course introduction

OVERVIEW
This self-directed online course offers a holistic understanding of personal communication:

• It looks at the process and runs through the many strategic issues which arise
• It sets out the steps to manage your actions to achieve effective and quality communication
• It will enlighten you about the impact of personality on the process
• It provides tools to help you develop as a communicator.

While the focus for this course is interpersonal communication, in the one to one or one to small group situation, the lessons covered can be applied to other modes of communication - print, advertising, broadcast etc.

Although verbal communication is the key focus of this material, written and non-verbal communications are also explored and where relevant reference is made to mass media forms.

SECTION OVERVIEW

The content is split into several sections.

The Communication Process

In the first section we explore interpersonal communication, consider the elements of the communication process, the nature of good communication and some of the main barriers encountered when trying to give clear messages to others.

Personality, Culture and Communication

Communication isn't simply a matter of the words that we use; our self concepts, our understanding of our role in relation to those we are trying to reach, our culture and the physical setting will all influence the words that we use and how we use them and, therefore, the message that eventually comes through to the hearer. In this section we explore this area of context to help you tailor messages to your environment and in particular match your behaviour to your words.

Styles of Communication (Language)

It's time to focus on 'not what we say, but, how that we say it'. We need to be aware of how the tone of voice, the inflection and emphasis all influence the message. In addition, we need to consider the styles of communication that we use in different situations.

The Core Skills (The Art of Communication)

There are a number of core skills needed for good communication - listening is one. In this section are a number of ways for you to improve your competence in the area of interpersonal skills.

Developing Your Communication

Communication has purpose. 'At the end of the day, when all is said and done, too much is said and too little done!' How can you develop your communication skills so that you are able to influence people and situations more effectively? This section provides some techniques for developing your skills in influence. The course  ends with some guidelines for effective communication in the 'work' environment, showing how the quality of our relationships can be effectively improved in our day-to-day situation through more sensitive interpersonal communication.

Just to recap, applying yourself to this content, the various exercises and by taking a systematic approach to all your communication should set you on the road to being an effective personal communicator.

By the end of the course you should have

• a clear understanding of the process of communication
• the knowledge and skills to manage the communication process
• an understanding of how to be a better communicator
• the confidence, skill and passion for communication with others.