Communication Skills Course - one day

Course Content

We tailor all our courses to reflect the needs of the delegates on the day. The course content may include many of the exercises listed below, and any additional material that the trainers feel is relevant.

Everything we do is participative and interactive. There will be work in pairs, small group work, games, processes and exercises designed to stimulate, challenge and develop people's knowledge and skills.

Communications Dynamics

How does communication really work?

This is an introduction to the dynamics of face-to-face communication.

We look at what affects people and how you can be more in charge of situations.

Vocal Tone

Tone of voice is a really powerful tool.

We will identify your default style and consider how that tone affects the way you're perceived.

Practice how to achieve the tone you choose and learn to do so consistently.

Words Words Words

Have fun looking at ways to deliberately mangle our message and bury its meaning under waffle, padding and jargon.

If we know how to make our communications worse, we can also see how to make them clearer.

Body Language

We have a variety of exercises to demonstrate the power and control the listener has, through body language and attitude.

Making ourselves consciously aware of our options means that we can remain on a front foot when it comes to communicating effectively.

History

Peoples previous experiences really affect how they hear and see things.

Knowing your own and others histories means you can make small changes to your words, tone and body language that can make a big difference.

Head Stuff

Miscommunication seems to happen most when we base what we do on assumptions, perceptions and misconceptions rather than upon objective fact.

After exploring why and how it happens, we will look at what you can do about it.

Environment

Where you are when you are talking to someone can have a huge effect on how things go.

Watercooler - My Office - Over Coffee - Their Workplace

Geography

There is much that can be achieved by simply paying attention to where you are in relation to the other person.

Do you sit opposite or beside?

Are you standing over or sitting next to?

Communication Cycle

Nobody listens if they don't feel they've been heard.

People will say they agree to things and then not implement them.

Find out how to keep people in the communication cycle.

Timing

How does it help or hinder us? When are the best and worst times for you? What about for those you want to speak with?

We will have some fun looking at what happens when we don't consider if it's the right time to have that conversation.

Difficult Situations

Throughout the day you will have applied some of our exercises to real-life experiences.

Here we will look to recreate difficult communications and change the outcome.

Your Strengths

Everyone will give a brief description of what they already do well and what they know works about them.

You will also get hear how others have seen your strengths during the day.

Support Plan

An individual Plan of Action identifying your personal take-outs, what you will practise and areas for development.

You will identify what will stop you putting this into practice and what support you need going forward.

We will give out Impact Factory documents to support the course.

You'll get copies relevant hand-outs to remind you of the Coursework.

Ongoing Support

Two weeks after the course one of your trainers will call to see how you are getting on.

You will have email and telephone access to both of your trainers.

You'll also have access to a course web page containing

• Handouts used during the course
• New supportive material
• Impact Factory PDF documents
• Recommended reading
• Links to our favourite videos
• Photos of the day

Communication Skills Course