MPU 3273/ LANG 2128/ BLC 221: Professional Communication
MPU 3273/ LANG 2128/ BLC 221: Professional Communication
MPU 3273/ LANG 2128/ BLC 221: Professional Communication
PROFESSIONAL
COMMUNICATION
1. Listening Skills
2. Giving Instructions
3. Receiving Instructions
The Importance of Listening Skills
Calvin Coolidge
30th U.S. President
(1923-1929)
Types of Listening
1.
Listening is a matter of intelligence.
FACT: Careful listening is a learned behavior.
2.
Speaking is more important than listening
in the communication process.
FACT: Speaking and listening are equally important.
Misconceptions about Listening
3.
Listening is easy and requires little energy.
FACT: Active listeners undergo the same physiological
changes as a person jogging.
4.
Listening and hearing are the same process.
FACT: Listening is a conscious, selective process.
Hearing is an involuntary act.
Misconceptions about Listening
5.
Speakers are able to command listening.
FACT: Speakers cannot make a person really listen.
6.
Hearing ability determines listening ability.
FACT: Listening happens mentallybetween the ears.
Misconceptions about Listening
7.
Speakers are totally responsible for communication success.
FACT: Communication is a two-way street.
8.
Listening is only a matter of understanding a speakers words.
FACT: Nonverbal signals also help listeners gain understanding.
Misconceptions about Listening
9.
Daily practice eliminates the need for listening training.
FACT: Without effective listening training, most practice
merely reinforces negative behaviors.
10.
Competence in listening develops naturally.
FACT: Untrained people listen at only 25 percent efficiency.
Building Powerful Listening Skills
Concentrate on listening.
Control your surroundings.
Keep an open mind.
Listen for main points.
Use quickness of mind to review.
Building Powerful Listening Skills
Giving Instructions
Good instructions are simple instructions. Always explain
the simplest way to do the task and leave out unnecessary details that
could be confusing.
When repeating instructions, try to use the same words used the first
time.
Admit if you do not know something, and tell the listener that you will
get back to him or her when you have the correct information. Always
follow through with your promise.
Giving Instructions
Receiving Instructions
When receiving instructions, focus your attention on the supervisor or
coworker who is giving instructions.
Having the ability to understand instructions shows that you are on the
way to success on the job. Pay attention to the words used.
Ask for clarification if you dont understand something. Check with
the speaker and repeat the instructions in your own words to make
sure that you understand.
Watch the steps closely when someone shows you how to do a task.