Fundamental Communication Skills Training
Curriculum Outline and Learning Objectives
1. Basic communication skills training overview
- Introductions/expectations
- Review agenda
- Communications self-assessment
- The 12 Rules of Respectful Communications
- Practice
2. Basics of Communication Skills Training
- Qualities of great communicators
- Clarity of purpose: Why are we communicating and what are we trying to accomplish?
- Elements of communication (non-verbal, extra-verbal and verbal)
- Verbal communication check points: Vocabulary, pronunciation & speed
- Written communications basics (email, texting, etc.)
- Practice
3. Developing Good Listening Skills
- Barriers to effective listening
- Active listening description and practice
- “Can I trust you?” – How to engender trust by listening
- Overcoming bias and prejudice while listening
- Practice
4. Managing the Emotional Side of Communications
- How emotions affect what we say and hear
- “It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it!”
- Learning when NOT to communicate
- Public speaking & “the jitters”
- Communicating with myself: How self-talk influences both our emotions and our outcomes
- Practice
5. When communications gets off track
- Dealing with difficult people
- Defusing hostility in communications
- Professional communication danger zones:
- Harassment
- Bullying and intimidation
- Personal boundaries
6. Wrap up, review and lessons learned
- Communications best practices