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