Module 1 Promoting communication skills

Unit 1 What is communication
8 Topics
Topic 1 Definition
Topic 2 Process of communication
Topic 3 Communication models
Topic 4 Verbal communication
Topic 5 Non-verbal communication
Topic 6 Communication transversal-skills
Topic 7 Active Listening
Topic 8 Communication barriers
Unit 2 Strategies for Effective Communication targeting a group
10 Topics
Topic 1 Introduction
Topic 2 Create a safe learning environment with supportive relationships
Topic 3 More teamwork
Topic 4 Body language
Topic 5 Active listening
Topic 6 Feedback
Topic 7 Sense of humor
Topic 8 Technical skills
Topic 9 Be clear
Topic 10 The keys to good communication
Unit 3 Communicating with Students
7 Topics
Topic 1 Introduction
Topic 2 Importance of communication at low school age
Topic 3 Ways to connect with your students
Topic 4 The first five minutes
Topic 5 Participating in out-of-school activities
Topic 6 Being available
Topic 7 Confidentiality
Unit 4 Communicating with Parents
7 Topics
Topic 1 Effective communication with parents
Topic 2 Listening to parents
Topic 3 Speaking with parents
Topic 4 Communicating with respect
Topic 5 Raising concerns with parents
Topic 6 Dealing with concerns raised by parents
Topic 7 Communicating with Colleagues
Unit 5 Communicate in emergencies
3 Topics
Topic 1 Introduction
Topic 2 Principles for effective communications in emergencies
Topic 3 Use a planning process that incorporates effective risk communication principles in your organization
References
Independent study (self-study)
3 Topics
Activity 1
Activity 2
Activity 3
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Topic 5 Non-verbal communication

Module 1 Promoting communication skills Unit 1 What is communication Topic 5 Non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication shows how messages are communicated.

It can show if you are honest or feeling uncomfortable. It indicates whether the tone of your voice supports your words or you are all talk and no substance. Through non-verbal communication credibility and trust can be built.

The stance of your body plays an important role as it will either encourage or discourage others to speak to you. An open stance with open arms and relaxed legs as well as a friendly tone will make you appear more approachable.

In addition, eye contact is crucial in non-verbal communication as looking a person in the eye shows that you are focused on him/her and the conversation.

Since non-verbal cues convey feelings or covert behaviours it is essential to pay attention to your own body language as well as to others’.

 , the human face creates thousands of expressions which reveal hundreds of different emotional states. Several behaviors and emotions as well as the non-verbal cues that convey them:

  • Trustworthiness : Looking someone in the eye
  • Happiness : Upturned mouth, slightly closed eyes
  • Fear : Open mouth, wide-eyed stare
  • Lack of trust : Shifty eyes, pursed lips
  • Upright character : Head back, back straight
  • Good listener : Repetition of the other person’s posture
  • Confident : Solid eye-contact, smiling, standing tall, shoulders back, slow and clear speech, moderate to low tone of voice.
  • Defensive : Little eye-contact or downcast, minimal facial expressions, arms crossed in front of the body, body posture turned away
  • Interested and engaged : Eyes look away and engaged contact when responding, finger stroking on chin, hand to cheek
  • Lying : Little or no eye-contact/rapid eye-movements with pupils constricted, hands/fingers in front of mouth when speaking, body posture turned away, breathing rate increases, complexion changes (red face/neck), perspiration increases, voice changes in pitch, throat clearing. Eyes glazed or glazing elsewhere, hands picking at something/fiddling, head down

One of the most important nonverbal communication modes is body Language

Body language conveys non-verbal cues and it is also a means of communication.

Eye contact, facial expressions, and posture send silent messages in communication.

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