L2 Communicating in Academic Situations

This lecture is given to you by MOHANAD MAMOORI

PLEASE DO NOT COPY THIS LECTURE FOR COMMERCIAL ISSUES.


Lecture 2: Communicating in academic situations

Communicate (English) from Latin: communicare = make common + share
English meaning : transmit information, thought, or feeling so that it is satisfactorily received or understood
Powerful skill for students, engineers, business man.

A good communicator is >>>

Listen effectively.
Present effectively.
Think effectively and quickly.
Negotiate effectively.

Major elements of communication process >>>

Sender: You
Ideas: opinion, attitude, feelings, views, orders, or suggestions.
Encoding: words, actions or pictures etc
Communication channel: information is transmitted to the receiver through certain channels: e-mail, memos, report, etc..
Receiver: who tries to understand the message (audiences).
Decoding: extract ideas meaning to his (listener) complete understanding.
Feedback: ensuring that the receiver has received the message


Effective communication >>>

Learn to Listen: Try not to think about what to say next whilst listening
Be Aware of Other Peoples Emotions: Be sympathetic to other people s misfortunes and congratulate their positive landmarks.
Empathise: trying to see things from the point-of-view of others.
Encourage: Offer words and actions of encouragement, as well as praise, to others. Make other people feel welcome, wanted, valued and appreciated in your communications.
Use Humour: Laughing releases endorphins that can help relieve stress and anxiety; most people like to laugh and will feel drawn to somebody who can make them laugh.
Treat People Equally: Always aim to communicate on an equal basis and avoid patronising people.
Attempt to Resolve Conflict: Learn to troubleshoot and resolve problems and conflicts as they arise.

Maintain a Positive Attitude and Smile: Few people want to be around someone who is frequently miserable. Do your best to be friendly, upbeat and positive with other people.
Minimise Stress: Some communication scenarios are, by their nature, stressful. Stress can however be a major barrier to effective communication, all parties should try to remain calm and focused.