Academic Research and Communication Skills

AYEL9001

April 2013 Lecturer: Diana Coelho

Academic Research

and

Communication Skills

An academic research paper is a genre of writing that emphasizes the combination of personal insights and secondary material gathered through focused research and investigation of a particular topic.

Being able to communicate with others is one of the best life skills a person can develop. Someone who can effectively communicate thoughts, ideas, and feelings is better equipped for success both on the job and in personal relationships.

Communication is a series of experiences of

Smell
Hearing

Seeing

Taste
Touch

Effective communication is much more than being able to talk; it is also the ability to listen and understand others, to read and interpret body language and to know the best ways to get our points across.

To be a better speaker: Be considerate. Dont dominate the conversation by talking only about yourself. Use questions to probe the persons feelings or opinions on the topic of conversation. Speak clearly. Dont mumble or talk in the opposite direction of the listener. Also, use words that you know the listener might understand.

Stay focused on the conversation. Doing something else while you are talking, such as typing or working on a car, sends a message to the listener that you dont think the conversation is worthy of your full attention, and it could inhibit the listeners responses to what you say. Be brief. Dont over talk a point. It may cause the other person to lose interest in the conversation.
Learn to read the listener. If the other person seems inattentive or uncomfortable, it is probably not a good time to be carrying on a conversation. Recommend having the conversation at another time.

To be a better listener: Eliminate distractions. If you find it hard to concentrate because of your surroundings, move to another area or schedule another time to talk. Make time to listen. If you are in a hurry or dont have time, let the speaker know and schedule another time to talk. Better to delay the conversation than to risk having an important conversation cut short. Practice reflective listening. Repeat what you think the speaker said to ensure you heard the speaker correctly. This is called reflective listening and it is identified by statements as If I understand you correctly reflective listening gives the speaker a chance to clarify a point and ensures that both the speaker and the listener are on the same page. Listen for understanding. If you dont understand what is being said, dont by shy or embarrassed to ask questions. It is better to ask for clarification than to risk a misunderstanding that could lead to problems later on. Wait for the speaker to finish. Dont interrupt, even when its apparent the person speaking is gathering his/her thoughts. Pay attention to what is being said. When someone is speaking, dont spend that time preparing your remarks or working on a project listen. Keep eye contact. Doing so shows that you are interested in what is being said, which may encourage the speaker to express him/herself more freely.

Most Common Ways to Communicate

Speaking Writing Visual Image

Body Language

Types of Communication
On the basis of organization relationship
Formal Informal

On the basis of Expression

Oral Written Gesture

Communication Goals
To change behavior
To get action To ensure understanding To persuade

To get and give information

Barriers to Communication
Semantic Barriers Emotional Or Psychological Barriers Organizational Barriers Barriers in Superiors Cultural Barriers

Semantic Barriers
Symbols with different meaning Badly expressed message Faulty translation Unclarified assumption Specialists language

Organization Barriers
Organizational policy Organization rules & regulation Status relation Complexity in organization

Personal Barriers
Barriers in Superior
Attitude of Superior Fear of challenge of authority Lack of time Lack of awareness

Barriers in Subordinates
Unwillingness to communicate Lack of proper incentive

Communication Process
Communication is the process of sending and receiving information among people
Feedback

receiver Use of channel to transmit the message

sender

SENDER

RECEIVER

Noise

Communication code scheme

Communication Involves Three Components

Verbal Messages - the words we choose Paraverbal Messages - how we say the words Nonverbal Messages - our body language These Three Components Are Used To Send Clear, Concise Messages Receive and Correctly Understand Messages Sent to Us

SENDING MESSAGES

Effective Verbal Messages Are brief, succinct, and organized Are free of jargon Do not create resistance in the listener

Nonverbal Messages
Nonverbal messages are the primary way that we communicate emotions

Facial Expression

Postures and Gestures

Paraverbal Messages
Paraverbal communication refers to the messages that we transmit through the tone, pitch, and pacing of our voices.

RECEIVING MESSAGES
Listening Requires concentration and energy Involves a psychological connection with the speaker Includes a desire and willingness to try and see things from another's perspective Requires that we suspend judgment and evaluation

Key Listening Skills

Nonverbal Giving full physical attention to the speaker; Being aware of the speaker's nonverbal messages; Verbal Paying attention to the words and feelings that are being expressed

What makes a good communicator?

Clarity
Adequacy

Integrity

Timing

How do you develop your communication skills? Explore the related skills

Deepti Singh

Tips to good communication skills

Maintain eye contact with the audience Body awareness Gestures and expressions Convey one's thoughts Practice effective communication skills

Effective Communication . . .
It is two way. It involves active listening. It reflects the accountability of speaker and listener. It utilizes feedback. It is free of stress. It is clear.