Module Two verbal communication skills. Words are powerful tools of communication. Indeed, word choice can easily influence the thoughts, attitudes and behavior of the people listening to us. Similarly, proper attention to the language of others can give us insight to what it is that they are really saying, helping us to respond appropriately and effectively. In this module, we will discuss important verbal communication skills like the art of listening, asking questions and communicating with power. listening and hearing, they aren't the same thing.

Most people can hear, but few can really listen. Hearing is simply the process of perceiving sounds within our environment. The best way to illustrate hearing is through the biological process involved in sensory perception. Specifically, our ears pick up sound waves around us send signals to our brain. And our brain, in turn tells us what the sound is and where it's coming from. Listening on the other hand, goes beyond simply picking up stimuli around us and identifying what these things are listening involves the extra steps of really understanding what we heard and giving it deliberate attention and thoughtful consideration.

It may be said that listening involves a more active participation from a person than simply hearing. Here is an example to illustrate the difference between hearing and listening. A Secretary entered her boss's office in presented her boss with a copy of the schedule for the next day. The Secretary told the boss that she has a packed day for tomorrow and that she only has an hour of break time for the whole afternoon. The boss busy studying a report merely nodded to the secretary in motion for her to place the schedule on her desk. The boss continue to study as if there were no interruption.

In this case, the boss simply heard what the Secretary said the boss paid just enough attention to make an appropriate but non committal reaction at the boss been listening her reaction would have been different. She would have set aside the report she was reading and paid 100% attention to what the Secretary was saying. She could also have processed the implication of the message. For instance, upon learning That she had a packed day ahead, she could have arranged for her lunch to be delivered or noted to herself that she needs to get a good night's sleep. Taking the extra step to move from hearing to listening can enhance a person's interpersonal relationships in many ways. Listening promotes a more accurate and deeper understanding of a person's communication, helping a responder to provide the most appropriate response.

But more so when you're listening to a person you communicate to them that you value not just what they are saying, but their presence as well. Asking questions. If communication is the exchange of information between two or more people, then questions are a way to elicit the specific information that you were looking for. But more so well crafted questions make for an engaging conversation. It can establish rapport spark interest and curiosity and others, break new grounds and communicate your own sincerity and learning what people around you have to say. Here are some tips in asking questions effectively.

Ask First of all, don't Be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes shyness concern over making a foe pot or fear of being perceived as a busybody can keep us from asking questions. Well, some subject matters are not appropriate conversation pieces in the early stages of a conversation. We will discuss this later in the section on levels of conversation. There's nothing wrong in asking questions per se. Start with your inherent curiosity about people.

If you're genuinely interested in a person, you won't run out of things to ask. Ask open questions. There are two kinds of questions based on the scope of the answers they elicit, closed and open questions. Closed questions are questions answerable by Yes or no? example. Are you happy with today's presentation?

Open questions, on the other hand are questions that require a qualified response. open questions are usually preceded by who, when, where, what, how and why. Example. What is it about today's presentation that you find most engaging? open questions are more effective than closed questions because they evoke thoughtful consideration of the subject and creative thinking. Ask purposeful questions.

There are different reasons why we ask questions, and it is important that we take note of our purpose in asking a question. Doing so can help us frame our questions better and keep the questions relevant. For example, we can ask questions with a goal of making the other person feel at ease. Questions like these should be phrased in a pleasant non threatening manner and involve subjects that the other person is likely to be interested in example, that's a lovely blouse, where did you get it? Some questions are designed to challenge the other person's thinking and encourage a lively debate or deliberation. Questions like these should be phrased in a way that is focused and process oriented.

It can also challenge existing assumptions about the subject matter. Example, how do you think a leader can better motivate his team? In other times questions are meant to encourage a person to join an existing discussion. The goal of these questions is to invite participation as much as gained information example I find Matthew's approach very refreshing. What do you think Frank? For better effectiveness.

Think of what you and the person you're talking to needs in your stage of relationship and ask him or her questions that can address that need. Communication with power. Powering communication refers to the ability to influence, persuade or make an impact. A powerful communication is associated with self confidence, credibility and effectiveness. The following are some ways you can communicate with power verbally. Stick to the point.

Powerful communication is not about staying as many things as you can in a given period of time. Rather, it is about sticking to what is relevant to the discussion and getting your message across in the shortest, but most impact laden way possible. Get rid of filters like um, you know, or actually in your delivery, and avoid off topic statements. Just provide the bare bones, the ideas your audience would be most interested in knowing or the ones that promote your intentions. Best. Don't be too casual.

Note that phrasing appropriate when talking with friends is not necessarily appropriate for business related meats. The use of slang, street talk and poor grammar can detract from your credibility, especially if you're mingling with potential clients employers in business partners. events that require you to come across as impressive may require the use of industry specific jargon and the formal tone so adjust accordingly. Emphasize key ideas. Trust the highlights of your communication. For example, people who are delivering a sales pitch should emphasize the main features of their product or service.

Those who are presenting their opinion on an issue should explain the crux of their argument and build from there. Even if you're merely expressing interest or Congratulations, make sure the person you're talking to would remember what you have to say. emphasis in verbal communication comes in many ways, including repetition of key points, giving specific examples, accenting particular adjectives or nouns, or even directly saying that this is really a point I want to emphasize tailor fit your communication to your audience. A powerful communication is one that connects with one's audience. In this case, minding the readiness, attention, age and educational level of your audience is very important so that you don't overwhelm or underwhelmed them. social skills are primarily about flexibility.

The better you can adjust to changes in your audience profile, the better off you'll be. Connect. Powering communication is sometimes determined by the quality of your report with others. You may need to warm up your audience, make them comfortable and show them that you sincerely wants to talk with them. The more others see you as one of them, the better their reception of anything that you have to say will be your nonverbal communication can be a big help in connecting with others.