The Communication Connection

On the QT Newsletter, The Communication Connection
April 1, 2008
TestYourTalking.pdf

Did you know? Students’ ability to converse has a huge impact on their success after graduation … according to a study from Stanford University School of Business. In fact, good verbal communication skills top the list of competencies employers seek in new hires and those they want to advance. Since employees can expect to spend about 1/3 of their workplace communication time talking, good oral communication skills are critical. How well are your students able to reach out to others and speak spontaneously? This “Test Your Talking” activity will give your students some clues about their ability to talk in a variety of situations and offers them an opportunity to reflect on how to improve those skills.

Try this:
Ask some questions about workplace communication. (What is the number one skill employers’ seek? How much of your communication time do you spend talking?… )

Distribute the “Test Your Talking” activity attached.

Give students time to complete the survey.Have students explain to the person sitting closest to them how they plan to improve their oral communication skills.

Discuss oral communication skills and list on the board students’ suggestions on ways to build these skills.
For an additional self-assessment and tips for becoming a better oral communicator – and team player, assign or discuss the questions and best responses to this online quiz.

Want More:
Spending just 10 minutes talking to another person can help improve your memory and your performance on tests. For more on the kind of communication skills needed in the workplace, try here. Toastmasters can help your students learn to speak up. Find Toastmasters groups in your area and share that information with your students.

Quik Quote: Join Toastmasters. Oral communication skills count. Tom Peters