Communication classes that build connections and culture
How to Give Constructive Feedback
Alisa Cohn
Executive coach and author of From Start-Up to Grown-Up
Communicating to Transform
All too often, when announcing a new initiative or trying to facilitate change, leaders launch into a series of directives. But people aren’t moved by directives; instead, they seek purpose and rely on stories to connect with it. In this communication class from persuasion expert Nancy Duarte, learners will master the art of storytelling to motivate others.
- Help Your Audience Adopt Your Perspective
- Use a Persuasive Story Pattern
- Formal Presentation Techniques
- The Tools of Great Communicators
- Empathize with the audience.
- Motivate through storytelling.
- Express ideas succinctly and powerfully.
- Use symbols and ritual to inspire.
Constructing Powerful Arguments
Reza Aslan, religious scholar and bestselling author, is an expert in verbal sparring. With a reputation for never backing down from a debate, he wins not by overpowering his opponents with a barrage of facts. Instead, he plays on their field of argument, draws them out with Socratic questioning, and enwraps data in emotion. In Constructing Powerful Arguments, learners uncover each of these tools and more.
- Play on Your Opponent’s Field
- Get on the Same Page to Have Meaningful Conversations
- Wield Your Data in an Emotional Way
- Use the Socratic Method
- Define your terms.
- Better understand another person’s position.
- Use the Socratic method to allay disagreement.
- Tie data and emotional appeal into a powerful argument.
The Science of Receiving Feedback
There’s only one good reason to give feedback: to empower someone to grow and do their best possible work. But too often our intentions in giving and receiving feedback become skewed, and a learning opportunity transforms into a contest of wills. In this communication class, Sheila Heen, negotiation professor at Harvard, shares a better way.
- Understanding the Three Reaction Triggers
- The Three Types of Feedback
- Interpreting Feedback
- Seeing Your Blind Spots
- Sensitivity Factors
- Recognize the different types of feedback.
- Use “reaction triggers” to give and receive feedback.
- Learn how to interpret feedback clearly and more accurately.
- Adopt a healthier mindset regarding critique and praise.
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How communication classes can improve interactions in the workplace
Developing effective communication skills in the workforce is crucial for the success of any business. From writing emails to giving presentations, employees need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely in order to be effective in their roles. While some employees may have natural communication skills, others may need help honing their abilities. That’s where communication classes come in.
What skills do employees learn in communication classes?
Feeling comfortable communicating with a boss, one’s peers, and direct reports is key to maintaining a positive and productive work environment. Read on to learn five skills employees should learn to become effective communicators.
Active listening
Being an active listener means being present in the moment, and not just waiting for the next turn to talk. In communication classes, employees learn ways to give a speaker their full attention, such as making eye contact and avoiding interjections. Employees can also learn how to ask clarifying questions that show they’re engaged in a conversation.
Nonverbal cues
Nonverbal cues such as posture and facial expressions can speak volumes about one’s thoughts and feelings. In communication classes, employees learn how to pay attention to these cues, which helps them better understand how the other person is feeling. They also learn how to use their own body language, for example, showing interest by nodding their head while the other person is speaking.
Storytelling
In today’s business world, it’s easy for leaders to become so focused on facts and figures that they forget the need for storytelling. Stories have the ability to connect the workforce on an emotional level. They can be a useful tool for everything from gaining buy-in for a new organizational vision, to persuading a potential investor.
Giving feedback
Delivering feedback can be difficult, but it’s essential for helping others grow in their roles. Employees must learn how to leave others feeling empowered rather than deflated after they give feedback. They should also develop the skills to collaborate on solutions rather than demanding their way. These are all traits that can be practiced in communication classes.
Tone of voice
A misinterpreted tone is all too often the source of miscommunications in the office. In communication classes, employees learn how their emotional state can come through in conversations, and when it’s necessary to step away and revisit a message after heightened feelings dissipate. They can also learn how to choose the right medium for their message – such as written or verbal – and be more conscious of their word choice.
Getting started
By offering training on topics like these, employees can learn the skills needed to be successful communicators. And when this happens, it can lead to a number of benefits for the entire organization. Employees who communicate concisely prevent misunderstandings, which saves time. Effective communicators also tend to be better at collaborating and problem-solving, which further improves productivity. These are just a few of the many benefits of offering communication classes in the workplace.