What are communicating, listening, presenting, and speaking as competencies?
Communication and the ability to communicate
- What are the different forms of communication?
- What does it mean to give a presentation?
- What does it mean to be skilled in conversation?
- At what level can you communicate?
- What does it mean to listen and to convey a message?
- What does it mean to send and receive information effectively and efficiently?
- What does it mean to effectively communicate?
What are the different forms of communication?
The competency of 'communication' can manifest in various forms, such as the ability to give presentations, engage in conversations, or write texts.
What does it mean to give a presentation?
- You can convey your own vision, ideas, or opinions to others in a clear, distinct, and engaging or enthusiastic manner.
- You make effective use of presentation tools, such as an interactive whiteboard, a projector (and screen), a flip chart, a whiteboard, etc.
- You employ a logical structure, ensuring your presentation has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- You are capable of delivering a coherent, clear argument that distinguishes between primary points and secondary details.
- You know how to capture the attention of your audience—for instance, by keeping your message concise, using well-tailored examples, employing an engaging narrative style, and maintaining an enthusiastic attitude.
What does it mean to be skilled in conversation?
- The ability to structure, manage, and intervene in conversations in a way that effectively achieves the intended outcome.
- You demonstrate proficiency in listening, summarizing, and asking follow-up questions.
- You provide structure to a conversation: an introduction, objective, approach, a clear beginning/middle/end, and a conclusion.
- You prepare for important conversations.
- You can articulate the objective and the intended approach.
At what level can you communicate?
The degree to which you have mastered the competency of 'communication' can be categorized into progressive levels:
- Listening and conveying messages
- Sending and receiving information
- Fostering a positive communication environment
What does it mean to listen and to convey a message?
- You create a clear and logical structure for information through its form and organization; you are to-the-point and avoid unnecessary digressions.
- You use language that is appropriate for the message and the target audience, avoiding superfluous technical jargon.
- You demonstrate interest and engagement, and you listen actively to others; you ask for their opinions, advice, and well-being.
- When providing explanations, you remain calm and confident, ensuring that your message is fully understood by the other person.
Verbal:
You speak calmly and clearly (paying attention to pace, volume, and articulation), effectively utilizing words, gestures, and other aids.
Written:
You write clearly, concisely, and without errors (in terms of word choice, spelling, and grammar).
What does it mean to send and receive information effectively and efficiently?
- You present yourself with ease and establish connections within diverse social and multicultural environments.
- You can construct a logical argument and maintain the attention of others.
- You verify whether your message has been understood by the target audience.
- You remain open to discussion.
- You recognize both verbal and non-verbal communication.
What does it mean to effectively communicate?
- You are attentive to the needs, interests, emotions, and perspectives of others, and you anticipate these by adapting your verbal and non-verbal communication style.
- You can make complex topics understandable for others.
- You encourage others to communicate clearly.
- You promote communication among those around you.
