Effective Communication & Soft Skills : Strategies For Success

Cover
Contents
Introduction
About the Editors
Chapter 1: Soft Skills: Growing Importance
	Introduction
	Hard Skills
	Soft Skills
	Categories of Skills
		Essential Skills
		Management Skills
		Leadership Skills
		Contextual Skills
	The Importance of Soft Skills
	The Learners and the Learning
	Soft Skills—A Prerequisite for a Teacher
	Role of Teachers in Inculcating Soft Skills in Students
	Skill Acquisition
	Soft Skills Education and Training
	Summary
	References
Chapter 2: Understanding Communication
	Introduction
	What is Communication?
	Some Definitions of Communication
	Dimensions of Communication
		Intrapersonal Communication
		Interpersonal Communication
		Group Communication
		Mass Communication
	Communication Sequence
	Models of Communication
		The Action View: the Bull’s-Eye Theory
		The Interaction View: The Ping-Pong Theory
		The Transaction View: The Spiral Theory
	The Process of Communication
		Communication Barriers
		Communication Barriers Between People
	The Basic Forms of Communication
		Nonverbal Communication
		Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication
		Types of Nonverbal Communication
		Verbal Communication
	Factors Influencing Communication
	Communication in Academic Setting
	Summary
	References
Chapter 3: Channels of Communication
	Channels of Communication
		Channel Attributes
		Nonverbal Communication
	The Functional Importance of Nonverbal Communication
		Kinesics
		Proxemics—The Use of Space
		Use of Time
	Speech
		Types of Speech and their Functions
	Oral Communication
		Facial Communication
		Gestural Communication
		Postural Communication
		Nonverbal Communication and Intent
	Verbal Communication
	Language as a Means of Communication
		Action Language
		Pictorial Language
	Language and Everyday Communication
		Linguistic Functions
	Writing and Printing
	Visual and Audio-Visual Media
	Extension of Visual Expression
		Photography
		Cartoon
		Caricature and the Cartoon—the Difference
		The Comics
		Charts, Graphs and Statistics
	Mass Communication
		The Nature and Influence of Mass Communication
		The Functions of Mass Communication
	Persuasive Communication
		Communication−Persuasion Matrix
		Education/Persuasion
		Socialization
	Summary
Chapter 4: Evolution and Theories of Communication
	The Evolution of Communication
		Systems
		The Evolution of Communication Study
		Symbols as Concepts
		From Smoke Signals to Printing
	Historical Dimension
		The Roots of the Present
	Stages in the Development of Human Communication
		A Theory of Transitions
		The Print Media
	The Modern Age
		The Era of Technological Inventions
		The New Technology
		Oral Communication
		Written Communication
		Inscriptions
		The Written Word
	Theories of Communication
	The Semiotics School
		The Process School
		The Two-Step Flow of Information
		Theories of Selective Influence
		The Uses and Gratification Perspective
		Selective Perception
		The Individual Differences Theory
		Mass Society and the Magic Bullet Theory
		Media System Dependency Theory
		Sleeper Effects of Communication
		Cognitive Dissonance
		The Social Environment of Communication
		Selective Exposure and Congruence Dissonance
		Perception
	Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
	Summary
Chapter 5: Models of Communication
	Models of Communication
	Definitions of Model
	Introduction to Models of Communication
		Simple Models of Communication
		The Cultural Ratification Model
		Communication Models
		The Constitutive Factors of Communication
		The Functions of Communication
		Riley and Riley Model (1959)
		David Berlo’s Model (1960)
		Watzlawick, Beavin, and Jackson’s Model (1967)
		Frank Dance Model (1967)
		Becker’s Mosaic Model of Message Environments (1968)
		Andersch, Staats and Bostrom (Models of Communication) (1969)
		Rogers and Kincaid Model (1981)
		Toulmin Model
	General Comments on All Models
	Summa Ry
Chapter 6: Psychology and Communication
	Communication: A Chain of Reactions
		Attribution
		Attribution Error
		Impression Formation and Impression Management
	Models of Impression Formation
		Impression Management
		Techniques of Impression Management
		Impression Management and Communication
		Relational Communication
	Selective Perception and Attention in Communication
	Personality and Communication
		The Self in Communication
		What is the Role of Communication in ‘Self-Concept’?
		Confirmation and Disconfirmation
		Confirming Responses
		Disconfirming Responses
		Why is Self-Concept So Important in Communication?
		Self-Concept and Patterns of Communication
		High Self-Concept
		Individual Differences in Communication
		Are Individual Differences Important in Communications?
		Cognitive Disposition
		Authoritarianism and Dogmatism
		Emotional Intelligence
		Self-Esteem
		Communicative Disposition
		Communication Apprehension
	Motivation and Communication
		Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
		Schutz and the Theory of Interpersonal Needs
	Values, Beliefs and Attitudes
		Values
		Beliefs
		Primitive Beliefs: 100 Per Cent Consensus
		Primitive Beliefs: Zero Consensus
		Authority Beliefs
		Derived Beliefs
		Inconsequential Beliefs
		Attitudes
		Direction
		Intensity
		Formation of Values, Beliefs, and Attitudes
	Emotion and Communication
	Implications
	Summary
Chapter 7: Pedagogy and Communication
	Introduction
	Pedagogical Communication
		Definition
		The Role of the Teacher in the Communication Process
		Psychological Contact in Pedagogic Communication
		How Conflicts Take Place in Teaching and Learning Situations
		Influence of Interpersonal Relations
		Friendly Communication
		Communication as Mutual Understanding
		Mechanism of Mutual Perception
		Feedback in Communication
		Communication Training
		Socio-Psychological Training
	Supportive Communication
		Nature of Supportive Communication
		Supportive Interaction
		Supportive Intention
		Face Work or Politeness Strategies
		Supportive Communication is Pupil Centred
		Supportive Interactions
		Process of Supportive Interaction
		Factors Influencing Effective Communication in Supportive Interactions
		The Communicative Perspective
	How Does Pedagogical Communication Help a Teacher in Classroom Interaction?
	Conclusion
	Summary
Chapter 8: Communication Skills
	Introduction
	Barriers to Effective Communication
	How to Overcome Barriers and Improve Communication
		Fostering an Open Communication Climate
		Committing to Ethical Communication
		Adopting an Audience-Centred Approach to Communication
		Creating and Processing Your Messages Effectively and Efficiently
	How You Say it is What Counts
	Improve Your Nonverbal Communication Skills
	Improving Your Oral Communication Skills
		Speaking
		Listening
	Strengthen Your Communication Skills
	Ten Commandments of Good Communication
	Summary
	References
Chapter 9: Communication: Spoken English
	Listening Skills
		Introduction
		The Four Steps of Listening
		Physical Listening
		Reflective Listening
		Improving Listening Skills
		Listening: Vital to Teaching
	Articulation Skills
		Introduction
		The Sounds of the English Language
		The Syllable
		Word Accent
		Stress and Rhythm in Connected Speech
		Intonation
		Pronunciation Improvement Strategies
	Presentation Skills
		Introduction
		The Objective
		The Audience
		The Subject
		The Delivery
		Visual Aids
		Question-Answer Session
	Interviewing Skills
		Introduction
		Techniques of Interviewing
		Types of Interviews
		Interviewer’s Preparation
		Interviewee’s Preparation
		Questions Commonly Asked in Interviews
	Points to Remember
		Listening Skills
		Articulation Skills
		Presentation Skills
		Interviewing Skills
Chapter 10: Communication: Written English
	Introduction to Writing as a Communication Skill
		Defining Writing
		Elements of Writing
		Types of Writing
		Unique Qualities of Writing as a Communication Skill
		Writing as an Essential Skill for an M.Ed. Trainee
	Grammar
		Sentence Construction in English
		Object–Verb Concord
		Using Articles Correctly
		Prepositions
		Modals
		Miscellaneous Errors
		Sentence Clarity: Mistakes to Avoid
	Vocabulary
		Principles of Word Making
		Synonyms
		Antonyms
		Homonyms
		Words Often Confused
	Punctuation
		Capitalization
		Full Stop
		Comma
		Colon
		Question Marks
		Exclamation Mark
		Apostrophe
		Quotation Marks
		Italics
	Classroom-Oriented Written Communication
		Structuring Lesson Plans
		Preparing Teacher’S Handbooks/Students’ Workbooks
		Structuring Annual Reports
		Reviewing a Project
		Preparing Policy Statements
		Agendas for Staff Meeting
		Technicalities of Writing a Research Paper
	Letter Writing
		Official Letters Within the Organization
		Other Official Letters
	Conclusion
	Summary
Chapter 11: Emotional Skills
	Emotion and Communication
	Emotional Competence
		The Emotional Competence Framework
		Handling Difficult People and Tense Situation with Diplomacy and Tact
		Technique of Emotional Display
	Summary
Chapter 12: Interpersonal Effectiveness
	Introduction
	Qualities that Demonstrate Interpersonal Effectiveness
	Essential Concepts of Interpersonal Effectiveness
	Goals of Interpersonal Effectiveness
	Dimensions of Interpersonal Effectiveness
		Self-Understanding and Acceptance
		Self-Disclosure
		Development and Maintenance of Trust
		Managing Feelings
	Summary
Chapter 13: Assertiveness Skills
	Introduction
	Behavioural Responses
	Advantages of Being Assertive
	Assertive/Responsive Model
		Non-Assertion
		Aggression
		Verbal Aspects of Aggression, Assertion, and Non-Assertion
		Non-Verbal Aspects of Aggression, Assertion, and Non-Assertion
	Rights Within the Area of Assertiveness
		All People are Equal
		All People are Entitled to Freedom
	Strategies to Overcome Non-Assertive Behaviour
		Realize Where Changes are Needed and Believe in Your Rights
		Figure Out Appropriate Ways of Asserting Yourself in Each Specific Situation that Concerns You
		Practise Giving Assertive Responses
		Try Being Assertive in Real Life Situations
	‘I’ Messages
		Understand When to Use and How to Use ‘I’ Statements in Place of ‘You’ Statements and Other Perilous Statements
		Look for Opportunities to Use ‘I’ Statements
		Practise Giving ‘I’ Messages in Your Daily Conversations
	Summary
	References
Chapter 14: Conflict Management and Negotiation Skills
	Introduction
	Definition
	Conflict Resolution Styles
	Purpose of Conflict Resolution
	The Collaborative Versus the Coercive Approach
	Conflict Management Skills in Practice
		Start with the Right Frame of Mind
		have a Discussion to Understand the Problem of Both Sides. Be Empathic.
		Gather All the Additional Information You Need and Think of Several Options or Plans for Resolving the Conflict and Satisfying Shared Interests. Try Brainstorming.
		Both of You Present Your Plans for Resolving the Conflict: Try to Integrate the Best of Both Plans. or, Make a Fair Offer or Express a Request. Negotiate the Differences.
		Watch Out for these Common Pitfalls in Negotiations
		What to Do if and When the Going Gets Tough
		Agree Upon the Best Compromise Solution Available. Try it Out.
	Negotiation
		Establishing Win-Win Plans is Simple
		Developing a Win-Win Relationship is Easy
		Forming Win-Win Agreements is Easy
		Performing Win-Win Maintenance is Simple
	Summary
	References
Chapter 15: Team-Building Skills
	Introduction
		Characteristics of Well-Functioning Teams
		Team Roles
	Team-Building
		Characteristics of Good Team-Building
		Team Destroyers
		Team Leadership
	Team Effectiveness
	Summary
	References
Chapter 16: Time-Management Skills
	Introduction
	Scheduling Time
	Common Problems Due to Ineffective Management of Time
	Purpose of Time Management
	Effective Time Management Principles
		Set Your Priorities. List Your Major Goals for the Next Few Months. Rate Each Goal. Ask ‘What are the Most Important Things for Me to Do?’
		List What Needs to be Done this Week in Order to Reach Your Top Priority Goals. Rate Each Activity:
		Observe How You Spend Your Time
		Make a Master Schedule of Fixed Activities for the Week
		Keep a Running List of Assignments You Need to Get Done this Week
		Make a ‘to-be-Done List’ for Every Day
		Follow Your Daily ‘to-be-Done List’. Reward Yourself.
		Put First Things First
	Effectiveness and Advantages
	Summary
	References
Model Question Papers
	Model Question Paper I
	Model Question Paper II
	Model Question Paper III
	Model Question Paper IV
	Model Question Paper V
Glossary
Bibliography