COMMUNICATION SKILLS

COURSE INSTRUCTOR:
Engr. Muhammad Bilal
Mechanical Engineering Department
CCET, GRW.
Marking Criteria

Aspect Percentage
QUIZ 15%
ASSIGNMENTS 15%
MID TERM 20%
PRESENTATION 20%
CLASS PARTICIPATION 10%
FINAL TERM 20%
 Topic 1-Introduction to
Communication
You should be able to:
1. Explain what communication means
2. Identify the main elements in communication
process
3. differentiate between oral and written
communication
4. Highlight basic tips on writing
5. List common pitfalls to be avoided writing
Task 1
Take two minutes to list down all the words
that you can associate with communication.

Write down your own definition for

communication.
What is communication?
Communication is the act of giving,
receiving or exchanging information,
ideas and opinions so that the message
is completely understood by both
parties.
Elements in Communication
Sender
Message
Channel
Receiver
Feedback
Context
Barriers to Effective Communication

Language
Time Noise

Other people Distractions

Barriers to
effective
communication
Too many questions Put downs

Distance Lack of interest

Discomfort Disability
with the topic
LEVELS OF COMMUNICATION
VERBAL
Intra verbal: intonation of word and sound
Extra verbal verbal: implication of words and phrases,
semantics
NON-VERBAL
Gestures
Postures
Movements
SYMBOLIC
Barriers in Communication
(that have to do with the COMMUNICATOR)
Unwillingness to say things differently
Unwillingness to relate to others differently
Unwillingness to learn new approaches
Lack of Self-Confidence
Lack of Enthusiasm
Voice quality
Prejudice
Barriers in Communication
(that have to do with the COMMUNICATOR)
Disagreement between verbal and non-
verbal messages
Negative Self Image
Lack of Feedback
Lack of Motivation and Training
Language and Vocabulary Level
Lack of Self Awareness
Barriers in Communication
(that have to do with the RECEIVER)
Selective Perception
Unwillingness to Change
Lack of Interest in the Topic/Subject
Prejudice & Belief System
Rebuttal Instincts
Personal Value System
Here-and-Now internal & external
factors
External Barriers in Communication
Environment
The venue
The effect of noise
Temperature in the room
Other People Status, Education
Time
5 Basic reasons we Do Not Listen
Listening is Hard Work
Competition
The Rush for Action
Speed differences (120 wpm v/s 360
wpm)
Lack of Training
Task 2
Time to mime!
Successful Communication
Communication is successful only when
both the sender and the receiver perceive
and understand the message in the same
way.
Three things required to get the message
across successfully are:
The message;
The audience or receiver; and
How the message is received.
Task 3

The meaning of communication lies in the

way that it is received.

DO YOU AGREE?
Factors Affecting Communication
a. Status/Role
b. Cultural Difference
c. Choice of Communication Channels
d. Length of Communication
e. Use of Language
f. Disabilities
Factors Affecting Communication
Continued
g. Known or Unknown Receiver
h. Individual
Perceptions/Attitudes/Personalities
i. Atmosphere/Noise/Distraction
j. Clarity of Message
k. Feedback
Task 4 - Effectiveness of
Communication
Role plays in groups of 5.
Comment on the effectiveness of what is
communicated?
How would one choose the most
appropriate channel of communication?
Difference between Oral and
Written Communication
Oral communication-conveying ideas,
thoughts or information via spoken
language
Written communication-exchanging
information using written symbols
(letters, words and sentences). It can be in
the form of letters, faxes, emails, reports,
memos, and advertisements.
continued
Writing can be improved through
Extensive reading
Note-taking
Listening
Grammar and vocabulary also important
for the unity and coherence of the ideas
and supporting points presented.
Task 5-Importance of Written
Communication
Read pages 6and 7 of your text and
summarise the advantages of record
keeping!
Tips on Written Communication
The writing process involves:
Planning
Writing
Editing
Pitfalls to avoid are:
Confusing language
Verbosity
Poor sentence structure
Information overload
Challenges in Written
Communication
New technologies
When others fail to respond
unclear message
weak language
too much information
Asking the right questions-self evaluation
(clear purpose, objective information,
organisation of information, precision, clear
instructions)
Thank You!