Effective Communication

Course Outline & Assessment Information

Objectives

This practical course helps students understand the essentials of the communication process, identify potential communication problems, construct productive approaches to communication, and develop strategies to develop effective communication skills. Students can benefit from this course in their personal and family lives, in their learning, and in their career development.

This subject aims to introduce students to the basics of interpersonal and business communication, equipping them to communicate more effectively and with greater awareness and skill in both personal and business environments. It is designed to help students heighten their awareness of the function and value of communication. The subject aims to equip students with the ability to use the communication skills required in meetings, group discussions, interviews, and presentations.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • Identify key elements and principles of communication
  • Demonstrate understanding of the communication process
  • Describe their own communication strengths and growth areas
  • Demonstrate ability to prepare and present a short oral presentation
  • Describe and practice key listening skills
  • Prepare a clear and informative piece of written communication

Content

Class 1

  • What is communication?

Class 2

  • Personal communication styles

Class 3

  • Listening skills

Class 4

  • Presentations

Class 5

  • Written communication

Class 6

  • Choosing the Right Communication Tool

Texts and Supporting Materials

Profile

The TEAM Publications Communication Effectiveness Profile, is a self-assessment instrument that is part of this course. The profile is mailed to our students as part of their registration confirmation for this course.

Assigned readings are available for download from the Effective Communication Class Resource Library.

 

Assessment

The components of assessment for this class are all listed below. You are encouraged to work through the class notes and readings before launching into the assessments. Assessments must be submitted before the due dates outlined in the course syllabus you received upon registration. Do not submit more than one assessment before receiving feedback from your teacher. The assessments are as follows:

Assessment 1:

  • Your assignment for this lesson asks you to complete the personal "Communication Effectiveness Profile". Your personal communication style communicates a lot about you as a person. It can be a great asset in relationships, work and learning. But typically our personal communication styles also leave plenty of room for growth - sometimes they let us down. Identifying strengths and weaknesses is an excellent way to begin increasing our effectiveness.

  • The Profile needs to be sent to you, please contact us to receive your copy.

    Please create a document containing:

    • Confirmation that you have completed the Communication Effectiveness Profile.
    • Two areas of strength identified by the Communication Effectiveness Profile.
    • Two areas for development identified by the Communication Effectiveness Profile.


Assessment 2:

This assignment assesses your ability to prepare and deliver an oral presentation. Your assignment in three parts:

  1. Prepare a working outline of your presentation for submission
  2. Present your material to an audience
  3. Provide a self-assessment of your presentation using the template provided

1. Prepare a working outline of your presentation for submission

The topic and length of presentation are entirely at your discretion, although they should be consistent with the requirements of the assessment.

Verbatim notes should not be submitted, but rather a one-page synopsis that includes and clearly identifies for the instructor the following essential information:

  • Your name and student number
  • The type of presentation being prepared (e.g., read, notes, audio-visual, memorized)
  • The title
  • Your focus or purpose
  • A clear outline of your structure, including:
    • Introduction
    • Key messages
    • Major points & illustrations
    • Summary, call to action/response, and conclusion
  • The date, location and description of group being presented to (including how many people were in the audience).

This outline should be inserted into the self assessment document (see below).

2. Present your material to an audience of at least three other people

Your audience may be a group of friends or colleagues, a community group, training session, church or Bible study group. It can be a regular presentation you make or a one-off.

3. Provide a self-assessment using the template provided

As part of your learning and as a means of assessing your performance and preparation you are to complete the evaluation checklist.

Self Assessment (3a)

In the Document Archive Section of the class web is located the form which you should fill in and submit via “My Assessments” for your self-assessment.


Assessment 3:

This assignment assesses your competence to prepare a piece of written communication using the principles and guidelines addressed in lesson 5. You are asked to complete it using a word-processor program and submit it via the "My Assessments" function in the Student Portal Menu.

Using the guidelines and principles in this lesson, complete a written report summarizing what you have learned about the communication process, communication skills and your own communication style as a result of this class. Your report should use an appropriate structure - preferably one recommended in this lesson. Your report should use one of the structures recommended in this lesson, or another that is appropriate. Your report must include:

  • Title page
  • Summary
  • Your main points and arguments
  • A Conclusion
  • Reference material as applicable

 

Lecturer

More about the Lecturer, John McLean

Grading System

Check the "FAQ" option from the ABOUT dropdown menu.

Copyright

This web site contains course material that is for the use of the students of Ambassador College of Christian Ministry only. Re-publication and re-dissemination, including posting to news groups or web pages, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent of Ambassador College of Christian Ministry. Your participation in an ACCM course indicates your agreement.

Class Notes - Conventions

As you work through the class notes, you'll have opportunities to complete exercises, reflect on particular points and take special note. These are clearly indicated, with relevant instructions alongside

 

Queries

These should be emailed to info@ambascol.org

ALL THE BEST WITH YOUR LEARNING JOURNEY!

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