1.2
COMMUNICATING CONFIDENTLY
8
READING
1
a
Work in groups and discuss how you feel when
you have to do these things.
•
give a presentation
•
participate in a seminar or meeting
•
meet new people
1
b
What advice would you give to people who are
nervous about all the situations above?
2
Read the leaflet quickly. Are any of the points
similar to your answers to Exercise 1b?
3
Read the leaflet again. Match these extracts from
Anika Bhaskar’s course handouts with the weeks in
the leaflet.
4
Are these sentences true, false or not given?
This course will:
1
help you if you have a speech impediment such
as a stammer.
2
teach you how to walk properly.
3
teach you how to be assertive and aggressive.
4
teach you to understand and be aware of your
listeners.
5
teach you how to interact successfully with other
participants in a seminar.
6
not help you to prepare for a presentation.
7
help you to show your true nature.
5
Which communication skills mentioned in the leaflet
are you good at? Which areas do you need to develop?
The world of
communication is changing rapidly.
The need for people to do public speaking in
their work and studies is rising, be it face to face or
via the web.
Stress in the workplace is increasing dramatically –
and one of the main reasons given by people is their
lack of confidence in giving presentations.
More and more people are taking communication
courses these days to help them in both work and
home life.
If you find it difficult to speak up during seminars,
or if you feel you can’t get a word in edgeways
when others are talking, then this small, friendly
group will help you to manage these situations with
more ease and confidence.
Do you want to
communicate confidently?
The course lasts for twelve weeks and aims to help
you communicate more effectively.
Week Aim
1
Remain in control of your emotions and your
voice
2
Maintain good posture
3
Prepare what you want to say before the
event
4
Use tone to engage people with interest
and excitement
5
Dress smartly to make a good impression
6
Communicate in an assertive and not a
passive or aggressive style
7
Stay calm and polite at all times
8
Participate actively in seminars
9
Consider your potential listeners
10
Be a good listener
11
Understand cultural differences
12
Be yourself
Facilitator: Anika Bhaskar
Anika is currently carrying out research for her
doctorate on communication barriers. She became
interested in communication skills while she was
studying for her MBA at Edinburgh University.
A
Decide what you want to say before the seminar.
Review it in your mind. Keep rehearsing it until
you can say it confidently. There’s truth in the old
saying, ‘Think before you speak’.
C
People judge you very quickly, so it is very
important to make a good first impression. You
look much more confident and capable when you
have made an effort to smarten your appearance.
E
Even when you are sitting still, your body is
communicating with everyone in the audience. Aim
to look confident. Remember, ‘Actions speak louder
than words’.
B
People from Britain and the USA often leave more
space around them than other nationalities. They
are more likely to move away when they feel that
others are invading their space.
D
Your voice gives people a clear indication of how
you are feeling. If we are stressed, our voices can
crack under pressure and get louder – giving away
our emotions.
