We’re excited to announce the launch of two new learning pathways on our FREE for CE Brokers online learning platform CE Learning: Communication Techniques and Listening & Influencing Skills. These pathways are essential for anyone looking to refine their communication abilities and deepen their understanding of how to connect effectively with others.
Which Communication Style Do You Use?
Communication skills are essential in every aspect of life, effective communication allows us to convey ideas, share information, and build relationships.
It’s not just about talking; it’s about understanding, listening, and responding appropriately to others. The ability to communicate effectively can make the difference between success and failure, it’s also a skill that can be continuously developed and improved.
For example, Advocacy and Inquiry are two key communication behaviours with critical implications for interpersonal, group, and organisational effectiveness.
- Advocacy refers to stating your views
- Inquiry refers to asking the right questions.
What defines advocacy communications is that they focus tightly on influencing specific audiences and using specific messages in order to deliver changes in policy or practice.
Being a manager doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, but when was the last time you stopped and asked yourself, “Is this really what I want?”
The Pause, Think, Act method of communication shows you why it’s beneficial to literally pause, think, and act instead of jumping to conclusions, and then making a plan to achieve your goals that can get you onto a clearer, more productive path forward.
What kind of listener are you?
Listening is the key to all effective communication. We all know that listening is part of our daily social lives but with the ability to really listen, we are able to create communication effectively to our loved ones and to people we encounter.
It is one of the most underrated yet powerful skills in communication.
Active listening means fully concentrating on what the other person is saying, rather than just hearing the words. It involves understanding the speaker’s perspective, acknowledging their emotions, and providing feedback. Good listeners build trust, foster mutual respect, and can effectively address concerns. By listening carefully, we demonstrate empathy and make others feel valued, which can deepen connections and improve outcomes.
Can you influence other people?
Influencing is about persuading others while maintaining mutual respect. It involves presenting ideas in ways that resonate with your audience’s values, needs, and interests. Key influencing techniques include building strong working relationships, demonstrating credibility and providing evidence to support your ideas. Effective influencers are empathetic, adaptable, and capable of reading social cues, allowing them to guide conversations and motivate others.
To summarise, developing strong communication techniques, listening attentively, and mastering influencing skills are essential tools for personal growth, leadership, and building successful relationships.
These skills empower individuals to navigate complex conversations and deliver positive outcomes.
Learn more in these two new Learning Pathways, they are designed for managers and staff who want to improve their communicative skills, styles and listening techniques.
