Name at least three activities requiring communication skills that you may be asked to have input on at your organization.
- strategy to share information about workplace hazards
- writing a policy or procedure
- giving training
- writing an incident report
These activities emphasize the importance of effective communication in organizational settings.
List 5 principles of communication and describe what they mean.
- Know your audience
Communication should always be packaged to suit the listener’s level of understanding. - Know your purpose
Make it clear whether you are delivering specific information or requesting information. - Know your topic
Be aware of all the facts and details. - Anticipate objections
Objections often arise due to misunderstandings. - Present a rounded picture
Communicate the benefits for both parties. - Achieve credibility with your audience
Support your statements with evidence, using statistics or testimonials.
These principles guide effective communication strategies.
The Shannon & Weaver model of communication is called a “linear model”. Barnlund proposed what’s called a “transactional model”. What’s the primary difference between them, and why is the modification important?
The linear model looks at communication as one-way. Someone giving information to another.
- the transactional model describes communication as a two-way process.
- Value: feedback allows for the sender to confirm that the message sent was in fact received in the way it was meant to be. This is a necessity in OH&S to ensure that the safety message is received as intended
What is a tool box talk and its benefits?
Safety talks are used to share relevant information. This regular contact can be an effective means of communicating safety information.
In the broad sense, effective safety talks assist in the practice of due diligence that meets documentation, and in some cases, training requirements. Keep in mind that good safety talks can also lead to positive effects on morale within the workforce.
Effective safety talks assist in practicing due diligence and can positively affect workforce morale.
List 5 things you should know prior to giving a presentation.
- Who is my audience?
- What is their level of prior knowledge? What level of information or training do they need?
- What are their ages?
- Is the group attending voluntarily or are they being forced to attend?
- Time, date, location details
- Do you need equipment or supplies?
What are the 5P’s for presentations?
- prepare by thinking, writing, reading, listening, organizing, and practicing.
- pinpoint by zeroing in on one main idea.
- personalize by establishing common ground with your listeners, by making it personal for them
- picturize by creating crystal-clear mental pictures for your listeners.
- prescribe by telling them what you want them to do with this new information. Try to anticipate an answer the question “so what?”
These steps enhance the effectiveness of presentations.
List the 6 characteristics of adult learners as described by Malcolm Knowles.
- Adults need to have a reason to learn and know why they are learning
- Adults bring a wealth of experiences and prior learning to new learning situations
- Adults are self-directed learners: they take responsibility for their own learning
- Adult learning focuses on solving “real world” problems
- Adults are motivated to learn by personal factors, and they choose to learn when they are ready to learn
- Adults are more engaged if learning is contextual, relevant and involves practical application
Understanding these characteristics aids in designing effective adult learning experiences.
Adults need to know why they are learning
Adults bring experience to learning
Adults are self-directed
Learning is problem-focused (real-world)
Adults are internally motivated and ready to learn
Learning is best when relevant and practical
Is it a universal that adult learners have all of these characteristics?
No. Most people have individual needs/skills.
Individual needs and skills vary among adult learners.
What is a key piece of advice when designing a training session for OH&S?
Plan to keep it interactive by engaging participants in activities that will allow them to practice concepts presented.
Engaging participants in activities allows them to practice concepts presented.
List 5 techniques an instructor or presenter should consider using.
- Be organized and plan
- Be knowledgeable about the topic
- Be enthusiastic
- Use simple visuals
- Use humour
- Make eye contact
These techniques enhance the effectiveness of instruction and engagement.
