Human beings, like all animals, communicate. Communication is part and parcel of life, and sometimes it seems to occur so naturally that we tend to take it for granted. Many things go wrong, however, when we assume we have communicated, yet we have not. This book provides a broad introduction to communication while focusing on the particular communication skills that are required of a university or college student.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
X. Study Skills
III. Types of Writing
1.1. Introduction
1.2. Types of Writing
1.2.1. Argumentative Writing
1.2.2. Descriptive Writing
1.2.3. Expository Writing
1.2.4. Narrative Writing
IV. Report Writing
V. Summary Writing
VI. Research Paper
VII. Documentation
VIII. Orthographic Conventions
II. Reading Skills
IX. Oral Skills
PART I
1.1 Oral Skills Defined
1.2 Planning A Speech
1.2.1 Select the Topic and Purpose
1.2.2 Analyze the Audience
1.2.3 Research on the Topic
1.2.4 Select the Method of Delivering a Public Speech
1.2.5 Structuring the Presentation
1.2.6 Organizing the Speech Materials
1.2.7 Wording the Speech
1.2.8 Preparation of facilities for an oral presentation
1.2.8.1 Kinds of visual aids
1.2.9 Rehearse the speech
1.3 Summary
2.0 Effective Presentation of a Speech
Objectives and Topics
This textbook aims to provide university and college students with foundational communication skills necessary for academic and professional success. It covers core areas of verbal and non-verbal communication, academic study habits, research methodologies, and the principles of effective public speaking.
- Theoretical foundations of human communication and its processes.
- Practical study techniques, including note-taking and library research skills.
- Classification and execution of different writing types for academic purposes.
- Comprehensive strategies for public speaking, from planning to effective delivery.
Excerpt from the Book
Linear model (SMCR)
Here, communication is seen as a linear process in which a speaker encodes a message and sends it to a receiver through various channels e.g. audio, visual, etc. The receiver then decodes the message.
The linear model was modified from the 1950’s onwards, resulting in several different models which took into consideration additional aspects of communication e.g. the differences between interpersonal and mass communication, the purposiveness of communication, feedback in communication etc. Thus, based on the view that communication involves a sender, a message, a channel and a receiver, various models have evolved which reflect communication in different contexts.
Summary of Chapters
I. Introduction: Defines communication and its basic components, emphasizing its role as a process involving a sender, message, channel, and receiver.
X. Study Skills: Outlines effective strategies for university success, including research methods and time management.
III. Types of Writing: Categorizes writing into argumentative, descriptive, expository, and narrative forms, while detailing the process from planning to proofreading.
IV. Report Writing: Discusses the structure, purpose, and importance of business and analytical reports in professional settings.
V. Summary Writing: Provides techniques for condensing information while maintaining core facts and coherence.
VI. Research Paper: Details the stages of conducting research, from topic selection to the construction of a formal research proposal.
VII. Documentation: Explains the importance of citing sources to avoid plagiarism and highlights MLA/APA citation standards.
VIII. Orthographic Conventions: Provides rules for punctuation, capitalization, and the use of numerals in academic writing.
II. Reading Skills: Explores reading as a complex cognitive process and introduces systematic strategies like SQ3R.
IX. Oral Skills: Offers a comprehensive guide to public speaking, covering audience analysis, speech structure, delivery methods, and rehearsing.
2.0 Effective Presentation of a Speech: Focuses on the practical aspects of delivery, including voice modulation, body language, and appearance.
Keywords
Communication, Public Speaking, Academic Writing, Research Proposal, SQ3R, Plagiarism, Documentation, Verbal Communication, Non-verbal Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Intrapersonal Communication, Library Research, Oral Presentation, Study Skills, Speech Delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The book provides a comprehensive introduction to communication skills tailored specifically for the needs of university and college students, covering both academic and professional applications.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The central fields include effective writing, research methodology, systematic reading techniques, and public speaking strategies.
What is the primary goal of the author?
The goal is to equip students with the tools necessary to communicate effectively in academic settings, overcome common barriers to understanding, and master the art of public presentations.
Which scientific methods or strategies are introduced?
The text introduces methodologies such as the SQ3R study method for reading, the PINCER method for systematic study, and various models of communication like the SMCR (sender-message-channel-receiver) model.
What content is addressed in the main chapters?
The book progresses from basic intrapersonal and interpersonal communication concepts to complex tasks like report writing, conducting research, and delivering structured public speeches.
Which keywords characterize the content?
Key concepts include communication, public speaking, academic writing, documentation (MLA/APA), research methodology, and effective reading techniques.
How does the book explain the Johari Window?
The Johari Window is presented as a framework for defining one's self-concept, categorized into four quadrants: Open, Blind, Hidden, and Unknown, which help individuals understand how they perceive themselves and how others perceive them.
What is the "One-Way" vs. "Two-Way" communication experiment?
Based on Harold Leavitt’s experiments, the book compares one-way and two-way communication, concluding that while one-way is faster, two-way communication is significantly more accurate and increases the receiver's confidence.
Why does the author advocate for the extemporaneous method in public speaking?
The extemporaneous method is described as the best approach because it allows a speaker to be polished yet spontaneous, enabling interaction with the audience and flexibility in delivery.
- Quote paper
- Brighton Amuni (Author), 2019, Communication Skills, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1613018
