Effective Communication Skills

Overview

Learn how you can improve the way you communicate with others—especially by overcoming the psychological and biological hard-wiring that gets in the way. From asking a waiter for an unusual substitution to urging a service manager to finish your car sooner, many decisions are made through conversation. However, miscommunication is a common danger.

In this 24-lecture course, Professor Kehoe provides insights into how you communicate verbally, the common problems you encounter, and how to enhance your effectiveness. You’ll learn practical techniques for successful communication, from everyday interactions to managing reactions in tense situations. By understanding the complexities of conversation, you can achieve smoother interactions and improve your relationships.

Course Content

01: The Magic of Everyday Communication

An introduction to everyday talk reveals why you communicate and the problems caused by underlying assumptions about conversation. (31 min)

02: The Complex Layers of Face-to-Face Talk

Explore what happens during face-to-face conversations and how different categories of “noise” affect meaning transmission. (28 min)

03: The Social Context That Shapes Our Talk

Understand how culture and subcultures shape your understanding of messages and the key dimensions for comparing cultures. (32 min)

04: The Operations of the Cognitive Unconscious

Learn how the cognitive unconscious processes information and guides your interactions during conversations. (31 min)

05: The Conscious Mind in Perception

Analyze how your perception shapes effective communication and the pitfalls of relying on existing schemas and stereotypes. (30 min)

06: The Conscious Mind in Using Language

Delve into the pitfalls of conversation and the judgment tools we use, informed by Peter Senge’s “inference ladder.” (30 min)

07: The Conscious Mind and Emotion

Explore the importance of naming and accurately describing your feelings for effective communication. (29 min)

08: The Development of Our Sense of Self

Examine how your sense of self emerges and influences relationships, using models like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. (30 min)

09: Self, Attachment, and Self-Esteem

Consider how self-esteem develops and how it affects self-perception and self-presentation in daily interactions. (29 min)

10: Protecting the Self in Face-to-Face Talk

Explore techniques for protecting your self-worth during conversations, focusing on psychological defenses and conversational models. (28 min)

11: Conscious Self-Talk and Self-Management

Learn practical techniques for creating positive internal dialogues to enhance communication in difficult situations. (29 min)

12: Challenges to Effective Communication

Discover practical ways to improve communication, including mindfulness and meta-communication techniques. (28 min)

13: Talking to Connect and Build Relationships

Introduce the professor’s model of human communication, focusing on the stages of “connect talk.” (29 min)

14: Differences, Disagreement, and Control Talk

Understand the dynamics of “control talk” and how to manage conversations that become competitive. (28 min)

15: Commands, Accusations, and Blame

Learn techniques for managing emotions during escalating conversations and restoring a productive dialogue. (29 min)

16: Healing Relationships with Dialogue Talk

Explore the importance of mindful and emotionally generous communication in difficult situations. (27 min)

17: Focus on the Other-The Heart of Dialogue

Learn how to ask open-ended questions and employ listening techniques to encourage others to share. (29 min)

18: Assertive Dialogue to Manage Disagreement

Gain tools for assertively asking for what you want without being aggressive or controlling. (32 min)

19: Compassionate Confrontation

Understand the steps for structured dialogue to address persistent negative behaviors effectively. (28 min)

20: Communication, Gender, and Culture

Explore how gender affects communication styles and the implications for understanding and being understood. (30 min)

21: Talking Our Way to Lasting Relationships

Learn about the factors that contribute to the development and endurance of relationships. (30 min)

22: Leadership, Appreciation, and Productivity

Examine how the quality of communication between managers and employees impacts organizational success. (33 min)

23: Dialogue and Appreciation-Engaged Employees

Understand the role of employees in building successful workplace communications and the techniques that make a difference. (29 min)

24: Dialogue-Ethical Choices behind Our Talk

Reflect on effective communication as an ethical process, aiming for mutual benefit in conversations. (32 min)