Course/learning journey

Better Communication Skills

Identify and overcome potential barriers to communication
Applying a range of assertiveness techniques to difficult situations
The impact of nonverbal communication and the importance of congruence
Training options for individual learners, groups/teams & organization-wide

Course Code: OV-BCS

2 x half-day live session delivered virtually or in-person | 6-8 hrs on-demand learning | 30-minute coaching session (optional extra for teams)

This program is available for groups and teams

It’s more than just a course.
This is a learning journey.

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On-demand digital learning playlist

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2 x half-day live session delivered virtually or in-person (delivered on consecutive days)

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Supporting on-demand digital learning playlists | 30-minute follow up coaching session (optional extra for teams)

Understanding and employing effective communication techniques at work can help you achieve your objectives, build strong relationships and improve outcomes for everyone. This practical course focuses on all of the critical elements of communication, and you will leave the course with a plan to develop your confidence and competence in a range of communication techniques.

You will also take away tips, techniques and templates to support you in implementing your communication skills back in the workplace.

This course is for anyone wishing to learn and apply higher-level communication techniques to increase effectiveness and improve relationships.

By the end of this course you will be able to:

Identify the factors that help and hinder workplace communication
Use effective questioning techniques to acquire information and build relationships
Pick up on hidden messages through nonverbal cues
Actively listen for feelings and behaviors as well as meaning
Recognize the different types of behavior in yourself and others
Apply an assertive response to some common workplace situations
Identify good and bad practice for useful and constructive feedback
Plan effectively for feedback conversations using the BOFF model
Explain barriers and filters in communication and how to overcome them
Identify different communication styles in action and flex your style to influence others
Reflect on how you want to be perceived by others and work on presenting a positive image
Identify the sources of power in an organization and use these to increase your influence
Make a persuasive proposal using a five-stage structure
Apply a range of positive behaviors to make your meetings and presentations more effective

Identifying and overcoming potential barriers to communication
Exploring how you are perceived by others and how to influence this perception
Looking at the world from different perceptual positions
Identify the key traits of your personal communication style and how best to communicate with opposing styles
Giving constructive feedback to improve performance and behavior
Defining and living your personal brand
Recognizing assertive and non-assertive behaviors, and choosing an appropriate response
Applying a range of assertiveness techniques to difficult situations
How to deliver bad news and say ‘no‘ in a positive and sensitive way
The purpose and usage of different types of question
Higher-level questioning techniques to investigate and solve problems
Listening to understand - active listening and reducing listening blocks
Repeating, paraphrasing and reflecting and the importance of listener orientation
The impact of nonverbal communication and the importance of congruence
Push and pull influencing styles
How to draw on sources of power to influence when you have no authority
Use a five-stage structure for stating your case persuasively
Tips on remaining calm and composed in difficult situations
Being heard and getting your point across in meetings
Projecting a more confident image through improved communication skills

Course overview

You will also take away tips, techniques and templates to support you in implementing your communication skills back in the workplace.

Is it right for me?

This course is for anyone wishing to learn and apply higher-level communication techniques to increase effectiveness and improve relationships.

What will I learn?

By the end of this course you will be able to:

Identify the factors that help and hinder workplace communication
Use effective questioning techniques to acquire information and build relationships
Pick up on hidden messages through nonverbal cues
Actively listen for feelings and behaviors as well as meaning
Recognize the different types of behavior in yourself and others
Apply an assertive response to some common workplace situations
Identify good and bad practice for useful and constructive feedback
Plan effectively for feedback conversations using the BOFF model
Explain barriers and filters in communication and how to overcome them
Identify different communication styles in action and flex your style to influence others
Reflect on how you want to be perceived by others and work on presenting a positive image
Identify the sources of power in an organization and use these to increase your influence
Make a persuasive proposal using a five-stage structure
Apply a range of positive behaviors to make your meetings and presentations more effective

What will it cover?

Identifying and overcoming potential barriers to communication
Exploring how you are perceived by others and how to influence this perception
Looking at the world from different perceptual positions
Identify the key traits of your personal communication style and how best to communicate with opposing styles
Giving constructive feedback to improve performance and behavior
Defining and living your personal brand
Recognizing assertive and non-assertive behaviors, and choosing an appropriate response
Applying a range of assertiveness techniques to difficult situations
How to deliver bad news and say ‘no‘ in a positive and sensitive way
The purpose and usage of different types of question
Higher-level questioning techniques to investigate and solve problems
Listening to understand - active listening and reducing listening blocks
Repeating, paraphrasing and reflecting and the importance of listener orientation
The impact of nonverbal communication and the importance of congruence
Push and pull influencing styles
How to draw on sources of power to influence when you have no authority
Use a five-stage structure for stating your case persuasively
Tips on remaining calm and composed in difficult situations
Being heard and getting your point across in meetings
Projecting a more confident image through improved communication skills