Effective Communication Handouts

2023- 2024
CCCA3
Lesson 04: Effective Communication
Listening comprehension: TED Talk
Ex.1 . Match the words to their definitions.

1. roughly a. a mixture of loud, unpleasant sounds
2. a cacophony b. approximately
3. a sound bite c. a short memorable extract from a recorded interview or speech
4. trivial d. a situation that could happen
5. conscious e. done on purpose
6. embedded f. fixed into
7. understated g. not trying to attract attention
8. a scenario h. unimportant
1.
A) Watch a sound expert talk about how to listen better. Then put T (True) of F (False)
next to the statements below
Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSohjlYQI2A
1. We spend about 40 percent of our communication time listening.
2. People are not usually aware that they filter different sounds.
3. The ways of recording things that we have invented mean we don't listen as carefully to things.
4. Silence will help you to listen better.
5. Paying attention to everyday sounds isn't a good way to enjoy listening to things
6. To change the way that you listen, try listening from a different position.
B) watch the second part of the talk, do the same as in the previous activity and put T
(True) of F (False) next to each of the statements below.
1. The acronym to achieve better listening is an ancient word for “conscious”.
1
2. The word `so' is very important when you are communicating with someone.
3. According to the speaker, listening is taught as a skill in some schools.
3. Match the words and/or phrases in the talk to their meanings below:
reverberation contemplation try this one for size down to mundane
reverberation: 1. a sound that echoes and makes things seem to shake
contemplation: 5. thinking deeply about something for a long period of time
try this one for size: 4. in a way that includes everything, from the most to the least important part
down to: This phrase does not directly correspond to any provided definition.
mundane: 3. ordinary and boring, usually because it happens regularly
4. Match the adjectives on the left to the words on the right to make collocations from the talk.
1.a mental process

2.absolute silence
3.a noisy environment
4.a slippery slope
5.a whole range
6.a daily basis
Reading:
Read the following passage carefully.
(1) It is rare to find someone with good technical and communication skills. You can get far
ahead of your colleagues if you combine the two early in your career. People will judge,
evaluate, promote or block you based on your communication skills. Since habits form by
2
repeating both good and bad forms of communication, learn to observe great communicators
and adapt their styles and traits in written and verbal forms. The art of listening and learning
from each and every interaction is another secret recipe. Develop the subconscious habit of
listening to yourself as you speak and know when to pause.
(2) Learning what not to say is probably more important than learning what to say. As your
career develops, you will realise that the wise speak less. Speak when you have value to add,
else refrain. Poorly constructed e-mails with grammatical errors are acceptable between
friends, but they should be seriously avoided while communicating formally with your seniors.
Avoid any communication in an emotional state when you might say things you will regret later.
One unnecessary word uttered at the wrong time or place can ruin a relationship, career or
even your life. Such is the power of words. If such a thing happens, you should immediately
apologise, else it may haunt you for life.
(3) Another problem to overcome is speaking too fast since our minds are working faster than our
speech, we are inclined to speak fast. This does not necessarily mean that the person hearing it
will get it any faster. On the contrary, it is always the reverse. So slow down, think before you
speak. "When I get ready to speak to people," Abraham Lincoln said, "I spend two- thirds of the
time thinking what they want to hear and one-third thinking what I want to say."
Adding humour and it is also essential. But realise that not all jokes are funny and observe certain
boundaries. Never say anything that could offend. Remember you are not a comedian who must
offend as many people as you can to be witty.
Questions:
1. Answer the following questions briefly.
(a) Why is it necessary to have good communication skills?
Good communication skills are crucial for career advancement and how others perceive
and evaluate an individual.
(b) How can communication skills be developed?

Communication skills can be developed by observing great communicators, actively
listening, learning what not to say, and adapting styles from successful communicators.
(c) What according to the writer should be avoided while communicating?
3
Avoid poorly constructed messages in formal communication, speaking impulsively in
emotional states, and saying things that might harm relationships or careers.
(d) Why should you be careful when you tend to be humorous?

Humor should be used cautiously, respecting boundaries and avoiding saying anything
offensive or hurtful.
2. Choose the most appropriate meaning of the given words from the options provided.
A. Evaluate:
(i) estimate
B. Trait:
(iii)quality
C. Utter:
(ii) speak
D. Haunt:
(iii) trouble
Linking words
⮚ Fill in the blanks with the correct subordinate conjunctions or similar expressions
chosen from the pairs given in brackets.
For example: I went for a walk _because_ the sun was shining. (because, otherwise)
1- We recognized her at once, although we had not seen her for years. (although, in case)
2- He kept reading until he fell asleep. (for, until)
3- The moon will rise as soon as the sun sets. (as soon as, than)
4- It looks as though the train will be late. (while, as though)
5- In the end, he decided to sell his car. This, incidentally , proved to be a mistake.
(incidentally, also)
4
6- After she got her degree, she became a teacher. (After, Than)
7- We will not go skiing unless the weather is good. (as if, unless)
8- Towards the end of the party, he got up and danced on the table. however , he made a
complete fool of himself. (in other words/however)
9- Before he left, he made sure he had his keys with him. (Before, For)
10- Even if I told the truth, you would not believe me. (Even if, So that)
2- Choose the correct linking word from the list :
even though - however - in order to - no sooner - not only - not only - only if - under no
circumstances
1. not only are larger cars more expensive, but they also cost a lot to maintain.
2. Milk from our factory is tested regularly in order t give our customers the best possible
quality.
3. no sooner had we moved in than our neighbours started complaining about the dog.
4. All countries voted in favour of the plan, except France.
5. even through we knew who the murderer was, we enjoyed most of the film.
6. under no circumstances must this door be left open.
7. I should punish you for disobeying,Only if , I am prepared to give you another chance.
8. Only if we book today will we get a 50% discount.

Effective Communication Handouts

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Effective Communication Handouts

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Effective Communication Handouts

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

2023- 2024

Lesson 04: Effective Communication

Listening comprehension: TED Talk

Ex.1 . Match the words to their definitions.

1. We spend about 40 percent of our communication time listening.

4. Silence will help you to listen better.

1. The acronym to achieve better listening is an ancient word for “conscious”.

3. According to the speaker, listening is taught as a skill in some schools.

reverberation contemplation try this one for size down to mundane

reverberation: 1. a sound that echoes and makes things seem to shake

contemplation: 5. thinking deeply about something for a long period of time

mundane: 3. ordinary and boring, usually because it happens regularly

​ 1.a mental process

(b) How can communication skills be developed?

(d) Why should you be careful when you tend to be humorous?

2- He kept reading until he fell asleep. (for, until)

4- It looks as though the train will be late. (while, as though)

complete fool of himself. (in other words/however)

2- Choose the correct linking word from the list :

You might also like

1.a mental process