The Importance of Good Communication

Author: Anita Homesley

First Authored: February 02, 2012

Last Revised: June 13, 2018

Introduction

You will learn the importance of both giving and receiving oral and written directions through a variety of creative and engaging activities. You will use one and two-way communication and understand the pros and cons of each.

Related Instructional Objectives

Written activity on board for the beginning of class

On the board write the following prompt for students to write in their journal or a piece of paper if you do not have journals:

 

Name 3 great speakers

Name 3 great listeners

 

Students may list names like Presidents Obama, Kennedy, Clinton, or even David Letterman

Students will have a harder time thinking of names of great listeners because they are not usually famous.

Both are important, if someone tells you, you are a good listener that is a real compliment. If people only talked and no one listened, we would be in a lot of trouble.

Think /Pair share: Why is it important to communicate effectively at work?

What are the benefits of good communication and consequences of poor communication?

Assessment

Assessment Type: Online Quiz

Attached find a written quiz about following directions and communication

Vocabulary

Sender/Receiver-Shared Experience

Both sender and receiver need to have some shared information to understand the message, if this is not possible, sender may have to give additional input before giving specific information.

One and Two way communication

One way communication-only the speaker is giving information, listener may not or cannot ask any qualifying questions. Two way communication- when the speaker and listener have the ability to give directions, ask for clarification and be able to give additional or a different message is get the information across in a clear concise manner.

Checking for understanding

Making sure the other person is understanding your view of the information, this can be done by repeating back instructions, showing someone, using different ways of explaining, asking questions

Inquiry skills

The ability to ask or find out information relating to the problem or task given.