ADI Part 3 - Communication Techniques

Communication Techniques

For your part 3, I'll try to keep the discussion on communication techniques as simple as possible, but this is a huge and fascinating subject in it's own right.

You'll find links to the other pages in the communication section on this page and in the margin to the left of each page.

'Communication' is such a simple word, but the word is just the tip of the iceberg. Communication is one of the most important skills to develop for every human being. The subjects of Question and Answer techniques, feedback and encouragement, the core competencies and route directions to name a few, could quite legitimately be classed as sub skills of communication. They depend upon your skills as a communicator and they are achieved through communication.

As you progress through your career you'll find learners who you get on with, and those that you don't. You'll also find some learners who recommend you to friends and family, and those who think you were awful and wouldn't wish you on their worst enemy.

These differences are directly attributable to your skills as a communicator.

Think about it . . . you want to instruct . . . your learner wants to learn . . . you both want the same thing, yet sometimes you'll have a learner who you just can't seem to get on with. Communication is the key.

Every day of your life, wherever you are and whoever you are with, even when you are alone, you are communicating. It's a continual non stop process, from the day you were born and for the rest of your life.

A well established psychological principle is that

people cannot not communicate

Every gesture, every movement, every facial expression, every posture, every sigh, every shake of your head . . . they all communicate to everyone around you.

A very surprising fact, that a great many people don't realise, is that over 80% of what you say is not in the words that come from your mouth.

Think about that. Your expression and your tone tell your listener a lot more than the words you say.

In this area of the site, you'll find all the information you need for part 3 success in the sub skill area of communication.

Aim to develop and enhance your communication techniques throughout your career and your life. The rewards are worth ten times the effort.

The areas of communication techniques that I'd like to cover to assist you preparing for ADI part 3 are:

What communication means - it's a more complex procedure than many realise

Vague and specific language - be careful how you try to get your meaning across

Personal style - erm . . . what I means . . . is . . . erm, well . . . erm . . .

Body language - every gesture tells a story, but an itchy nose needs scratching

Congruency - the words may say one thing, but the rest of says something else

Route directions - which way did you say? NO. NOT THAT WAY . . .

ADIT Team.