Wednesday, August 17, 2011

ACM: Interpersonal Communication

Cover of the "Interpersonal Communication" advanced manual
Everyday life presents challenging communication situations. Topics in this manual include conversing with ease, negotiating, handling criticism, coaching someone to improve performance and expressing dissatisfaction effectively.


Project #1: Conversing With Ease
Executive Summary:
Being a good conversationalist has a great impact on your personal and professional lives. Every friendship and business relationship you have began with a conversation. Begin conversations with strangers by asking about the other person or commenting on your current mutual situation. Listen carefully to the responses and ask appropriate follow up questions. Questions that begin with what, how or why will generate more information and more conversation opportunities.

Objectives:
  • Identify techniques to use in conversing with strangers
  • Recognize different levels of conversation
  • Initiate a conversation with a stranger
  • Use open-ended questions to solicit information for further conversation
  • TIME : 10 to14 minutes
Note to the Evaluator:
The purpose of this project is for the speaker to enact a role play with another member in which the two meet as strangers and the speaker begins a conversation. The circumstance under which they meet as strangers (a party, convention, etc.) is determined by the speaker and the speaker’s partner. The speaker was first to give a brief speech about the importance of good conversational skills, the conversational process and techniques ( to help the audience to better understand the presentation’s objectives and to evaluate the presentation). Then the speaker was to introduce the role play scenario and the partner, then conduct the role play, initiating a conversation and establishing a common interest with the other person. Finally, the speaker was to lead a brief discussion with the partner and the audience about the role play. It is suggested you read the entire project before the presentation. In addition to your oral evaluation, please give written responses to the questions below.


Project #2: The Successful Negotiator
Executive Summary:
Negotiations are successful when both parties walk away pleased. This is a "win-win" negotiation, and you can reach it when you know what both you and the other party want and the reasons you both want them. Then generate a list of options that will benefit you and the other party, present them to the other party, and discuss them until a mutually satisfactory agreement is reached. Be honest, direct and appreciative.

Objectives:
  • Employ win / win negotiating strategies to achieve your goals
  • Enjoy the benefits of win / win negotiating
  • TIME : 10 to14 minutes
Note to the Evaluator:
The purpose of this project is for the speaker to enact a role play with another member, with the speaker negotiating to receive something he or she wants. The speaker and the partner may select the situation of their choice. The speaker was first to give a brief speech explaining the negotiation process (to help the audience to better understand the role play’s objectives and to evaluate it). Then the speaker was to introduce the role play scenario and the partner and conduct the role play. Finally, the speaker was to lead a brief discussion with the partner and the audience about the role play. It is suggested you read the entire project before the presentation. In addition to your oral evaluation, please give written responses to the questions below.


Project #3: Diffusing Verbal Criticism
Executive Summary:
A few communication techniques can turn an angry confrontation into a positive calm discussion. The secret is to avoid being defensive, and to follow these steps: Listen to the other person; acknowledge the criticism; ask questions; paraphrase to reflect what the other person is feeling or thinking' and agree with the truth. As you talk, remain calm, don't take anything personally, use non-verbal listening skills, and show respect for the other person.

Objectives:
  • Respond non-defensively to verbal criticism
  • Employ a five-step method to identify the problem, diffuse the attack, and arrive at a solution
  • TIME : 10 to14 minutes
Note to the Evaluator:
The purpose of this project is for the speaker to role play with another member, responding to, determining the cause of, and diffusing verbal criticism. The speaker and partner may select the role-play scenario of their choice. The speaker was first to give a brief speech explaining how to handle verbal criticism (to help the audience to better understand the role play’s objectives and to evaluate it). Then the speaker was to introduce the role play scenario and the partner and conduct the role play. Finally, the speaker was to lead a brief discussion with the partner and the audience about the role play. It is suggested you read the entire project before the presentation. In addition to your oral evaluation, please give written responses to the questions below.


Project #4: The Coach
Executive Summary:
Coaching is an opportunity to help someone do their best. In your coaching session, describe the reason for the discussion, your concern, and the impact the performance has on you and others. Acknowledge and listen to the other person, and ask their opinion on ways to improve performance. Discuss solution and reach a mutual agreement. Be sure to follow up on the person's progress and praise positive results.

Objectives:
  • Determine reasons for someone’s substandard performance
  • Coach the person to improve performance
  • TIME : 10 to14 minutes
Note to the Evaluator:
The purpose of this project was for the speaker to enact a role play with another member, with the speaker coaching a person whose performance has not been satisfactory. The speaker and the partner may select the situation of his or her choice. The speaker was first to give a brief speech explaining the coaching process (to help the audience to better understand the role play’s objectives and to evaluate it). Then the speaker was to introduce the role play scenario and the partner and conduct the role play. Finally, the speaker was to lead a brief discussion with the partner and the audience about the role play. It is suggested you read the entire project before the presentation. In addition to your oral evaluation, please give written responses to the question below.


Project #5: Asserting Yourself Effectively
Executive Summary:
Asserting yourself effectively is a challenging communication skill because you must express your own concerns and feelings calmly without making the other person defensive. First, state the problem and tell your feelings. Specify a solution and describe the positive consequences that will happen if the other person fulfills your request. Speak up immediately and don't let the problem fester. Be direct, friendly and calm.

Objectives:
  • Enjoy the mental and physical benefits of being assertive
  • Employ the four-step method for addressing a problem and asking for help
  • Overcome resistance to your requests
  • TIME : 10 to 14 minutes
Note to the Evaluator:
The purpose of this project is for the speaker to enact a role play with another member, with the speaker verbalizing dissatisfaction with a situation and the other member being the party responsible for the situation who is reluctant to do as the speaker requests. The speaker and the partner may select the scenario of their choice. The speaker was first to give a brief speech explaining how to express dissatisfaction effectively (to help the audience to better understand the role play’s objectives and to evaluate it). Then the speaker was to introduce the role play scenario and the partner and conduct the role play. Finally, the speaker was to lead a brief discussion with the partner and the audience about the role play. It is suggested you read the entire project before the presentation. In addition to your oral evaluation, please give written responses to the questions below.

For more information:
Item 226M

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