Communication Skills
Expert-defined terms from the Certified Professional in Mediation Advocacy course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Active Listening #
Active Listening
Concept #
A communication skill where the listener fully concentrates, understands, and responds to the speaker's message.
Explanation #
Active listening involves giving undivided attention to the speaker, providing verbal and non-verbal cues, and asking questions to clarify understanding. It helps build trust, resolve conflicts, and foster positive relationships.
Body Language #
Body Language
Concept #
Non-verbal communication through gestures, facial expressions, and posture.
Explanation #
Body language can convey emotions, attitudes, and intentions, often more powerfully than words. Understanding and interpreting body language can enhance communication and help avoid misunderstandings.
Challenging Assumptions #
Challenging Assumptions
Concept #
Questioning preconceived notions or beliefs to gain new insights and perspectives.
Explanation #
Challenging assumptions encourages curiosity, creativity, and innovation. It involves questioning one's own beliefs and being open to alternative viewpoints, fostering effective communication and problem-solving.
Conflict Resolution #
Conflict Resolution
Concept #
A process of identifying and addressing disagreements or differences between parties.
Explanation #
Conflict resolution aims to find a peaceful and constructive solution that satisfies all parties involved. It requires effective communication, active listening, and problem-solving skills.
Cultural Sensitivity #
Cultural Sensitivity
Concept #
Awareness and respect for differences in cultural backgrounds, values, and practices.
Explanation #
Cultural sensitivity involves recognizing and valuing the uniqueness of individuals and groups, and adapting communication styles to accommodate cultural differences.
Empathic Listening #
Empathic Listening
Concept #
A form of active listening that involves understanding and sharing the feelings of the speaker.
Explanation #
Empathic listening builds trust, fosters rapport, and promotes mutual understanding. It requires attentiveness, patience, and a genuine desire to connect with the speaker.
Ethical Communication #
Ethical Communication
Concept #
Adhering to principles of honesty, integrity, and respect in all communication interactions.
Explanation #
Ethical communication promotes trust, credibility, and positive relationships. It involves being transparent, truthful, and considerate of others' feelings and perspectives.
Feedback #
Feedback
Concept #
Information or comments provided to another person about their performance or behavior.
Explanation #
Feedback can be positive or negative and helps individuals improve their skills, performance, and relationships. It should be specific, timely, and delivered in a respectful and constructive manner.
Non #
verbal Cues
Concept #
Communication through body language, facial expressions, and other non-spoken means.
Explanation #
Non-verbal cues can convey emotions, intentions, and attitudes, and can reinforce or contradict verbal messages. Understanding non-verbal cues can enhance communication and help avoid misunderstandings.
Open #
mindedness
Concept #
A willingness to consider new ideas, perspectives, and experiences.
Explanation #
Open-mindedness fosters learning, innovation, and positive relationships. It involves suspending judgment, listening actively, and being receptive to alternative viewpoints.
Paraphrasing #
Paraphrasing
Concept #
Restating the speaker's message in one's own words to ensure understanding.
Explanation #
Paraphrasing demonstrates active listening, clarifies meaning, and helps avoid misunderstandings. It requires attentiveness, concentration, and a genuine desire to understand the speaker.
Persuasion #
Persuasion
Concept #
The process of influencing others to accept a particular viewpoint or course of action.
Explanation #
Persuasion involves using logical arguments, emotional appeals, and credibility to change attitudes or behaviors. It requires effective communication, active listening, and rapport-building skills.
Power of Silence #
Power of Silence
Concept #
The use of silence to create impact, convey emotions, and encourage reflection.
Explanation #
The power of silence can create tension, emphasize a point, or encourage introspection. It requires self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking.
Reflective Listening #
Reflective Listening
Concept #
A form of active listening that involves reflecting the speaker's message back to them.
Explanation #
Reflective listening demonstrates understanding, builds rapport, and encourages open communication. It requires attentiveness, patience, and a genuine desire to connect with the speaker.
Respectful Communication #
Respectful Communication
Concept #
Communicating in a way that acknowledges and values the worth and dignity of others.
Explanation #
Respectful communication involves using courteous language, active listening, and non-judgmental attitudes. It promotes positive relationships, trust, and collaboration.
Rhetorical Questions #
Rhetorical Questions
Concept #
Questions asked to make a point, provoke thought, or elicit a response.
Explanation #
Rhetorical questions can engage the audience, stimulate critical thinking, and create a sense of shared purpose. They require strategic thinking, creativity, and effective communication skills.
Self #
awareness
Concept #
Understanding one's own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Explanation #
Self-awareness is essential for effective communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building. It involves recognizing one's strengths, weaknesses, and triggers, and adapting communication styles accordingly.
Storytelling #
Storytelling
Concept #
The use of narratives to communicate ideas, values, and experiences.
Explanation #
Storytelling can engage the audience, create emotional connections, and facilitate learning. It requires creativity, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills.
Summarizing #
Summarizing
Concept #
Condensing a message into a brief, concise form to ensure understanding.
Explanation #
Summarizing demonstrates understanding, clarifies meaning, and helps avoid misunderstandings. It requires attentiveness, concentration, and a genuine desire to understand the speaker.
Tone of Voice #
Tone of Voice
Concept #
The way words are spoken, conveying emotions, attitudes, and intentions.
Explanation #
Tone of voice can convey enthusiasm, sarcasm, sincerity, or hostility, and can reinforce or contradict verbal messages. Understanding tone of voice can enhance communication and help avoid misunderstandings.
Trust #
building
Concept #
The process of creating and maintaining positive relationships based on mutual respect and confidence.
Explanation #
Trust-building involves being honest, reliable, and transparent, and demonstrating empathy, understanding, and consistency. It requires effective communication, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking.
Word Choice #
Word Choice
Concept #
The selection of words used in communication, conveying meaning, tone, and intention.
Explanation #
Word choice can create impact, convey emotions, and influence attitudes and behaviors. It requires strategic thinking, creativity, and effective communication skills.