CHINHOYI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATION SKILLS: CUACE 101

Lecturers: Mr. I. Choto School of Business Sciences School of Hospitality and Tourism Mrs. Y. ChigwedereSchool of Agricultural Sciences School of Engineering Sciences Institute of Life Long Learning Mr. W. Chirambaguwa Mr. T. Mungwari

COURSE OUTLINE

Objectives:By the end of the course students should be able to: Communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals and

complexities of the communication process Relate to the interpersonal and corporate dynamics that affect

effective communication in organizations Establish the effectiveness of and identify challenges

associated with computer mediated communication

Course Duration: 48 hours

Course Design Section A of the course will de done by all students. Section B will be done by students from the School of

Agricultural Sciences and Technology, the School of Engineering Science and Technology and the Institute of Lifelong Learning.

Section C will accommodate students from the following: School of Hospitality and Tourism and School of Business Sciences and Management.

Content

Section A

1. Introduction to Communication The communication process Levels of communication Models of communication Communication barriers

2. Communication in Organizations Corporate communication systems and

networks Informal communication Group Dynamics Conflict resolution vs conflict transformation

3. Non-verbal Communication Relationship between verbal communication

and non-verbal communication Categories of non-verbal communication Non-verbal communication barriers Non-verbal communication and impression

management

4. Conflict Management and Resolution Strategies

Conflict Approaches to conflict Conflict resolution Conflict transformation

5. Computer-mediated Communication

The internet, intranets, videoconferencing, skype, groupware, instant messaging, e-mail

Computer-mediated communication and internal corporate communication benefits and challenges

6. Written Communication Language use, plain English Memos, circulars, business letters, reports,

proposals

7. Oral Presentation Skills Approaches Strategies

Section B Development communication Technical Communication Visuals and graphics in technical

communication Language issues, technical reports and

proposals

Section C Persuasive communication and advertising Internal and external corporate strategies Visuals and graphics in business

communication Communication and leadership

ASSESSMENT COURSEWORK 30%

ASSIGNMENTS

PRESENTATIONS

EXAM 70%

References Abidi, S. A. H. (1991) Communication, Information and Development. Kenya:

Masaki Publishers Bovee, C. H. and Thill J. V. (1977) Business Communication Today, 5th edition,

New Jersey: Prentice-Hall. DiSouza, J. R. and Nancy, J. (2000) Business and Professional Communication.

Allyn and Bacon. Fielding, M. (1977) Effective Communication in Organisations. 2nd edition.

Kenywny: Juta and Co. Lesikar, R. V., Pettit, J. D., and Flatley, M. E. (1993) Basic Business

Communication, 6th edition, Irwin Burn Ridge. Little, P. (1992) Communication in Business. 3rd edition. Cincinnati: South

Western Publishers Mitchel, J.H. (1968) Writing for Professional and Technical Journal, John Wiley

and Sons Inc. McQuail, A. and Windhal, S. (1993) Communication Models for the Study of

Communication. London: Longman. Zimmerman, D. E. Clark, D.G. (1987) Guide to Technical and Scientific

Communication. Random House Inc.

What is communication?

Communication has to do with the search for understanding, the search for common meanings.

e.g. “love” if one person understands it to mean “fight” and another “tree”, then there would be no communication.

Communication is based on common meanings of words and signs. Therefore communication is a search for shared meanings between individuals and groups.

Let us look at the word itself.Communication seems to have derived from

words like “community” “commune” “common”

All the words imply some sort of

sharing, togetherness, and closeness.

Definitions McQuail (1984, p2) states that: “In normal use, the verb ‘to

communicate’ refers to an act of ‘sending’ a ‘message’ about something to someone who is a ‘receiver.”

Fiske (1992, p2) believes communication is: “social interaction through messages.”

Dimbley (1992, pxii) states: “All communication involves the creation and exchange of meaning.”

Carey (1992, p23) says: “Communication is a symbolic process whereby reality is produced, maintained, repaired and transformed.

ACTIVITY Select one of the definitions above and write

down what you think are its weaknesses and strengths in creating an understanding of communication.

Discuss with your neighbour, never mind if you disagree because remember that communication is all about searching for common grounds or shared meaning.

You can see from the definitions that there is no total agreement on what communication is among scholars of the subject. As a student, you should be able to come up with a working definition of communication.

Communication may be defined as the giving, receiving, or exchanging of information, opinions or ideas through verbal and non-verbal means, so that the material communicated is completely understood by everyone concerned.

It is a two way activity between two or more people. More important than what we communicate is how

we communicate that is important for effective communication to take place.

Why are communication skills important?

For effective communication to take place. Good communication skills results in people being

able to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively, whether orally or through written format.

The purpose of communication is to get your message across to others. A message is only successful when both the sender and the receiver perceive it the same way.

Failure of both/all to perceive it in the same way results in a communication breakdown, creating roadblocks that stand in your way both professionally and personally.

References Mcquail, D. (1984) Communication. Longman: New

York. Fiske, J. (1992) Introduction to

Communication.Studies. London: Routeledge. Dimbley, R. et al. (1992) More than Words: An

introduction to Communication. London: Routeledge.

Carey, J. W. (1992) Communication as Culture: Essays on Media and Society. Boston: Unwin.