Communication refers to the exchange of information with others. The skills and topics in this domain help students communicate their thoughts clearly and concisely in written and spoken formats across different personal and professional contexts. In addition, several skills cover topics that are not directly linked to the contents of the message but influence the effectiveness of the communication. This category also addresses strategies to help students overcome some of the challenges or roadblocks associated with communication.
What you’ll find on each skill page:
- Overview and description
- Importance and relevance to students’ academic lives
- Strategies and activities for students to apply in their learning
Active listening (learner version)
Active listening is conscious, intentional, and connected listening that requires being fully present in the moment and listening without interruption or distraction.
Audience engagement (learner version)
Audience engagement is an interactive process that involves the speaker using strategies to connect with an audience or users.
Audience identification (learner version)
Audience identification involves determining the needs and expectations of a target audience to successfully deliver a message.
Difficult conversations (learner version)
Difficult conversations are emotional, controversial, and high-stakes conversations that matter and need to be addressed.
Digital literacy (learner version)
Digital literacy is knowing how to effectively use technology to find, evaluate, and create information.
Giving and receiving feedback (learner version)
Feedback is the reciprocal exchange of ideas surrounding an experience, event, or task, and is commonly provided in relation to a standard.
Networking (learner version)
Networking is the exchange of ideas and information to connect with people and build relationships.
Online communication (learner version)
Online communication is connecting with others through various digital platforms for a variety of purposes.
Online professionalism (learner version)
Online professionalism refers to the way we navigate and engage with others in online environments.
Outlining, drafting, and editing (learner version)
Outlining, drafting, and editing are important components of the writing process and include both pre-writing and writing skills.
Public speaking (learner version)
Public speaking is the act of talking in public, typically in the context of presenting to a larger group of people.
Reading comprehension (learner version)
Reading comprehension is understanding and interpreting what one has read.
Summarizing and synthesizing (learner version)
Summarizing involves expressing the main points, whereas synthesizing involves combining ideas to make something new.
Writer’s block (learner version)
Writer’s block is a psychological inhibition that prevents a person from proceeding with a written task.