Effective communication requires confidence. Having confidence is the first step in improving communication skills. Objectives for an effective communication course include building self-belief. Without that, effective communication is unlikely. In fact, according to best-selling author John Adair, confidence is about performance. Six physical steps, including talking slowly, are what Adair advises. Some communication courses also stress physical factors. How you use space is important, according to Learning Tree International Inc. Intonation, likewise, is key. The company's course aims to eliminate the roadblocks that undermine communication.
Some people are very aggressive in their communication with others, believing that this is the way to transmit their message. However, many communication courses emphasize the need for collaboration, rather than confrontation. Collaborative relationships build respect and trust. The old adage that two heads are better than one is often applicable in business and other walks of life. If you complete a communication course knowing how to cooperate and build strong collaborative relationships, your time will have been well-spent.
In many walks of life, listening skills are important. If you work in the retail industry, you ought to be able to listen to customers so you can process orders. If you work in the health sector, you need to be able to listen to patients so you can treat them correctly. Even though we start to learn listening skills in kindergarten, some people have still not mastered the art by the time they become adults. An effective communication course will aim to teach -- and stress the importance of -- listening skills.
In our multicultural world, it is important for a communication course to have, as one of its objectives, the overcoming of cross-cultural barriers. Sometimes, this will be done through analysis of case studies, or role-play. Another aim of an effective communication course is to teach attendees how to use straightforward, succinct and direct language rather than flowery jargon, such as technobabble. Empowering you to influence people through your speech is also a key objective.