Think-Pair-Share: What Makes a Great Communicator?

Instructions:
1. Think (2 minutes): Individually, think about a person you know (a friend, family member, teacher, public figure) who you consider an excellent communicator. What qualities or behaviors make them so effective?





2. Pair (3 minutes): Turn to a partner and share your thoughts. Discuss the common traits you both identified and any unique observations.





3. Share (5 minutes): Be prepared to share one or two key insights from your pair discussion with the whole class.

Communication Script

Warm-Up: Think-Pair-Share (10 minutes)

(Slide 1: Speak Easy: Communication Mastery)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Welcome to 'Speak Easy: Communication Mastery.' Today, we're going to dive into one of the most crucial skills you'll develop, not just for university, but for your entire lives: communication. To get us started, let's do a quick warm-up.

"I want you to Think for two minutes, silently to yourselves, about someone you know who you consider an excellent communicator. What qualities do they possess? What do they do that makes them so effective? Don't just think about what they say, but also how they say it, and how they listen.


"Alright, time to Pair Up! Turn to the person next to you and share your thoughts. Discuss the common traits you identified and any unique observations you made. You have about three minutes for this discussion."


"Now, let's Share with the whole class. Who would like to volunteer one or two key insights from their discussion? What did you and your partner find makes a great communicator?"


(Facilitate brief class sharing, noting key themes on the board.)

Introduction to Communication (10 minutes)

(Slide 2: What is Communication?)

"Fantastic insights, everyone! It sounds like many of you already have a good grasp of what effective communication looks like. So, let's formalize our understanding. At its core, communication is simply the process of conveying information, ideas, and feelings. It's how we connect with the world around us.

"There are two main types we'll focus on today: Verbal Communication, which involves our spoken or written words, and Non-Verbal Communication, which is everything else – our body language, facial expressions, and even our tone of voice. These two often work together, but sometimes, they can send conflicting messages!

(Slide 3: Verbal Communication: Your Words Matter)

"When we think about verbal communication, it's not just what we say, but how we say it. We need to aim for clarity – being direct and easy to understand. We also want conciseness – getting to the point without unnecessary jargon or rambling.

"Think about your tone – the feeling conveyed by your voice. A simple phrase can mean very different things depending on your tone. And finally, word choice is crucial. Selecting appropriate vocabulary for your audience can make all the difference in whether your message is received as intended."

(Slide 4: Non-Verbal Communication: Actions Speak Louder)

"Now, for non-verbal communication. Our bodies are constantly communicating, whether we realize it or not. Our body language—our posture, gestures, and movements—can signal confidence, nervousness, openness, or defensiveness.

"Our facial expressions are powerful indicators of emotion. Eye contact shows engagement and sincerity, or it can be used to intimidate. And even proximity—the distance we keep from others—communicates something about our relationship and comfort level. Have you ever noticed how different cultures have different norms for personal space?

(Slide 5: Why Communication Matters)

"So, why does all of this matter, especially for you as university students? Beyond the obvious, strong communication skills are fundamental for academic success. Think about group projects, giving presentations, or even just understanding complex lectures. In your future careers, professional growth will heavily rely on your ability to ace job interviews, work effectively in teams, and take on leadership roles. And of course, in your personal lives, effective communication is the bedrock for building healthy, strong personal relationships and resolving conflicts peacefully."

(Slide 6: See It In Action: Good vs. Bad Communication)

"To illustrate this, I have a short video. As you watch, I want you to observe the examples of communication—both effective and ineffective. Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues. After the video, we'll discuss what you noticed and how the communication styles impacted the outcome."


(Play video or describe scenarios if a video link is not available.)


"What did you notice? How did the communication styles impact the outcome in those examples? Were there any surprises?"

Deep Dive: Active Listening (15 minutes)

(Slide 7: Active Listening: The Foundation)

"Excellent observations! Now, let's shift our focus to a critical component of effective communication that often gets overlooked: listening. But not just hearing – we're talking about Active Listening. This is more than just letting sounds enter your ears; it's about fully concentrating on what is being said, understanding both the verbal and non-verbal cues, and providing appropriate feedback to show you've understood."

(Slide 8: Techniques for Active Listening)

"So, how do we become active listeners? Here are some key techniques. First, Pay Attention – give the speaker your undivided attention. Put away your phones, close laptops, and focus. Second, Show You're Listening through subtle nods, encouraging 'uh-huhs,' and maintaining appropriate eye contact. Third, Provide Feedback by paraphrasing what you've heard, summarizing their points, or asking clarifying questions. This ensures you've understood and shows the speaker they've been heard.

"Crucially, Defer Judgment. Try to avoid interrupting or forming opinions too early. Let the speaker finish their thoughts. And finally, Respond Appropriately. Be respectful, honest, and thoughtful in your replies."

"To help deepen your understanding of active listening, I'm handing out a short reading called The Art of Listening Reading. Please take about 5 minutes to read through it now."


(Distribute and allow time for reading.)


"Now that you've read about it, let's discuss some of the challenges and benefits of active listening. What makes it difficult to truly listen sometimes? What are the payoffs when we do it well?"


(Facilitate discussion using prompts from Communication Discussion.)


"Great discussion points. To solidify your understanding, please pair up again. I'm handing out the Active Listening Worksheet. Work with your partner to complete the exercises. You have about 7 minutes."


(Distribute and allow time. Circulate to assist.)


"Let's quickly review the worksheet answers as a class. Any questions or insights from completing it?"

Practice & Application (15 minutes)

(Slide 9: Practice Makes Perfect!)

"Alright, you've learned the theory and practiced a bit. Now it's time to put these skills to the test in a more interactive way. We have two options for practice today.

"Option one is the Role-Play Communication Activity. I'll divide you into small groups, and each group will receive a scenario to role-play, focusing on using the communication skills we've discussed. You'll have about 7 minutes to prepare and perform.

"Option two, if you prefer a lighter, more engaging approach, is the Communication Charades Game. This is a fun way to practice non-verbal communication. We'll play for about 8 minutes. Who wants to try the role-plays, and who's up for charades?"

(Guide students to their chosen activity, distribute materials as needed for Role-Play Communication Activity or explain rules for Communication Charades Game. Monitor and assist.)

Assessment & Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

(Slide 10: Reflect & Grow)

"Excellent participation in those activities, everyone! To quickly gauge your understanding of today's topics, please take out a pen or pencil. I'm distributing the Communication Skills Quiz. You have 5 minutes to complete it. Do your best!"

(Distribute and collect quizzes. Mention that the Communication Skills Quiz Answer Key will be provided.)


"Finally, to take your learning further, I want to introduce you to our upcoming Effective Communication Project Guide. This project will allow you to apply all of these skills in a more comprehensive way. The expectations and grading criteria are clearly outlined in the Communication Project Rubric. We'll discuss this more next session.

"To wrap up today, let's do a quick Communication Cool Down. On the slip of paper I'm giving you, please write down one new communication skill you will commit to practicing this week, whether in your academic life, professional interactions, or personal relationships. This will serve as your exit ticket. Thank you all for your engagement today!"

(Distribute cool-down slips and collect as students exit.)

The Art of Listening: More Than Just Hearing

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to mistake hearing for listening. Hearing is a passive process—the reception of sound waves by your ears. Listening, however, is an active, conscious process that requires focus, interpretation, and understanding. It's a foundational skill for all effective communication.

Why is Active Listening So Challenging?

Many factors can make active listening difficult. Our minds often wander; we might be formulating our own response instead of fully absorbing what the other person is saying. Distractions, preconceived notions, biases, and even emotional responses can get in the way of truly hearing and understanding.

The Power of Active Listening

When you engage in active listening, you're not just waiting for your turn to speak. You are fully present, focused on understanding the speaker's message, both verbal and non-verbal. This profound engagement brings numerous benefits:

• Enhanced Understanding: You grasp the speaker's message more accurately, reducing misunderstandings.
• Stronger Relationships: People feel valued and respected when they are truly heard, fostering trust and rapport.
• Improved Problem-Solving: By fully understanding perspectives, you can collaborate more effectively to find solutions.
• Increased Empathy: Active listening allows you to better understand others' feelings and experiences, building empathy.
• Conflict Resolution: Many conflicts arise from miscommunication. Active listening helps to clarify issues and defuse tension.

Core Principles of Active Listening

While we discussed techniques, the principles behind them are key:

1. Be Present: Put aside distractions. Give the speaker your full, undivided attention.
2. Listen to Understand, Not to Reply: Your goal is to comprehend, not to immediately formulate a counter-argument or a solution.
3. Observe Non-Verbal Cues: Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These often convey more than words alone.
4. Practice Empathy: Try to put yourself in the speaker's shoes and understand their perspective and feelings.
5. Withhold Judgment: Allow the speaker to express themselves completely before forming opinions.

The Journey to Becoming an Active Listener

Active listening is a skill that develops with practice. It requires patience, self-awareness, and a genuine desire to connect with others. By consciously applying these principles in your daily interactions, you can transform your communication and build more meaningful connections in all areas of your life.

Communication Discussion: The Challenges and Rewards of Listening

Now that you've read The Art of Listening Reading and learned about active listening, let's open up a discussion. Remember, the goal is to share your thoughts and experiences, and to listen actively to your peers.

Discussion Prompts:

1. Based on the reading and our discussion so far, what do you think is the biggest challenge people face when trying to practice active listening in their daily lives? Why is it so difficult?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Can you recall a time when someone truly actively listened to you? How did that make you feel? What impact did it have on your interaction or relationship with that person?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Conversely, describe a situation where you felt unheard or misunderstood because the other person wasn't actively listening. What was the outcome of that communication?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. The reading mentions that active listening can lead to stronger relationships and improved problem-solving. How do you see active listening contributing to these outcomes in a university setting (e.g., group projects, lectures, discussions with professors)?
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. What is one specific active listening technique that you find most challenging to implement, and why? What is one you find most valuable?
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. How might practicing active listening change the way you approach disagreements or conflicts with others?

Role-Play Communication Activity: Real-World Scenarios

Objective: To practice effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills, including active listening, in simulated real-world situations.

Instructions:

1. Divide into small groups of 3-4 students.
2. Each group will select one of the scenarios below (or be assigned one).
3. Assign roles within your group (e.g., Speaker, Listener, Observer).
4. Spend 5-7 minutes performing the role-play, focusing on applying the communication techniques we've discussed today. Observers should take notes on what they see and hear.
5. After the role-play, discuss within your group for 3-5 minutes, using the reflection questions below.

Scenarios:

Scenario 1: The Group Project Dilemma

• Situation: You are working on a group project, and one member (Student A) has not been contributing their fair share, missing meetings and deadlines. Another member (Student B) needs to talk to Student A about this issue without alienating them, as the deadline is fast approaching.
• Roles: Student A (underperforming), Student B (addressing the issue), Observer(s).

Scenario 2: Seeking Extension from a Professor

• Situation: You (Student A) have had a challenging week and need to request an extension on a major assignment from your professor (Student B). You want to explain your situation clearly and professionally while showing respect for the professor's time and policies.
• Roles: Student A (student requesting extension), Student B (professor), Observer(s).

Scenario 3: Disagreement with a Roommate

• Situation: Your roommate (Student A) consistently leaves dirty dishes in the sink, which is causing a foul odor and attracting pests. You (Student B) need to address this with them calmly and find a solution that works for both of you.
• Roles: Student A (roommate leaving dishes), Student B (roommate addressing the issue), Observer(s).

Scenario 4: Presenting a New Idea

• Situation: You (Student A) have a innovative idea for a campus initiative that you believe would greatly benefit students. You need to present this idea to a skeptical but open-minded university administrator (Student B) and convince them of its value and feasibility.
• Roles: Student A (student with idea), Student B (university administrator), Observer(s).

Reflection Questions (for group discussion after role-play):

1. As the speaker, what verbal and non-verbal techniques did you intentionally use? How did you feel during the conversation?
2. As the listener, what active listening techniques did you employ? What was challenging about listening in this scenario?
3. As the observer, what effective communication strategies did you notice being used? What could have been improved? How did the non-verbal cues align or conflict with the verbal message?
4. What was the overall outcome of the communication? Was it successful? Why or why not?

Communication Charades Game: Actions Speak Louder!

Objective: To practice conveying and interpreting messages through non-verbal communication.

Instructions:

1. Divide into two teams.
2. One person from Team A will come to the front and receive a card with a communication-related word or phrase. (Teacher will provide these cards or write them on the board).
3. That person has 1 minute to act out the word/phrase to their team without speaking, making sounds, or mouthing words.
4. If Team A guesses correctly within the time limit, they earn a point.
5. Teams take turns. The team with the most points at the end wins!

Charades Ideas (Teacher can write these on cards or a list):

• Active Listening
• Confused
• Excited
• Angry Tone of Voice
• Shy Body Language
• Giving a Presentation
• Interrupting Someone
• Making Eye Contact
• Avoiding Eye Contact
• Whispering a Secret
• Arguing
• Apologizing
• Giving Feedback
• Asking for Help
• Misunderstanding
• Agreeing
• Disagreeing
• Being Patient
• Being Impatient
• Gossiping
• Public Speaking Fear
• Trying to be Clear
• Receiving Bad News
• Celebrating a Success

Post-Game Reflection (Optional):

• What did you find most challenging about communicating without words?
• What non-verbal cues were most effective in conveying a message?
• How important do you think non-verbal communication is compared to verbal communication?

Active Listening Worksheet

Instructions: Read each scenario carefully and answer the questions that follow. Use the concepts and techniques of active listening we discussed today.

Part 1: Scenario Analysis

Scenario 1: Sarah is talking to her friend, Ben, about a stressful situation with her university workload. Ben keeps looking at his phone, occasionally nodding, and then says, "Yeah, that sounds tough. Have you tried making a to-do list?"

1. Was Ben practicing active listening? Explain why or why not, referencing at least two active listening techniques.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What verbal cues might indicate Ben wasn't fully engaged?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What non-verbal cues might indicate Ben wasn't fully engaged?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. If you were Ben, what would you do differently to show active listening?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: David is explaining a complex idea for a group project to Maria. Maria maintains eye contact, nods occasionally, and after David finishes, she says, "So, if I understand correctly, your main point is that we should focus on the research first, then outline, to avoid getting bogged down in details early on. Is that right?"

1. Was Maria practicing active listening? Explain why or why not, referencing at least two active listening techniques.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What specific phrase did Maria use to show she was listening?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. How might David feel after this interaction compared to how Sarah felt in Scenario 1?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Personal Reflection

1. Think about a recent conversation you had where you felt you were actively listening well. What did you do, and what was the outcome?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What is one active listening technique you want to improve upon in your daily interactions? How will you try to practice it?

Communication Skills Quiz Answer Key

Question 1:

Prompt: Which of the following is an example of non-verbal communication?

• A. Sending an email
• B. Giving a speech
• C. Maintaining eye contact
• D. Writing a letter

Correct Answer: C. Maintaining eye contact
Reasoning: Non-verbal communication refers to conveying messages without words. Maintaining eye contact is a physical action that communicates engagement, sincerity, or interest, without any spoken or written language.

Question 2:

Prompt: Briefly define active listening in your own words.

Expected Answer: Active listening is a conscious effort to fully concentrate on, understand, respond to, and remember what is being said, both verbally and non-verbally, without interrupting or judging.
Reasoning: A good definition should emphasize the active, conscious nature of listening beyond just hearing, and include elements of understanding, responsiveness, and non-judgment.

Question 3:

Prompt: When practicing active listening, which of these is generally NOT recommended?

• A. Paraphrasing the speaker's points
• B. Formulating your response while the speaker is talking
• C. Nodding occasionally to show engagement
• D. Asking clarifying questions

Correct Answer: B. Formulating your response while the speaker is talking
Reasoning: Active listening requires full attention to the speaker. Formulating your own response while someone is still speaking distracts from truly hearing and understanding their message.

Question 4:

Prompt: Which element of verbal communication refers to the feeling conveyed by your voice?

• A. Clarity
• B. Conciseness
• C. Tone
• D. Word Choice

Correct Answer: C. Tone
Reasoning: Tone refers to the emotional quality or attitude expressed through one's voice, which significantly impacts how a verbal message is received.

Question 5:

Prompt: List two reasons why effective communication is important for university students.

Expected Answer:

1. Academic success (e.g., performing well in group projects, giving effective presentations, understanding lectures).
2. Professional growth (e.g., succeeding in job interviews, collaborating effectively in teams, taking on leadership roles).
3. Building strong personal relationships (e.g., resolving conflicts, fostering understanding with peers and family).

Reasoning: Students should be able to identify at least two of the major benefits of good communication skills as discussed in the lesson.

Effective Communication Project: Your Communication Toolkit

Project Objective:

To apply and demonstrate effective verbal, non-verbal, and active listening skills in a practical, real-world scenario.

Project Description:

For this project, you will identify a common communication challenge or goal in your academic, professional, or personal life. You will then design and implement a strategy to address this challenge or achieve this goal, documenting your process and reflecting on your outcomes. This project encourages you to move beyond theory and actively practice communication skills.

Deliverables:

1. Project Proposal (Due: [Date])

   • A one-page document outlining your chosen communication challenge/goal, why it's important, and your initial plan to address it. Include specific communication skills you intend to focus on.

2. Implementation Log (Due: [Date])

   • A log (journal entries, bullet points, or brief narratives) documenting your attempts to implement your communication strategy over a period of at least two weeks. Include dates, situations, the specific techniques you used, and immediate observations.

3. Reflective Essay (Due: [Date])

   • A 750-1000 word essay reflecting on your project experience. This essay should address:
     • The initial challenge/goal and your proposed strategy.
     • Detailed examples of how you applied verbal, non-verbal, and active listening skills.
     • Challenges encountered and how you adapted your approach.
     • The outcomes of your communication efforts (successes, areas for improvement).
     • Personal insights gained about your own communication style and the importance of effective communication.

4. Oral Presentation (Due: [Date])

   • A 5-7 minute oral presentation to the class summarizing your project, key findings, and main takeaways. You should be prepared for a brief Q&A session.

Suggested Communication Challenges/Goals:

• Improving communication with a group project team.
• Effectively communicating with a supervisor or professor.
• Practicing active listening with a friend or family member during disagreements.
• Clearly articulating your needs or boundaries in a personal relationship.
• Improving your public speaking skills for class presentations.
• Navigating a difficult conversation (e.g., conflict resolution, giving constructive feedback).

Key Expectations:

• Clarity: Ensure your written and oral communication throughout the project is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
• Active Listening: Demonstrate your ability to actively listen to others involved in your communication scenarios.
• Non-Verbal Awareness: Be mindful of and reflect on your own and others' non-verbal cues.
• Self-Reflection: Critically analyze your communication attempts and learn from them.

Assessment:

This project will be assessed using the Communication Project Rubric, which outlines the specific criteria for each deliverable. Please review it carefully as you plan and execute your project.

Communication Project Rubric

Project Title: Effective Communication Project: Your Communication Toolkit

This rubric will be used to assess your Effective Communication Project based on the criteria below. Please review it carefully to understand the expectations for each deliverable.

Scoring Scale:

• 4 - Exceeds Expectations: Demonstrates exceptional understanding and application; goes above and beyond requirements.
• 3 - Meets Expectations: Demonstrates a solid understanding and application; fulfills all requirements.
• 2 - Developing: Shows some understanding and application, but with noticeable gaps or inconsistencies; partially fulfills requirements.
• 1 - Needs Improvement: Demonstrates minimal understanding or application; fails to meet most requirements.

Communication Cool Down: Your Next Step

Instructions: On this slip, please write down one specific new communication skill you will commit to practicing this week, and briefly explain how you plan to practice it.

This is your exit ticket for today's lesson. Thank you for your active participation!