Communication

Communication

Communication Definition

Clearly and effectively exchange information, facts, ideas, opinions, and feelings through verbal, non-verbal, written, listening, and visual actions.

  • Understand the importance of and demonstrate verbal, written, and non-verbal/body language, abilities.
  • Employ active listening, persuasion, and influencing skills.
  • Communicate in a clear and organized manner so that others can effectively understand.
  • Frame communication with respect to diversity of learning styles, varied individual communication abilities, and cultural differences.
  • Ask appropriate questions for specific information from supervisors, specialists, and others.
  • Promptly inform relevant others when needing guidance with assigned tasks.

    Source: NACE Career Readiness Competencies
  • How skillful am I at articulating my ideas?
  • How willing am I to have difficult conversations?
  • How fluently do I communicate my needs?
  • How do I communicate with someone from a different culture than mine?

Public Speaking/Presentation

  • Host a presentation night with friends. The topic doesn’t matter, but make it look good!
  • Video record yourself practicing a presentation. What does your body language look like? How is your pacing?

Writing

  • Attend a workshop at the Mines Writing Center.
  • Write a short story. Storytelling skills can also make you more engaging when you speak! For inspiration, try this short story generator.
  • Take HASS202: Technical Communication.
  • Take HASS323. Introduction to Science Communication.
  • Take HASS360. Research, Values, and Communication.

Visual Communication

  • Take a graphic design course. Not sure where to look? Check out our resource library!
  • Create a presentation about a hobby or a topic using no words. How do you describe it? What do you love about it? What do you want others to understand about you?