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Click here to view the Voki welcome video.

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The presentation from this session is available below for your review.

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Personal SWOT Analysis Worksheet

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Please click on the link below to complete the Communication Quiz.

After completing the quiz, review your assessment and write a note on your CRLA Level 1 Padlet discussing how you plan to address your results or utilize the concepts from this module. Use the title "Communication Skills."

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Self-Assessment * 18 min read

Speaking, Listening, Writing, and Reading Effectively

By the Mind Tools Content Team

Communication is one of the most important skills that you need to succeed in the workplace.

If you want to be an expert communicator, you need to be effective at all points in the communication process - from "sender" through to "receiver" - and you must be comfortable with the different channels of communication - face-to-face, online, written, and so on. This is because poor communicators often struggle to develop their careers beyond a certain point.

So, how can you find out how good your communication skills really are? Take this short quiz to find out.

The Communication Quiz

Instructions

For each statement, click the button in the column that best describes you. Please answer questions as you actually are (rather than how you think you should be), and don't worry if some questions seem to score in the "wrong direction." When you are finished, please click the "Calculate My Total" button at the bottom of the test.

15 Statements to Answer

Not at all

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very often

Detailed Interpretation

Whenever you communicate with someone else, you each follow the steps of the Communication Process (see figure 1, below).

Figure 1. The Communication Process

During this process, the person who is the source of the communication encodes it into a message, and transmits it through a channel. The receiver decodes the message, and, in one way or another, feeds back his or her understanding or a lack of understanding to the source.

By understanding the steps in the process, you can become more aware of your role in it, recognize what you need to do to communicate effectively, anticipate problems before they happen, and improve your overall ability to communicate effectively.

The sections below help you do this, and improve the way that you communicate at each stage of the process.

The Source - Planning Your Message(Questions 2, 11)Before you start communicating, take a moment to figure out what you want to say, and why. Don't waste time conveying information that isn't necessary - and don't waste the listener or reader's time either. Too often, people just keep talking or writing because they think that by saying more they'll surely cover all the points. Often, however, all they do is confuse the people they're talking to. To plan your communication:Understand your objective.Why are you communicating?Understand your audience. With whom are you communicating? What do they need to know?Plan what you want to say, and how you'll send the message.Seek feedback on how well your message was received.When you do this, you'll be able to craft a message that will be received positively by your audience.Good communicators use the KISS ("Keep It Simple and Straightforward") principle. They know that less is often more, and that good communication should be efficient as well as effective. Encoding - Creating a Clear, Well-Crafted Message(Questions 1, 5, 8, 10, 15)When you know what you want to say, decide exactly how you'll say it. You're responsible for sending a message that's clear and concise. To achieve this, you need to consider not only what you'll say, but also how you think the recipient will perceive it.We often focus on the message that we want to send, and the way in which we'll send it. But if our message is delivered without considering the recipient's perspective, it's likely that part of that message will be lost. To communicate more effectively:Understand what you truly need and want to say.Anticipate the other person's reaction to your message.Choose words and body language that allow the other person to really hear what you're saying.With written communication, make sure that what you write will be perceived the way you intend. Words on a page generally have no emotion - they don't "smile" or "frown" at you while you're reading them (unless you're a very talented writer, of course!)When writing, take time to do the following:Review your style.Avoid jargon or slang.Check your grammar and punctuation.Check also for tone, attitude, nuance, and other subtleties. If you think the message may be misunderstood, it probably will. Take the time to clarify it!Familiarize yourself with your company's writing policies or style guides.Another important consideration is to use pictures, charts, and diagrams wherever possible. As the saying goes, "a picture speaks a thousand words." Our article on charts and graphs has some great tips that help you to use these to communicate clearly.Also, whether you speak or write your message, consider the cultural context. If there's potential for miscommunication or misunderstanding due to cultural or language barriers, address these issues in advance. Consult with people who are familiar with these types of barriers and do your research, so that you're aware of problems you may face. See our article on Effective Cross-Culture Communication for more help. Choosing the Right Channel(Questions 7, 11, 13)Along with encoding your message, you need to choose the best communication channel to use to send it. You want to be efficient, while also making the most of your communication opportunity.Using email to send simple directions is practical. However, if you want to delegate a complex task, an email will probably just lead to more questions, so it may be best to arrange a time to speak in person. And if your communication has any negative emotional content, stay well away from email! Make sure that you communicate face to face or by phone, so that you can judge the impact of your words and adjust your message appropriately.When choosing the right channel for your message, consider the following:The sensitivity and emotional content of the subject.How easy it is to communicate detail.The receiver's preferences.Time constraints.The need to ask and answer questions. Decoding - Receiving and Interpreting a Message(Questions 3, 6, 12, 14)It can be easy to focus on speaking: we want to get our points out there, because we usually have lots to say. However, to be a great communicator, you also need to step back, let the other person talk, and listen.This doesn't mean that you should be passive. Listening is hard work, which is why effective listening is called active listening. To listen actively, give your undivided attention to the speaker:Look at the person.Pay attention to his or her body language.Avoid distractions.Nod and smile to acknowledge points.Occasionally think back about what the person has said.Allow the person to speak, without thinking about what you'll say next.Don't interrupt. Empathic listening also helps you decode messages accurately. To understand a message fully, you have to understand the emotions and underlying feelings that the speaker is expressing. This is where an understanding of body language can be useful. Feedback(Questions 4, 9)You need feedback, because without it, you can't be sure that people have understood your message. Sometimes feedback is verbal, and sometimes it's not. We've looked at the importance of asking questions and listening carefully. However, feedback through body language can also help you to assess the impact of your message. By watching the facial expressions, gestures, and posture of the person you're communicating with, you can spot:Confidence levels.Defensiveness.Agreement.Comprehension (or lack of understanding).Level of interest.Level of engagement with the message.Truthfulness (or lying/dishonesty).As a speaker, understanding your listener's body language can give you an opportunity to adjust your message and make it more understandable, appealing, or interesting. As a listener, body language can show you more about what the other person is saying. You can then ask questions to ensure that you have, indeed, understood each other. In both situations, you can better avoid miscommunication if it happens.Feedback can also be formal. If you're communicating something really important, it can often be worth asking questions of the person you're talking to make sure that they've understood fully. And if you're receiving this sort of communication, repeat it in your own words to check your understanding.

Key Points

It can take a lot of effort to communicate effectively. However, you need to be able to communicate well if you're going to make the most of the opportunities that life has to offer.

By learning the skills you need to communicate effectively, you can learn how to get your ideas across clearly and effectively, and understand much more of the information that's conveyed to you.

Whether you're a speaker, a listener, a writer, or a reader, you are responsible for making sure that messages are communicated accurately. Pay attention to words and actions, ask questions, and watch body language. These will all help to ensure that you say what you mean, and hear what is intended.

Note:

This assessment has not been validated and is intended for illustrative purposes only.

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How Good Are Your Communication Skills? - Speaking, Listening, Writing, and Reading Effectively

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Take this test to see how well you communicate, then use our tools and strategies to improve your communication skills.

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If you cannot access the Communication Quiz link, please access and complete this PDF version.
After completing the quiz, review your assessment and post a note on your CRLA Level 1 Padlet discussing how you plan to address your results or utilize the concepts from this module. Use the title "Communication Skills."

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How Good Are Your Communication Skills_ - from MindTools.com

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Please view this short slideshow.

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Please complete the four Online Study Skills Workshops linked below.

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Cook Counseling Center provides in depth information on different topics that will improve several crucial aspects of academic strategy and knowledge. These Online Study Skills Workshops gives students the tools they need to study and test better.

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To be in compliance with the CLAC's ethics requirements, you must:
1) Sign and return the statement indicating you received, reviewed, and will abide by the Tutor Manual
2) Complete Bergen Community College's required Title IX and Sexual Misconduct course and provide your course certificate to your immediate supervisor.
3) Complete the FERPA 101 course (provided by the U.S. Department of Education) and provide your course certificate to your immediate supervisor.
4) Watch BCC Public Safety's video "Run. Hide. Fight."

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Please access the BCC course here. (25 minutes)

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BCC VAWA Required Education | Bergen Community College

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Bergen Community College is committed to providing an institutional environment where all persons may pursue their studies, careers, duties, and activities in an atmosphere free of threat of unwelcome and unwanted sexual actions. It strongly condemns sexual offenses, will not tolerate sexual offenders, and supports those who have been victimized.

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Please access the FERPA 101: For Colleges and Universities course here. (45 minutes)

Register as a new user and then select the "FERPA for Colleges and Universities" program.

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FERPA 101: For Colleges & Universities | Protecting Student Privacy

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This online training course was developed by PTAC as an introduction to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and its requirements relating to the privacy and security of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in student records.

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Have you completed the requisite training hours to receive your Level 1 CRLA Certification?

Required: 10 hours of training (6 must be live, in-person, and synchronous)

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Please watch this video and speak with your immediate supervisor if you have questions or concerns. (6 minutes)

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RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. Surviving an Active Shooter Event | Bergen Community College

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Source: California State University, Northridge

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Who is your immediate supervisor?

You may report to one or more supervisor, but your primary supervisor will be the one who oversees your major/degree field.

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Remake this Padlet to keep track of your progress. Use your Bergen email as your username/login.

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Please complete this online customer service course and provide a screenshot or picture of your completion certificate to your immediate supervisor. You can also upload a copy to your Padlet.

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Customer Service and Support Skills Training Course | Alison

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Learn key customer-centric techniques, skills and practices in Alison's free online Customer Service Training course - vital for career and business.

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Please create a Thinglink infographic highlighting what you have learned during your Level 1 CRLA training program.

Be creative! Include as much information as you can think of. You can include text, video, and/or images.

Please post or link to your Thinglink here.

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ThingLink: Create unique experiences with interactive images, videos & 360° media

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Easily create interactive and immersive visual experiences for online communication and learning. Start a free trial!

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Please click on the link below to provide your confidential thoughts on the CRLA Level 1 training program and process. We look forward to your feedback!

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Personal SWOT Analysis

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Please watch this workshop on setting goals.

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SMART Goals

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What Are the SMART Criteria?

How to Write a SMART Goal

Paul J. Meyer, businessman, author and founder of Success Motivation International, describes the characteristics of SMART goals in his 2003 book, " Attitude Is Everything: If You Want to Succeed Above and Beyond." We'll expand on his definitions to explore how to create, develop and achieve your goals:

1. Specific

Your goal should be clear and specific, otherwise you won't be able to focus your efforts or feel truly motivated to achieve it. When drafting your goal, try to answer the five "W" questions:

Example

Imagine that you are currently a marketing executive, and you'd like to become head of marketing. A specific goal could be, "I want to gain the skills and experience necessary to become head of marketing within my organization, so that I can build my career and lead a successful team."

2. Measurable

It's important to have measurable goals, so that you can track your progress and stay motivated. Assessing progress helps you to stay focused, meet your deadlines, and feel the excitement of getting closer to achieving your goal.

A measurable goal should address questions such as:

How much?

How many?

How will I know when it is accomplished?

Example

You might measure your goal of acquiring the skills to become head of marketing by determining that you will have completed the necessary training courses and gained the relevant experience within five years' time.

3. Achievable

Your goal also needs to be realistic and attainable to be successful. In other words, it should stretch your abilities but still remain possible. When you set an achievable goal, you may be able to identify previously overlooked opportunities or resources that can bring you closer to it.

An achievable goal will usually answer questions such as:

How can I accomplish this goal?

How realistic is the goal, based on other constraints, such as financial factors?

Example

You might need to ask yourself whether developing the skills required to become head of marketing is realistic, based on your existing experience and qualifications. For example, do you have the time to complete the required training effectively? Are the necessary resources available to you? Can you afford to do it?

4. Relevant

This step is about ensuring that your goal matters to you, and that it also aligns with other relevant goals. We all need support and assistance in achieving our goals, but it's important to retain control over them. So, make sure that your plans drive everyone forward, but that you're still responsible for achieving your own goal.

A relevant goal can answer "yes" to these questions:

Does this seem worthwhile?

Is this the right time?

Does this match our other efforts/needs?

Am I the right person to reach this goal?

Is it applicable in the current socio-economic environment?

Example

You might want to gain the skills to become head of marketing within your organization, but is it the right time to undertake the required training, or work toward additional qualifications? Are you sure that you're the right person for the head of marketing role? Have you considered your partner's goals? For example, if you want to start a family, would completing training in your free time make this more difficult?

5. Time-bound

Every goal needs a target date, so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work toward. This part of the SMART goal criteria helps to prevent everyday tasks from taking priority over your longer-term goals.

A time-bound goal will usually answer these questions:

When?

What can I do six months from now?

What can I do six weeks from now?

What can I do today?

Example

Gaining the skills to become head of marketing may require additional training or experience, as we mentioned earlier. How long will it take you to acquire these skills? Do you need further training, so that you're eligible for certain exams or qualifications? It's important to give yourself a realistic time frame for accomplishing the smaller goals that are necessary to achieving your final objective.

Used with Permission from The Meyer Resource Group,® Inc.

The Pros and Cons of SMART Goals

SMART is an effective tool that provides the clarity, focus and motivation you need to achieve your goals. It can also improve your ability to reach them by encouraging you to define your objectives and set a completion date. SMART goals are also easy to use by anyone, anywhere, without the need for specialist tools or training.

Various interpretations of SMART have meant that it can lose its effectiveness or be misunderstood. Some people believe that SMART doesn't work well for long-term goals because it lacks flexibility, while others suggest that it might stifle creativity. For more information on the potential weaknesses of SMART, see our article, Locke's Goal-Setting Theory.

Frequently Asked Questions About SMART Goals

What does SMART stand for?

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and T ime-bound.

What's an example of a SMART Goal?

Let's say you're a marketing executive, and you think you'd like to become head of marketing. This is a specific goal. You might measure your goal of gaining the skills to become head of marketing by deciding it will take five years. Ask yourself whether gaining these skills is achievable, based on your existing experience and qualifications. Are you at the right point in your career? Is it relevant to what you want? Give yourself a realistic time frame for accomplishing the smaller goals that are necessary to achieving your final objective.

How do I write a SMART goal plan?

Start by asking exactly what you need to accomplish. This will make your goal specific.

Quantify your goals. Measurable goals are easier to track, so build in milestones.

Your goal should be achievable. Is this something you can do with the resources at your disposal?

Think why you're setting this goal. How will it improve your life or career? This is what makes it relevant.

Know exactly when you'll have reached your goal. Have a firm schedule, and stick to it.

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SMART Goals - How to Make Your Goals Achievable

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Set SMART goals to clarify your ideas, focus your efforts, use your time and resources productively, and achieve what you want at work and in life.

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SMART Goal Worksheet

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Attached is the narrative of the video workshop.

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Please read the article linked below.

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Applying the Seven Stages of the Communications Process

Conveying a message to other people clearly might sound simple, but it's a process that is often fraught with error.

Many people struggle to communicate effectively - verbally and in writing. They impart thoughts and ideas that don't reflect their intended meaning, and that their recipients misinterpret or misunderstand.

This can result in confusion, frustration, wasted effort, and missed opportunities. Communication breaks down, causing collaboration and progress to become impossible.

Research shows that good communication is one of the top "soft" skills that managers look for in employees. But communication will only ever be successful when both the person sending the message and the person receiving it understand the key messages being put across.

In this article and in the video below, we look at how to make your communications foolproof using a seven-step framework known as the Communications Process.

Click here to view a transcript of this video.

How Do We Communicate?

Did you know that any time that you communicate with another person, you are using the Communications Process (see figure 1, below)?

It stands to reason then that understanding this process will help you to become more aware of what is happening as you communicate, and the things you can do to ensure that your message gets received "loud and clear."

Figure 1. The Communications Process

From " The Mathematical Theory of Communication," Copyright 1949, 1998, by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. Used with the permission of the University of Illinois Press.

To be an effective communicator, you need to make sure that your messages are clear, concise, accurate, and well planned. This will avoid misunderstanding and ensure that they get through each stage of the Communications Process without a hitch.

Let's take a look at the seven stages of the process in more detail:

1. Source

The "source" is the sender of the message - in other words, you! And the "message" refers to the information and ideas that you want to deliver.

You need to be clear about what message you want to communicate, and why it's important - what's its main purpose? And, moreover, why should anyone care? You also need to be confident that the information that you impart is useful and accurate.

2. Encoding

This stage involves putting your message into a format that you can send, and that the receiver will be able to easily understand or "decode." Your success will depend on your ability to convey information clearly and simply, and to eliminate areas of confusion.

For example, be aware of any cultural mismatch between you and your recipient. Also, avoid making assumptions about the receiver's existing knowledge of the subject. You might know the "ins and outs" of what you're talking about, but he or she probably won't. Lastly, steer clear of gaps in the information that require a "mental leap."

A key part of being a successful encoder is knowing your audience. Failure to understand and respect who it includes will likely result in your message "falling flat," and being misunderstood, dismissed or even ignored.

3. Channel

There are countless different channels that you can use to send your message.

Verbal communications channels include face-to-face meetings, telephone and videoconferencing. While written communications include letters, reports, emails, instant messaging (IM), and social media posts. You might also want to include videos, photos, illustrations, or charts and graphs in your message to emphasize your main points.

Different channels have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, it's not particularly effective to give a long list of directions verbally, and you'll be better off delivering sensitive feedback in person, rather than via email.

So, choose the channel that you use carefully. Our article, Tune Your Communication, can help you to do this.

4. Decoding

Successfully decoding a message is as much a skill as encoding it is. To accurately decode a message, you need to take the time to read through it carefully, or to listen actively to it.

Confusion will most likely occur at this stage of the Communications Process, though that doesn't mean it will always be the decoders fault. He might lack sufficient background knowledge to understand the message, or he might not understand the specific jargon or technical language that you are using. It's therefore essential that you tackle issues like these at the encoding stage.

5. Receiver

No doubt, you'll want your audience members to react in a certain way or take a specific action in response to your message. Remember, though, that each person is different, and will interpret it subjectively.

Every receiver who enters into the Communication Process brings with them their own ideas and feelings that influence their understanding of your message, and their response to it.

That means it's your job, as the sender, to take these ideas and feelings into consideration when drawing up your message. To do this effectively, brush up on your emotional intelligence and empathy skills.

6. Feedback

Your audience will likely give you feedback as soon as it's seen or heard your message. This might include verbal or nonverbal reactions. Pay close attention to these, as they will reveal whether your audience truly understood your message.

If you find that there has been a misunderstanding, try to adapt the message. For instance, if you're talking about a complex subject, find a simpler way to communicate it. Could you break it down into steps, or remove technical jargon? This will make it easier for everyone in your audience to grasp the subject matter, no matter their background knowledge.

7. Context

The "context" is the situation in which you deliver your message. This may include the current political and social environment, or the broader culture (for instance, the corporate culture or the national culture.)

Tip:

For further tips on how to organize and present your messages clearly and accurately, see our article, The Communication Cycle.

How to Remove Barriers From the Communication Process

Barriers to communication can pop up at any stage of the process. So, to deliver your messages effectively, you must break these down.

Let's begin with the message itself. If your message is too lengthy, disorganized, or is full of jargon or errors, it'll likely be misunderstood and misinterpreted - it might even make your recipient confused or angry! Using poor verbal or body language can also muddle the message that you're trying to send.

Contextual barriers tend to stem from offering too much information, too fast. So, remember that often "less is more." Be mindful of the demands on other people's time, especially given today's ultra-busy society.

Finally, put your message into context. Make sure that you know your audience's culture. This will help you to converse with and to deliver your message to people that have different backgrounds and cultures than you.

Key Points

The ability to communicate clearly and effectively has become an increasingly sought-after skill in the workplace. Despite this, it's one that many people struggle with.

You can become a more capable communicator by gaining a better understanding of the Communications Process - that is the process we go through each time that we communicate with someone. It includes seven stages:

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Understanding Communication Skills: Applying the Seven Stages of the Communications Process

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Applying the Seven Stages of the Communications Process Conveying a message to other people clearly might sound simple, but it's a process that is often fraught with error. Many people struggle to communicate effectively - verbally and in writing. They impart thoughts and ideas that don't reflect their intended meaning, and that their recipients misinterpret or misunderstand.

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If you cannot access the article, please read this PDF version.

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Understanding Communication Skills - From MindTools.com

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Complete the Study Skills Inventory below. Please answer the questions as you would direct one of your students to. Post a screenshot of your final results.

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(in development!)

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10 Rules of Good AND Bad Studying

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Link: Learn To Manage Your Time In College (U.S. News)

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You were provided a hard copy of this manual at your New Tutor Training Meeting (NTTM) but the digital copy is available here.

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CLAC Tutor Training Manual Fall2018_FINAL

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Please click below to complete your "Tutor Strategies: Dos and Don'ts" assessment.

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Introduce yourself! Post a quick video intro to FlipGrid! You can click on the link below or use the app. Tell us who you are, what you tutor, and anything interesting.
https://flipgrid.com/4f8451
Password: bcctutor1

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Linked below is the presentation from this session for your review.

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Please watch this TED Talk: 5 Ways To Listen Better

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In our louder and louder world, says sound expert Julian Treasure, “We are losing our listening.” In this short, fascinating talk, Treasure shares five ways to re-tune your ears for conscious listening -- to other people and the world around you.

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Please read this Harvard Business Review article.

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Assess your listening skills!

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Self-Assessment * 17 min read

Understanding Someone's Entire Message

By the Mind Tools Content Team

For many of us, listening is the communication skill we use the most. Yet, many people listen poorly, and they rarely think to improve this important skill.

Poor listeners "hear" what's being said, but they rarely "listen" to the whole message.

They get distracted by their own thoughts or by what's going on around them, and they formulate their responses before the person who they're talking to has finished speaking. Because of this, they miss crucial information.

Good listeners, on the other hand, enjoy better relationships, because they fully understand what other people are saying. Their team members are also more productive, because they feel that they can discuss problems easily, and talk through solutions.

So, how good do you think your listening skills are? Test them below, and then find out how you can improve.

How Good Are Your Listening Skills?

Instructions

Evaluate each statement as you actually are, rather than as you think you should be. When you've finished, click "Calculate My Total" to add up your score, and use the table that follows to think about next steps.

14 Statements to Answer

Not at All

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

Preparing to Listen (Questions 1, 3, 14)Good preparation is essential for effective listening. Without it, it's hard to listen to people successfully.Before you have an important conversation, remove anything that may distract you, so that you can focus and give the other person your full attention. Switch off your cell phone, turn off instant messaging and email alerts, put your work away, close your meeting room door, and do what you can to make sure that you won't be interrupted.If you know that you won't be able to offer the other person your full attention - for example, if you're working on an urgent task - schedule a better time to speak. However, make sure that the other person knows that the conversation is important to you.Also, do what you can to make the other person feel at ease. Use open body language, and a friendly tone.If he indicates that he wants to speak about a sensitive subject, and if this is appropriate, remind him that the conversation is in confidential, and that he can be honest with you. (If you're a manager, there may be some things, however, that you cannot keep confidential, harassment, for instance, or negligent behavior. If your conversation is beginning to encroach on these, make this clear to the other person.)Active Listening (Questions 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)When you listen actively, you not only make a conscious effort to hear the other person's words, but, more importantly, you try to understand their whole message.To do this, learn how to read people's body language and tone, so that you can identify "hidden" nonverbal messages.Also, don't interrupt people,or allow yourself to become distracted by your own thoughts or opinions. Instead, focus completely on what the other person is saying. Nod or say "OK" occasionally to acknowledge that you're listening.If you don't understand something, wait for the other person to finish what she's saying before you ask for clarification.Above all, don't formulate a response until she has communicated her whole message, and avoid any judgment or criticism until it's your turn to speak. If you argue or "play devil's advocate" while you listen, you may discourage her from opening up to you.

Tip:
It can be difficult not to formulate a response while the other person is talking. This is because we typically think much faster than other people can speak, so our brains are often "whirring away" while they are talking. You'll need to concentrate hard to stay focused on the person who's speaking, and this can take a lot of effort.

Empathic Listening (Questions 2, 4, 6, 13)When you demonstrate empathy, you recognize other people's emotions, and you do what you can to understand their perspectives. As such, it can really help to take active listening to the next level.To listen empathically, put yourself "in the other person's shoes," and try to see things from his point of view. Then, summarize what he says, in your own words, to show him that you understand his perspective.Also, ask open questions to help him to articulate himself fully, and avoid using leading questions that "put words in his mouth." This gives him the opportunity to add further detail, and to talk about his feelings.Importantly, don't fear moments of silence when you listen. Instead, embrace pauses as a way to give him time to finish his point, and to allow him to reflect on what he has said.

Key Points
When you have good listening skills, you not only "hear" what's being said, you listen to the whole message as well. Because of this, you enable others to express themselves fully.

When you need to listen, make sure that you're prepared, and that things in your environment will not distract you. Also, do what you can to put people at ease.

Next, use active listening techniques so that you give people your full attention, and look out for the nonverbal elements of their message.

Finally, take your listening skills to the next level with empathic listening. When appropriate, embrace silence and make an effort to see things from other people's perspectives.

Note:

This assessment has not been validated and is intended for illustrative purposes only. It is just one of many that help you evaluate your abilities in a wide range of important career skills. Click here for other self-tests.

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How Good Are Your Listening Skills? - Understanding Someone's Entire Message

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Self-Assessment * 17 min read By the Mind Tools Content Team For many of us, listening is the communication skill we use the most. Yet, many people listen poorly, and they rarely think to improve this important skill. Poor listeners "hear" what's being said, but they rarely "listen" to the whole message.

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Here is the PDF of the assessment (if you don't have access).

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After completing the quiz, review your assessment and post a note on your CRLA Level 1 Padlet discussing how you plan to address your results or utilize the concepts from this module. Use the title "Active Listening."