Page 389 - Effective Communication Soft Skills Strategies For Success by Nitin Bhatnagar, Mamta Bhatnagar

Model Question Papers | 377

to identify their aims and somehow convince them that they are achieving their aims
while you are achieving yours at the same time.
iii. When and where it will happen: When you are sure about the place and the timing
of the presentation, plan the way you would like to interact with the audience. If
you can win them over in the first minute then they are with you till the end. It is
a good idea to try and meet them before the presentation actually begins. You can
have a chat with them over a cup of tea. This will help to build a rapport with them
and thereby establish that special relationship. You may be presenting yourself as
a friend, as an expert, or an evaluator, whatever be the role you choose, you must
establish it at the very beginning.
iv. The subject of the presentation: Once the subject, on which you are going to speak
is decided upon, then structure or format the talk so that it becomes easy for the
audience to comprehend what is being said. There should be a careful and deliber-
ate sequential and hierarchical arrangement of thoughts. However, too much atten-
tion to structuring may get in the way of the main message.

v. The goal that outlines the purpose of the presentation: If you are not sure at the out-
set what you are trying to do, it is unlikely that your plan will achieve it. Different
objectives cannot be achieved at the same time. It is far more productive to achieve
one goal than to clutter with several. The best approach is to isolate the most essen-
tial one and remain focused. Focus is the key to a successful presentation. Without
focus, you will end up in utter confusion and disorder.
6. a. The ultimate goal of all communication is the expected response from the listener.
And individuals respond most readily when they are highly involved in the purpose of
communication.

• Listening is more difficult in some situations.
• Physical conditions determine how well we listen.
• Psychological condition determines how well we listen.
• People listen out of politeness.
• Interpersonal communication is impossible without listening.
• To grasp communication one needs to listen.

• Listening is not hearing – it means interpreting as well.
b. Characteristics of well-functioning teams:
• Purpose: Members proudly share a sense of why the team exists and are invested in
accomplishing its mission and goals.
• Priorities: Members know what needs to be done next, by whom, and by when to
achieve team goals.

• Roles: Members know their roles in getting tasks done and when to allow a more
skillful member to do a certain task.

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