Lecture Notes: The Importance of Communication Skills

Introduction

• Uniform Code of Military Justice: Court martial for officers sending soldiers without weapons.
• Parallel drawn for students: Shouldn't go into life without communication skills.
• Key to success: Determined by ability to speak, write, and quality of ideas (in that order).

Key Factors for Effective Communication

• Quality of Communication Formula:
  • Knowledge (K)
  • Practice (P)
  • Inherent Talent (T) - noted to be less significant.

Personal Anecdote

• Experience skiing with Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton highlights the importance of knowledge and practice over inherent talent.
• Point made: You can surpass talented individuals through knowledge and practice.

Objective of the Talk

• Exposure to various speaking techniques and heuristics.
• Promise: One technique learned may lead to job opportunities.

Rule of Engagement

• No laptops or cell phones: Engaging language processor.
• Distractions impact speaker's performance and audience's attention.

Starting a Talk

• Avoid jokes as openings: Audience not ready.
• Empowerment Promise: What the audience will learn by the end of the talk.
  • Example: “You will know new speaking techniques that can impact your life.”

Speaking Techniques and Heuristics

1. Cycling on the Subject:
   • Repeat important points multiple times for clarity.
2. Building a Fence Around Ideas:
   • Clearly define and distinguish your ideas to avoid confusion.
3. Verbal Punctuation:
   • Use landmarks or signals in your speech to help audience re-engage.
4. Asking Questions:
   • Engage audience and create opportunities for input.

Time and Place for Lectures

• Optimal Time: 11 AM (most alert audience).
• Lighting: Well-lit rooms prevent sleepiness.
• Room Familiarity: Visit the space beforehand to avoid surprises.
• Audience Size: Avoid empty rooms, aim for more than half full.

Tools of the Trade: Boards, Props, and Slides

• Blackboards:
  • Allow for graphic representation and real-time writing.
  • Helps engage hands and body language during presentations.
• Props:
  • Use props effectively to illustrate points and engage the audience.
• Slides:
  • Best for exposing ideas rather than teaching.
  • Limit words and clutter in slides to maintain audience attention.
  • Avoid reading slides, keep them as condiments to your speech.

Special Cases in Presentations

• Inspiring Students:
  • Passion and context are key to inspire.
  • Use storytelling and passion in your content delivery.
• Oral Exams:
  • Contextualize research and practice with unfamiliar audiences.
• Job Talks:
  • Establish vision and accomplishments within the first five minutes.

Getting Recognized

• Importance of "packaging" ideas and techniques for presentation.
• Winston Star: Elements for memorable presentations:
  1. Symbol
  2. Slogan
  3. Surprise
  4. Salient Idea
  5. Story

Concluding a Presentation

• Avoid weak endings like "thank you."
• Effective final slides should emphasize contributions.
• Strong closing remarks can involve a salute to the audience and reflection on the experience.

Final Thoughts

• Importance of effective communication skills for success in personal and professional life.
• Encouragement to practice and refine speaking techniques.