This module focuses on communication problems. Various barriers to effective communication are addressed. Causes of and strategies to manage communication-based conflict in the workplace are outlined. The module concludes with a section that describes the importance of effective public speaking and offers tips to help make public presentations more effective.

Planners, content specialists and feedback personnel have declared that there is no conflict of interest in the preparation and content of this module. There is no commercial support for or endorsement of products in this module.

After studying the information presented, the reader should be able to:

• Identify the barriers to effective communication in organizations.
• Apply conflict management techniques.
• Prepare to deliver public presentations.

Bibliography

Alessandra T, Hunsaker P. Communicating at Work. New York, NY: Fireside;1993:91-108,169-186.

Fisher D. Communication in Organizations. St. Paul, Minn: West Publishing Company: 1981:4-5, 40-55.

Hargie ODW. The Handbook of Communication Skills. London, England: Routledge; 1997:11, 111-113.

King L, Gilbert B. How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere. New York, NY: Crown Publishers; 1994:76-91.

Verderber RK and KS. Interpersonal communication: an orientation. In: Inter-At: Using Interpersonal Communication Skills. 5th ed. Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth Inc; 1977:6-7.

Webliography

Page Name: I AM A WIZ. COM: Communicating at Work
URL: http://www.iamawiz.com/communication/work.htm
Notes: Short article on communicating at work.

Page Name: Chapter 1: Communicating at Work
URL: http://www.uic.edu/classes/ba/ba200w/wang/ChapterSummaries.htm
Notes: Long outline about workplace communications.

Conflict Management:

Page Name: Conflict Management Skills
URL: http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/ucce50/ag-labor/7labor/13.htm
Notes: Very long article on conflict management, negotiation, and arbitration.

Presentations:

Page Name: I AM A WIZ. COM: Improving your Presentation
URL: http://www.iamawiz.com/communication/presentation.htm
Notes: Short article on and tips to help improve presentations.

Page Name: What's Your Point? It Helps to Know Why You're Speaking
URL: http://www.3m.com/meetingnetwork/presentations/pmag_what_point.html
Notes: Article from Presentations Magazine outlining differerent types of/reasons for presentations. NO PERMISSION NEEDED

Page Name: Presentations.com
URL: http://www.presentations.com/
Notes: Homepage for Presentations Magazine online.

Stage Fright:

Page Name: Understanding and Conquering Stage Fright
URL: http://www.3m.com/meetingnetwork/presentations/pmag_scared_speechless.html
Notes: A fourth article on stage fright; this one from Presentations Magazine.