communications skills for IT professionals

Delegates will learn
  • How to understand the fundamental concepts of interaction between people
  • How to improve your self-perception
  • How to increase your self-confidence
  • How to have more impact in writing, discussions and meetings
  • How to improve prospects of success in business presentations
Style

This is a 5-day, friendly, low risk, and fun course with time devoted to individual coaching as well as plenty of time dedicated to group exercises that allow attendees to practice a variety of communications skills.  An IT case study allows delegates to practice their new skills in the context of their normal business environment.

Target Audience

Business and IT professionals who wish to improve their confidence and skills in all aspects of communications.

Prerequisites

English language proficiency is essential to enable delegates to participate fully in this course.

Topics

SETTING THE SCENE

  • Introduction
  • Business drivers for effective communications
  • Communications defined
  • Responsibilities of the sender and the receiver
  • Profile of an effective communicator
  • Personal assessment

SPEAKING TECHNIQUES

  • Planning presentations
  • Preparing presentations
  • Use of visual aids
  • Self projection
  • Types of IT & business presentation
  • Team presentations

WRITING SKILLS

  • Structuring written communications
  • Using words with impact
  • Types of written communications in IT & business

BODY LANGUAGE

  • Understanding the impact of body language
  • Recognising positive and negative body language
  • Body language and voice – achieving congruency

TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS

  • The nature of human communications
  • Defining transactions
  • Parent, Adult & Child transactions
  • Games Analysis
  • Stroke Analysis

BUSINESS CASE PRESENTATION

  • Defining the business case
  • Preparation
  • Planning
  • Structure of a business presentation
  • Delivering a business presentation

INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES

  • Types of interview
  • Interview planning & preparation
  • Questioning techniques
  • Recording the results

EFFECTIVE MEETING SKILLS

  • Types of meeting
  • Roles & responsibilities at meetings
  • Profile analysis
  • Facilitated meetings

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

  • Key learning points
  • Action planning