The topic of today is ‘’workplace communication’’.
Lekcje angielskiego przygotowuje firma
Task 1
Read the text below to get the general idea:
I have recently read or heard somewhere that ‘’everything is communication and communication is everything’’, and I must personally admit that I do agree with this statement. Either at home or at work, people need to communicate, to exchange information, to share feelings or emotions, to express ideas or just to build relationships. Generally speaking, everybody needs to talk, and everybody does it, continuously. Although it might look very simple on the surface, in practice it often proves to be very complex.
In her book about the basics of communication, Kathy Walker points out, that ‘’we hear only half of what is said to us, understand only half of that, believe only half of that, and remember only half of that’’. Judging by consequences of such an awkward situation, especially in the workplace, one might end up in real troubles. This raises the probing question : how to communicate effectively?
Firstly, it is essential to recognize the importance of active listening, both on the part of the speaker and the listener. Secondly, it is vital to express ideas in a clear and direct way, without causing misunderstanding or having to repeat the same. Thirdly, it is significant to become aware of body language not only in yourself but in others as well. Finally, it is crucial to manage anger or other negative emotions in a proper and inoffensive way.
The art of communication can certainly be learnt, but it needs a regular practice. So, why don’t we start exercising it even today?
Task 2.
Study the text carefully and decide whether the sentences below are true or false:
1. Communication is a real piece of cake. ………..
2. People listen to each other very attentively. ………..
3. Listeners do not comprehend everything what is being said . ……….
4. People remember 50% of what is being said. ………..
5. Speaking is much more important than listening. ………..
6. What you say and how you say it matters a lot. ………
7. Non-verbal signals might affect the speaker and the listener. ………
8. Negative feelings may impede effective communication. ………..
Task 3
Watch the video ‘’Workplace communication‘’ and fill in the gaps in the sentences below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jehq1FCyuJo
I will need you to:
1. ………………………. the counters.
2. ………………………. the espresso machine.
3. ………………………..the bathrooms.
4. ………………………. the tables.
5. ………………………. the petty cash for the cash register.
6. ………………………. on the ‘’open’’ sign.
7. ………………………. the main door.
Speech is silver, silence is golden! KEY TO EXERCISES
Task 2.
1. Communication is a real piece of cake. …F…..
2. People listen to each other very attentively. ….F….
3. Listeners do not comprehend everything what is being said . …T….
4. People remember only 50% of what is being said. …..T…
5. Speaking is much more important than listening. ..…T…
6. What you say and how you say it matters a lot. …T…
7. Non-verbal signals might affect the speaker and the listener. …T…
8. Negative feelings may impede effective communication. ….T…
Task 3
I will need you to:
1. ……CLEAN……. the counters.
2. ………REFILL……. the espresso machine.
3. …….CLEAN…….. the bathrooms.
4. ………SET…. the tables.
5. ……VERIFY………. the petty cash for the cash register.
6. ……TURN……. on the ‘’open’’ sign.
7. ……UNLOCK…. the main door.
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