Skills and Strategies for Communication

A student’s ability to effectively communicate is fundamental to their success in an academic environment, and beyond. College-level learning involves many activities that rely on several types of communication \i, including verbal, written, non-verbal, and digital. The importance of communication skills in academic settings is discussed in this chapter, and examples are used to illustrate the many ways that students are expected to demonstrate effective communication \i skills. Each of the four main types of communication are explored, including the ways in which they are interconnected and complement one another. Additionally, this chapter briefly elaborates on other types of communication that students may encounter in an online learning environment. It is critical that a student understands the various communication types to effectively navigate and adapt their skills and strategies in different contexts and situations. This chapter also discusses emotional intelligence and its impact on communication, especially in academic settings. Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in how people communicate with one another through self-expression, listening \i, resolving conflict \i, building trust, and adapting to different situations and settings. This chapter also explores the importance of communication skills for working on collaborative projects, interacting with instructors and members of the academic community, and resolving conflict. Strategies for overcoming barriers to effective communication in academic settings are provided, along with examples to illustrate application. Effective communication skills are essential to academic success, and to successful interactions in personal and professional settings. Thus, this chapter emphasizes the use of selected strategies for students to further enhance their communication skills and develop their emotional intelligence.