Author: Nimra Khan, Reg. CASLPO, Speech-Language Pathologist
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024

1. Introduction

2. Strategies throughout the summer 

   • Harnessing the Power of Goal Setting

   • Engaging in Continuous Learning

   • Leveraging Peer Collaboration

   • Practice Active Listening

   • Practicing Reflective Learning

   • Seek Feedback and Mentorship

   • Embrace Digital Communication Tools

3. Summary of popular communication models 

4. Conclusion

WELL SAID is unique in that we are a group of speech-language pathologists (SLP) that use our knowledge to provide services for professional communication. You, the reader, might also have a very busy schedule in your career, especially with all the aspects of balancing social commitments in the summer. But as working professionals, we also need to prioritize our own growth and development. With summer upon us, it's an ideal time to explore strategies for continuing our professional goals even with the well-needed vacations and relaxation. In this post, I'll delve into some evidence-based approaches to help you make the most of your summer while continuing self-improvement. These aspects of communication can be targeted with an SLP if you’d like additional support; you can read more here.

Harnessing the Power of Goal Setting

Before diving into improving your professional communication, take some time to reflect on your current strengths and areas for growth. Consider the specific aspects of communication you want to enhance, such as public speaking, written communication, active listening, or interpersonal skills. Once you’ve identified your goals, set clear and achievable objectives for the summer. For example, if you struggle with public speaking, your goal could be to enroll in a public speaking course or practice delivering presentations regularly.

Research in the field of psychology consistently underscores the effectiveness of goal setting in enhancing performance and motivation (Locke & Latham, 2002). When setting professional goals, it's essential to make them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, individuals who set specific, challenging goals outperform those with vague or no goals (Locke & Latham, 2006). Therefore, take some time at the beginning of the summer to identify your objectives for professional development. For example, a good goal might be to “be able to give a 5-minute presentation using an example set of slides with good enunciation by June 13th”. A not-SMART goal would be “give a good presentation”. 

Engaging in Continuous Learning

The concept of lifelong learning is not just a buzzword; it's a fundamental principle for professionals in all fields. Many studies, including a recent case study (Yimam, 2022) found that training programs significantly enhance job performance depending on the training design delivery style. Look for workshops, seminars, or online courses that focus on communication skills. Many organizations offer virtual training programs that you can participate in from the comfort of your home. Even LinkedIn provides excellent online resources (videos and articles) that will help you practice specific skills. Additionally, consider reading books or listening to podcasts authored by communication experts to gain insights and practical tips.

Leveraging Peer Collaboration

Collaboration with peers can be a valuable start to your professional growth journey. It can not only help you feel less alone in your concerns but also find motivation by working with people you trust. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that collaborative learning leads to increased knowledge retention and skill development (Dillenbourg, 1999). Consider forming study groups, joining professional associations, or participating in online forums to exchange ideas. Collaborative learning not only expands your knowledge base but also fosters a sense of community and support within the profession. 

For public speaking, I highly recommend looking into Toastmasters groups! Toastmasters International is a renowned organization dedicated to helping individuals improve their public speaking and leadership skills. These groups provide a supportive environment where you can practice speaking in front of an audience, receive constructive feedback, and develop confidence in your communication abilities. Regular participation in Toastmasters meetings can significantly boost your speaking skills and enhance your overall communication effectiveness.

Practice Active Listening

Effective communication is a two-way street, and active listening is a cornerstone of meaningful interactions. Over the summer, there can be many casual/non-pressured activities to target this. Make a conscious effort to improve your listening skills by practicing active listening techniques. This involves fully concentrating on what the speaker is saying, asking clarifying questions, and paraphrasing to ensure understanding. Engage in conversations with colleagues, friends, or family members, and focus on being present and attentive. By becoming a better listener, you’ll build stronger relationships and foster trust in professional settings.

Networking is also a good way to apply active listening skills. Attend networking events, industry conferences, or virtual meetups where you can interact with professionals from diverse backgrounds. Practice introducing yourself succinctly, engaging in meaningful conversations, and actively listening to others. Networking provides an excellent opportunity to refine your elevator pitch, build rapport, and showcase your communication prowess. Read more here about active listening skills. 

Practicing Reflective Learning

Reflection is a cornerstone of effective professional development. Research in the field of education suggests that reflective practice enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills (Moon, 1999). Take time during the summer to reflect on your work experiences, challenges, and successes. Journaling, peer feedback, and self-assessment tools can help facilitate this process. By critically examining your practice, you can identify areas for improvement and set actionable goals for growth. Read more about navigating corporate climates. 

Seek Feedback and Mentorship

Constructive feedback is invaluable for personal and professional growth. Use the summer months as an opportunity to solicit feedback from peers, supervisors, or mentors regarding your communication skills. Ask for specific examples of where you excel and areas where you could improve. Additionally, consider seeking mentorship from someone who excels in the areas you want to develop. A mentor can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer valuable insights that will help you refine your communication style. I know this is not always comfortable, but this conversation can help you reduce mind-reading and, in many workplaces, can show great initiative. Your boss or co-worker might have their own great resources to suggest to you. 

Embrace Digital Communication Tools

In today’s digital age, mastering digital communication tools is essential for professional success. Use the summer months to familiarize yourself with various communication platforms, such as email settings, video conferencing, and collaboration software. Experiment with different tools and features to streamline communication processes and enhance productivity. Additionally, pay attention to your written communication skills, ensuring that your emails are clear, concise, and professional. If speaking up in-person feels too high-pressure, then I often recommend starting with written input to be more clear, concise or assertive in your language. This can make it easier to think of what you want to say more quickly in-person. Read more about the role of artificial intelligence in speech therapy. 

These models form a pattern that can help to understand common forms of communication. These provide a scaffolding to build our own experiences onto. Keep in mind that there can be cultural differences that should also be considered in the context we apply these in. 

1. Shannon-Weaver Model of Communication: Developed by Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver, this model is often used to illustrate the process of communication as a linear sequence of events. It includes the sender, encoding, transmission, noise, decoding, receiver, and feedback. While simplistic and focusing mainly on the sender of the message, it highlights key elements involved in communication and the potential for noise or interference.

2. Berlo's SMCR Model: Developed by David Berlo, this model expands on Shannon-Weaver by emphasizing the importance of the message itself. It includes four components: Source (the sender), Message (the content), Channel (the medium of transmission), and Receiver (the audience). Additionally, it incorporates factors like encoding and decoding processes, as well as feedback.

3. Transactional Model of Communication: This model, proposed by Barnlund and later expanded by scholars like Watzlawick, views communication as a dynamic, two-way process where both parties contribute simultaneously as sender and receiver. It emphasizes the importance of context, shared meaning, and feedback loops in shaping communication outcomes.

4. Grice's Maxims: Developed by philosopher H.P. Grice, these maxims outline four principles that underlie effective communication: Quantity (providing enough information), Quality (being truthful), Relation (being relevant), and Manner (being clear and avoiding ambiguity). Grice's maxims are often used to analyze conversational implicature and cooperative communication.

5. The 7 Cs of Communication: This model emphasizes seven key principles for effective communication: Clarity, Conciseness, Concreteness, Coherence, Correctness, Courtesy, and Consideration. It serves as a practical guide for crafting clear and impactful messages in various communication contexts.

6. Hermann's Whole Brain Model: Developed by Ned Herrmann, this model categorizes individuals' thinking and communication styles into four quadrants: Analytical, Sequential, Interpersonal, and Imaginative. By understanding one's own and others' preferred communication styles, individuals can adapt their approach to better connect and collaborate.

7. Cultural Dimensions of Communication: Models such as Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory and Trompenaars' Cultural Dimensions Theory highlight the impact of cultural differences on communication. These models explore dimensions such as power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity vs. femininity, providing insights into cross-cultural communication challenges and strategies.

8. Situational Communication Models: Various models, such as those proposed by Fiedler or Situational Leadership Theory, emphasize the importance of adapting communication styles and strategies based on situational factors such as task complexity, relationship dynamics, and organizational culture.

Summer is not a time to press pause on your professional growth; it's an opportunity to accelerate your development! Just as you may have heard that children lose a lot of learning in their summer vacation, I’ve seen a similar effect for adults when any reflection or practice on their goals is completely stopped. By setting clear goals, engaging in continuous learning, collaborating with peers, practicing reflective learning, and embracing technology, you can make the most of the summer months while advancing your career. Remember, investing in your own growth ultimately benefits your work and strengthens the profession as a whole. You can also read more about how speech therapy can help your career.

To speak with a psychotherapist or one of the speech-language pathologists at Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy, schedule an initial consultation by clicking the link below or calling (647) 795-5277.