Who is the Communication Skills course suitable for?
The course is suitable for anyone who wants more grip on their own way of communicating. Think of professionals who come across differently from how they intend, who find it difficult to give or receive feedback, or who want to respond more firmly in conversations. No prior education is required. You work in a small group of no more than 8 participants, so there is room for personal learning objectives.
Which topics are covered during the Communication Skills course?
During the Communication Skills course you cover, among other things, the communication process, your personal communication style, primary and secondary reactions, verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, giving and receiving feedback, and frames of reference. You work with models such as the qualities and pitfalls circle and the Shannon & Weaver communication model, always linked to practical situations from your own job.
Do I receive a certificate after the Communication Skills course?
Yes, after completing the Communication Skills course you will receive a Learnit certificate as proof of participation. This certificate shows that you attended the course in full and took an active part in the exercises, reflection and feedback sessions. You can use the certificate as a valuable addition to your CV or LinkedIn profile.
Is any prior knowledge required for the Communication Skills course?
No, no prior knowledge is required for the Communication Skills course. You can start straight away, whatever your education or work experience. A short intake interview takes place beforehand in which your learning objectives are discussed, so that the course matches your situation. The classroom course is suitable for anyone who wants to learn to communicate more effectively in work or private situations.
How is the Communication Skills course delivered and how large is the group?
You follow the Communication Skills course in a classroom setting, in a small group of no more than 8 participants. Beforehand there is an intake interview to make sure the course matches your learning needs. During the course you work with short theory sessions, active working methods, exercises and feedback. Because the group is small, you receive a great deal of personal attention and there is room for your own input in a safe atmosphere.
How do I know whether this course suits me, or whether I would be better off with a book on communication or an online course?
A book or e-learning works perfectly well if you want to pick up the theory behind communication models, such as Shannon & Weaver or the core quadrant of qualities and pitfalls. What that does not train is your own behaviour under pressure. This classroom course is experience-based: you practise in a group of no more than 8 participants using active working methods, receive immediate feedback from the trainer and fellow participants, and see how you actually come across, verbally, non-verbally and paralinguistically. Choose this option if you notice that you come across differently from how you intend, or if you struggle with feedback and emotions in conversations. Choose self-study if you are mainly after knowledge and already have a good idea of your own patterns of reaction.
What is the difference between this course and a course in conversation techniques or assertiveness?
Communication Skills is broader than a conversation techniques or assertiveness course. The focus is on self-insight and behaviour: how you come across, what your style is under pressure, and how you switch between primary and secondary responses. You work with models such as the core qualities and pitfalls quadrant and the Shannon & Weaver communication model. An assertiveness course focuses mainly on setting boundaries; a conversation techniques course on concrete skills such as probing or structuring. This course combines both angles and adds non-verbal and paralinguistic communication. The course is taught in a classroom setting in groups of no more than 8 participants. Choose this if you do not want to sharpen one sub-skill, but want to understand and adjust your entire communicative behaviour.
How quickly can I apply what I learn in this course in my conversations at work or in my private life?
You apply what you practise straight away. Often between day 1 and day 2. The course is built around active working methods: you practise with situations from your own working life, receive feedback from the trainer and the group (max. 8 participants) and reflect on what works. In between there is usually a period in which you try out what you have learned in your everyday conversations. On day 2 you discuss what you came up against. Skills such as active listening, giving feedback and consciously switching between reacting primarily and secondarily show results fairly quickly. Deeper patterns. Staying calm when something touches a nerve, for example. Questions take longer to practise. Compared with a one-off half-day workshop, this gives you more scope to genuinely change your behaviour rather than merely understand it.