What is communication?
Skilled communicators are able to
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convey information effectively
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express ideas and thoughts clearly, confidently and concisely
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tailor content and style to their audience
Communication skills are among the key attributes sought by potential employers. They are generally essential in the workplace, particularly in roles that involve teamwork, the sharing of information or working with clients. Communication skills can be evidenced verbally, in written form and non-verbally through body language and voice, and all of these may be tested by recruiters when assessing potential employees. Initial written skills will be tested at application stage, and may be further tested at assessment centres in the form of written exercises. Verbal skills and non-verbal behaviours will be assessed at interviews, in various group and individual exercises and during any social/networking sessions that happen during the process. You may also be asked to give a presentation, which will test particular skills in organising your information and presenting it clearly and effectively.
Communication 'behaviours'
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Understanding the perspective of your audience and using language and content they will understand
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Keeping written and verbal communications clear and simple and not overloaded with information
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Looking and sounding comfortable with what you are saying
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Listening to what your listener/audience is telling you and responding appropriately
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In presentation situations, speaking more slowly than in conversational speech, keeping slides simple so the audience can concentrate on what you are saying, 'topping and tailing' your presentation by telling the audience at the start what you will be talking about and ending with a summary of what you said
Communication skills development: examples and evidence
Communication examples and evidence
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Academic related
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Delivering individual or team-based presentations
Working in or leading a study/project group
Writing up projects/long essays/dissertations
Taking on a role as a class representative
Participating in LSE100 presentations
Attending Teaching and Learning Centre events such as
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Communicating assertively
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Presentation skills and confidence
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Good writing psychology
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Introduction to essay writing
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Participating and presenting in classes and seminars
Attending Language Centre seminars focusing on written and spoken communication
Taking part in Maximise Your Potential fortnight, which includes many opportunities for developing communication skills
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Extra-curricular
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Taking part in the Debating Society or similar
Joining the Drama Society or other amateur dramatics group to develop confidence and project/articulation skills
Helping/mentoring other students with their studies
Taking part in LSE's Widening Participation activities, by talking to school students interested in pursuing university study
Getting involved in your Hall of Residence social committee
Joining an international society to gain experience of communicating with people from a range of backgrounds and cultures
Working in Student Union media (The Beaver, Pulse radio, LooSE TV)
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Work experience/volunteering
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Doing customer focused work experience where communication skills are vital, eg call centre, retail or service sector work involving client/customer contact
Getting industry related experience that requires you to produce and report on written documents/information
Working with children to develop the ability to tailor communication to an audience in an engaging way
Volunteering with Debate Mate or other community/school project
Volunteering to work with people of differing communication abilities
Registering for employer led skills seminars covering topics such as networking, negotiation and report writing
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Other
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Signing up for presentation and group exercise skills sessions with LSE Careers
Booking a practice interview with an LSE Careers Consultant
Attending LSE Careers seminars on a range of job search topics such as
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Performing well at interview
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Writing effective application forms
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Writing winning CVs
Seeking feedback from people you have communicated with/presented to
Attending LSE Careers 'half-day assessment centre' events
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