Quick Revision

1. Verbal Communication

a. The importance of language

• Shapes how people interpret ideas and events.
• Influences attitudes and reactions.
• Correct wording builds clear understanding and trust.

b. Clarity and precision in verbal communication

• Clarity: simple language, focus on main points, avoid jargon, give enough background.
• Precision: avoid unnecessary/repeated words, use concrete and specific terms.
• Example: “Submit reports using Excel spreadsheets.”

c. Effective speaking techniques

• Choose correct words.
• Use audience-friendly and familiar vocabulary.
• Prefer concrete words over vague expressions.
• Keep delivery clear and simple.

d. Active listening

• Pay full attention and focus on meaning.
• Do not interrupt.
• Observe verbal + non-verbal cues.
• Ask clarifying questions.

e. Handling Q&A

• Listen to the whole question.
• Answer short, clear, and confident.
• Stay calm and respectful.
• Admit if the answer is unknown.

f. Cultural sensitivity

• Respect different cultural communication styles.
• Avoid words/gestures that can offend.
• Use inclusive language and examples.

2. Body Language

a. Important quotes on body parts

• “The eyes are often called the windows of the soul.”
• People often trust what they see more than what they hear.

b. Posture, power pose, facial expression, gestures, eye contact

• Posture: How you stand/sit; shows confidence and attitude.
• Power pose: Stand straight, shoulders back, feet apart.
• Facial expression: Shows emotion and supports meaning.
• Gestures: Natural hand/body movements to emphasize ideas.
• Eye contact: Build trust and engagement with the audience.

c. Positive and negative facial expressions

• Positive: smiling, friendly, open face, raised eyebrows (interest).
• Negative: blank face, frowning, angry/tensed, avoiding eye contact.

d. Matching items with definitions

• Eye contact: looking directly at others.
• Gesture: meaningful body/hand movement.
• Posture: body position when standing/sitting.
• Facial expression: facial muscle movement to show emotion.

3. Voice Control

a. Vocal tools

• Volume: loudness/softness; adapt to room size and distance.
• Pitch: high-low sound; varies intonation and avoids monotony.
• Rate/Speed: speaking speed; too fast = hard to follow, too slow = boring.
• Pronunciation: correct word sounds and stress.
• Articulation: clear, understandable speech.
• Tongue twister: practice tool for pronunciation and articulation.
• Pause: brief silence for emphasis and comprehension.

b. Avoiding negative vocal habits

• No vocal fry.
• No monotone delivery.
• No filler words: “uh, um, er.”
• No very fast or very slow speech.

c. Matching items with definitions

• Volume: loudness or softness.
• Pitch: highness or lowness.
• Rate: speed of speech.
• Pronunciation: correct word production.
• Articulation: clear enunciation.
• Pause: short break in speech.

4. Presenting Effectively

a. Formal and informal structure

• Formal: greeting, introduction, body, conclusion.
• Informal: thanking audience, inviting questions, brief interaction.

b. Best ways to use visual aids

• Use slides, charts, graphs, images, videos.
• Keep visual text minimal and readable.
• Visuals should support speech, not replace it.
• Ensure visibility to all audience members.

c. Advising presentation structure (scenario-based)

• Introduce topic and self.
• State purpose and expected outcome.
• Preview what will be covered.
• Present clear, logical body points.
• Summarize in conclusion.
• End with audience Q&A.

d. Rehearsal techniques

• Practice repeatedly.
• Record and review the delivery.
• Practice before peers.
• Check time and transitions.
• Improve voice, posture, gestures, and eye contact.

---

IUS Preps - Your Academic Success Partner