Introduction

Two of the most basic but also most important communication skills are those of speaking and writing. Perhaps because they are so fundamental, we take it for granted that we are competent in them. The truth is that most people’s communicative competence is at the level they were when they first left school.

But at the important level of professional work, as well as in business and social interactions, we find ourselves really short of the required standard, especially when we hear more competent speakers and writers perform. But skills can be improved, in fact they need continuous improvement.

This five-day workshop is aimed at those who seriously wish to improve their speaking and writing skills in a short time, using some of the latest technology to assist them.

Some key learning points are:

Fundamental elements in communicative competence

Thinking skills for communicative effectiveness

Some ICT tools in improving speaking ability

Practical techniques for improving writing skills

Body and other languages of communication (Kinesics, Proxemics and Paralanguages)