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Effective Communications

Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

Behavior Statements

Proficiency Level 1 - Basic understanding

Speaks/writes using correct language, mechanics, and gestures.

Describes non-verbal behaviors that influence the interpretation of the message.

Cites examples of effective and ineffective communications.

Explains the importance of effective business communication.

Proficiency Level 2 - Working experience

Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work.

Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate.

Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.

Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness.

Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient.

Proficiency Level 3 - Extensive experience

Communicates well downward, upward, and outward.

Employs appropriate methods of persuasion when soliciting agreement.

Maintains focus on the topic at hand.

Adapts documents and presentations for the intended audience.

Reviews others' writing or presentations and provides feedback and coaching.

Demonstrates both empathy and assertiveness when communicating a need or defending a position.

Proficiency Level 4 - Subject matter depth and breadth

Communicates effectively with diverse audiences, using appropriate media and language.

Ensures important messages are clearly understood.

Writes reports, articles, or books for distribution to the business or professional community.

Works to create a climate that values and rewards good oral and written communication.

Coaches others on methods of improving their own communications.

Monitors developments in communications tools for potential use by organization.

Interview Questions

  • Tell me about a time that you had to present the same information to two different audiences. How did you tailor your message?
  • How do you make sure that your audience has received and understood the message you are trying to convey?
  • How have you helped others improve their communication skills?
  • Tell me about any reports, articles, or books that you have published that relate to your profession.

Titles with Shared Competencies

Academic Advisor I Academic Advisor II Academic Advisor III Academic Assistant I Academic Assistant II Academic Assistant III Academic Program Specialist I Academic Program Specialist II Academic Program Specialist III Accessibility Specialist Administrative Assistant I Administrative Assistant II Administrative Assistant III Administrative Specialist I Administrative Specialist II Administrative Specialist III Admissions Assistant I Admissions Assistant II Admissions Officer I Admissions Officer II Admissions Officer III Admissions Services Supervisor Agricultural/Food Scientist II Agricultural/Food Scientist III Assistant Manager, Postal Services Assistant University Counsel Associate University Counsel Biological Scientist I Biological Scientist II Biological Scientist III Broadcasting Coordinator I Broadcasting Coordinator II Broadcasting Coordinator III Business Administration Specialist I Business Administration Specialist II Business Administration Specialist III Career Coach Career Services Specialist Cashier Chief Meteorologist Chief of Staff Claims Attorney Communications Specialist Conference/Event Manager I Conference/Event Manager II Conference/Event Planner I Conference/Event Planner II Conference/Event Planner III Conservation Scientist/Forester II Conservation Scientist/Forester III Coordinator, University Housing Operations Coordinator, University Housing Residence Life Data Management Analyst II Data Management Analyst III Data Scientist II Editor Education/Training Specialist I Education/Training Specialist II Education/Training Specialist III Employee Relations Specialist III Employment Specialist I Employment Specialist II Employment Specialist III End User Computing Specialist I End User Computing Specialist II Executive Assistant I Executive Assistant II Executive Assistant III Financial Assistance Advisor Health Educator HR Data Analyst HR Investigator Human Resources Assistant Human Resources Business Partner I Human Resources Business Partner II Human Resources Generalist I Human Resources Generalist II Human Resources Generalist III Instructional Designer I Instructional Designer II Instructional Designer III IT Generalist I IT Generalist II IT Generalist III IT Generalist IV IT Project Manager I IT Project Manager II IT Project Manager III IT Support Supervisor K-12 School Nurse Learning & Organizational Development Specialist I Learning & Organizational Development Specialist II Legal Assistant I Legal Assistant II Litigation Attorney Marketing Assistant Marketing Specialist Meteorologist Multimedia Specialist I Multimedia Specialist II Multimedia Specialist III One Stop Coordinator I One Stop Coordinator II One Stop Coordinator III Paralegal Postal Associate I Postal Associate II Procurement Agent I Procurement Agent II Program Coordinator, Student Affairs Project Manager I Project Manager II Project Manager III Public Relations Specialist I Public Relations Specialist II Public Relations Specialist III Purchasing Specialist Receptionist Research Assistant I Research Assistant II Research Assistant III Research Assistant IV Research Coordinator I Research Coordinator II Research Coordinator III Research Technician Residence Hall Director Security Guard I Security Guard II Senior Claims Attorney Senior Investigator I Senior Lead Auditor Senior Litigation Attorney Senior Loss Prevention Attorney Social Media Producer Social Media Specialist Staff Attorney Staff Auditor I Staff Auditor II Staff Investigator II Student Account Specialist I Student Account Specialist II Student Account Specialist III Student Financial Aid Assistant I Student Financial Aid Assistant II Student Financial Aid Coordinator I Student Financial Aid Coordinator II Student Financial Aid Coordinator III Student Financial Aid Supervisor Study Abroad Advisor Supplier Relationship Manager Systems Admin/Programmer I Systems Admin/Programmer II Systems Admin/Programmer V Teaching Laboratory Specialist I Teaching Laboratory Specialist II Teaching Laboratory Specialist III Telecommunications Applications Analyst III Title IX Investigator University Registrar Services Assistant I University Registrar Services Assistant II University Registrar Services Coordinator I University Registrar Services Coordinator II University Registrar Services Coordinator III University Registrar Services Supervisor Warehouse/Stores Assistant Warehouse/Stores Specialist Writer