DECA Communication Skills PIs

Identify sources that provide relevant valid written material

Recognize credible sources that provide accurate and useful info

Extract relevant info from written materials

Pull out key facts, data, or instructions that directly apply to the task at hand

Apply written directions to achieve tasks

Follow step by step written instructions to complete assignments correctly

Analyze company resources to ascertain policies and procedures

Review employee handbooks, manuals, or internal documents to understand workplace rules and processes

Explain communication techniques that support and encourage a speaker

Use eye contact, nodding, paraphrasing, and positive feedback to show attentiveness

Follow oral directions

Accurately carry out instructions given verbally

Demonstrate active listening skills

Show understanding by asking clarifying questions, summarizing, and responding appropriately

Explain the nature of effective verbal communications

Describe qualities like clarity, tone, conciseness and appropriatenesss

Ask relevant questions

Pose meaningful questions that advance understanding of problem-solving

Interpret others nonverbal cues

Read body language, facial expressions, and gestures to understand

Provide legitimate responses to inquiries

Give accurate, respectful, and complete answers to questions

Give verbal directions

Clearly instruct others on tasks or processes

Employ communication styles appropriate to target audience

Adjust tone, vocabulary, and delivery depending on who you're speaking to

Defend ideas objectively

Support opinions with facts and logic

Handle phone calls in a businesslike manner

Use professional etiquette, clarity, and courtesy on calls

Participate in group discussions

Contribute ideas and listen actively in team conversations

Facilitate (lead) group discussions

Guide the conversation, keep it on track, and ensure participation

Make oral presentations

Deliver structured, clear, and engaging presentations to an audience

Utilize note-taking strategies

Use methods like outlines, bullet points, or shorthand to capture information efficiently

Organize information

Arrange data logically for easy understanding and retrieval

Select and use appropriate graphic aids

Apply charts, graphs, or visuals to clarify and support info

Explain the nature of effective written communications

Define qualities like clarity, conciseness, tone, and professionalism

Select and utilize appropriate formats for professional writing

Choose correct structures: letters, memos, reports, emails

Edit and revise written work consistent with professional standards

Correct grammar, spelling, and formatting errors

Write professional emails

Compose clear concise, and properly formatted emails.

Write business letters

Draft formal letters with proper structure and tone

Write informational messages

Share factual updates or notices

Write inquiries

Request information politely and clearly

Write persuasive messages

Convince or influence readers using logical arguments

Write executive summaries

Summarize reports or proposals concisely for decision makers

Prepare simple written reports

Document findings or activities in a structured format

Explain how digital communications exposes business to risk

Identify risks like misinterpretation, leaks, or security breaches

Adapt written correspondence to targeted audiences

Adjust tone and style for different readeres

Use data visualization techniques

Present data through infographics, chargs, or dashboards

Describe the impact of a person's social media brand

Explain how online reputation affects organizational success

Distinguish between using social media for business and personal purposes

Recognize differences between strategic, professional, audience-focused content to achieve marketing goals vs casual individual expression

Explain the nature of staff communication

Define how info flows among employees and managment

Choose and use appropriate channel for workplace communication

Select the best medium: email, meeting, chat, memo, for the message

Participate in a staff meeting

Contribute effectively to team discussions

Participate in problem-solving groups

Collaborate to find solutions to workplace challenges