AJ module 1 (effective communication

1.     Explain the “What? / So what? / Now what?” structure in your own words. Besides speaking, where else does Matt say you can apply it?

This structure is a great tool for speech organization which helps with effective communication. In the first part (What?), we introduce and describe the given topic, then we talk about its relevance, why the audience should care about it etc., and finally we tell them what they can do about it, what is next…

This structure can also be applied in written e-mails, feedbacks etc.

1.     Why does Matt value paraphrasing so highly? Give at least two of the functions he mentions.

It is a very important and useful tool which can have various functions. The functions he mentions are e.g. validation, signaling understanding, moving on discussions… (understanding the bottom line…)

1.     When addressing a large audience whose knowledge levels vary widely, what does Matt suggest you do at the very start — and why does research say it helps?

At the very start, you should acknowledge that, in the audience, there are people at different levels of understanding of the given topic. According to research, it bolsters your credibility since it appears/proves that you did “your homework” and know who is in the audience.

c.  The preparatory work of finding out who your audience is and what they need before you speak.

1.  Reconnaissance, reflection & research c

i.  The overall aim of a message, which also gives you a way to judge whether it succeeded.

2.  Communication goal i

d.  The three parts of a goal: what you want the audience to know, to feel, and to do.

3.  Know–feel–do                                       D

g.  A three-part message structure moving from the idea, to why it matters, to what comes next.

4.  “What? / So what? / Now what?” G

h.  Standing back to examine or comment on the very thing you are doing as you do it.

5.  A meta moment h

a.  To restate someone’s message in your own words so as to validate it and move on.

6.  To paraphrase                A

j.  The single most essential point — the takeaway — of what you have heard or read.

7.  Bottom line j

e.  A mental task so undemanding you can perform it while still planning what to say next.

8.  A lower-order cognitive skill E

k.  To build foundational knowledge in stages so a mixed audience reaches a comparable level.

9.  To scaffold (information) k

b.  The objections or hesitations — cost, time, effort, change — that make an audience reluctant to act.

10.  Points of resistance B

f.  To strengthen or reinforce something — for example, how believable and trustworthy you appear.

11.  To bolster (your credibility) F

is paraphrasing a lower order cognitive skill?

yes