communication skills   Introduction The following set of learning materials in communication skills will help the user to develop the skills needed for effective communication in both face-to-face and online situations. All of the activities are linked with reflection and practice.   Top   Learning Objectives To increase the user's confidence when communicating online or in face-to-face situations To improve the user's understanding and ability to use aspects of pronunciation correctly To help the user learn to recognise some of the distinctive features of different spoken registers in English To enable the user to review some of the typical idiomatic language found in everyday speech and improve their understanding of it To develop the user's understanding of stressed and unstressed elements of pronunciation To provide the user with practice in recognising a range of functional language that can be used for different purposes in formal speaking situations Top   Language Prerequisite These learning materials are designed for users who have already demonstrated a basic level of competence in their ability to communicate in spoken English and who consider themselves to have reached intermediate to advanced level. Top   Table of Contents Communicating online   Outline - You will consider appropriate language and protocols for online communication such as email and discussion forums. Contractions in speech   Outline -In these activities you will explore a common feature of English pronunciation and practise listening to examples of contracted forms that show different degrees of informality. Contrasting spoken and written language   Outline - You will look at some of the differences between spoken and written varieties of English and listen to some examples of spoken English taken from a more formal context. Occupational varieties of language   Outline - This activity will introduce you to some different varieties of English and you will learn about the particular features that distinguish each of them. Listening and speaking in meetings   Outline - This activity will allow you to explore the kind of language which speakers use in formal meetings. Using an extract from a business meeting, which contains examples of language used for different purposes, you will practise listening to the different speakers and identifying what the purpose of each specific utterance is. Word and sentence stress   Outline - In these activities you will learn about the use of stress both at the level of the individual word and of the sentence. You will also practise placing stress correctly in words and sentences yourself when speaking. Speaking idiomatically   Outline - You will consider the main types of idiom in use in the English language and also explore the different degrees of informality associated with idioms and the appropriateness of their use. You will also look at the meanings of a selection of commonly used idioms. Identifying varieties of spoken language   Outline -You will practise listening to and identifying some different varieties of spoken English from their characteristic features. Unstressed aspects of pronunciation   Outline - You will learn about the difference between weak and strong forms in English and listen to examples of unstressed forms in use taken from a variety of different spoken contexts. Useful language for giving presentations   In these activities you will explore some examples of common signposting language used by presenters. You will also listen to a presentation and note the signposting language used by the speaker. Top   Duration up to 7.5 hours for 10 Learning Objects Top