THE COMMUNICATION STAIRCASE

Visualize a staircase that you must ascend several times a day. When you climb the staircase, you take one step at a time. When you try to double up or even triple up because you are in a hurry, you run the risk of slipping, tripping, or even falling. This is the way communication works. You are not effective on (or within) the third, fifth, or seventh step (or setting) if you don't take one step at a time with the awareness AND skill necessary for that step! Each step is crucial to the next. Each step has its own plateau, offers its own set of rules as well as its own challenges and potential for success. You build upon one step at a time to get to the top.

Did you notice from the diagram that each step exists during the course of your professional day, without exception? You awake and start your day with Intrapersonal messages setting the tone for the rest of your day. This step offers insight and tools into you as a communicator and the manner in which behavioral communication impacts your daily success. You take you wherever you go! The Nonverbal step helps you assess how you communicate with others using behavior that people see and feel more than they hear. Your Interpersonal Communication skills will soar with knowledge of the seven basic ingredients and the keys to effective listening. Your Small-Group experiences define your productivity at work by your ability to speak comfortably and competently with and in front of your coworkers. Public Presentation becomes a tool of advancement once you find your voice. Our awareness of the power and manipulation of Persuasive messages makes us better informed consumers and employees. Acquiring the skills that each preceding step offers allows any individual the capability to engage in Intercultural Communication comfortably and effectively with others in the organization with different perspectives. Each step builds upon the other, providing step-specific tools that enhance each communication arena. These are the same communication arenas you experience in your personal life and the same tools that will create personal success and happiness.