Why Communication Matters L1

1. Why Communication Matters

Communication is Everywhere

2. Everyday Examples

• Talking with friends
• Messaging apps
• Social media
• Group projects
• Gaming communities
• Presentations
• Emails
• Workplace meetings

3. In Computing

• Team collaboration
• Understanding users
• Explaining technical ideas
• Writing documentation
• Working with clients

4. What is Communication?

Communication:
“The process of sending and receiving information, ideas, thoughts, and feelings.”
Communication is:
• sharing ideas
• information
• meaning
• Feelings

5. Examples

• texting
• gaming chat
• emails
• social media
• group projects
How many forms of communication have you already used today?

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7. Communication Example

Scenario:
A lecturer emails a class about an assignment deadline.
Questions:
• Who is the sender?
• What is the message?
• What channel is used?
• Who is the receiver?
• What feedback might occur?

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9. Communication Can Be:

• Spoken
• Written
• Visual
• Digital
• Verbal
• Non-verbal

10. Computing Examples

• GitHub comments
• Teams messages
• presentations
• documentation

11. Non-Verbal Communication

Communication Without Words
Examples
• Facial expressions
• Eye contact
• Tone of voice
• Body language
• Gestures
• Posture
Non-verbal communication can sometimes communicate more than words.

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13. Listening is Part of Communication

Active Listening Means:
• Paying attention
Listening is Part
of
Communication
• Not interrupting
• Asking questions
• Showing interest
• Understanding the speaker
Poor Listening Leads To:
• Misunderstandings
• Frustration
• Mistakes
• Conflict

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16. Communication Barriers - What Stops Communication?

Common Barriers
• Noise/distractions
• Poor listening
• Assumptions
• Language differences
• Lack of confidence
• Technology problems
• Information overload
In Digital Communication
• Misunderstood tone
• Delayed replies
• Missing context

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18. Good vs Poor Communication

Example Activity
Poor Communication
“Do the thing for tomorrow.”
• Which Cs are missing?
• How could it improve?
Better Communication
“Please complete Slides 1–5 for tomorrow’s group presentation and upload them to
Moodle before 6pm.”
Discussion
What makes the second example clearer?

19. Communication in the Digital World

Today We Communicate Through:
• Email
• Messaging apps
• Social media
• Video calls
• Online learning platforms
• Collaboration tools
Computing Examples
• GitHub comments
• Teams chats
• Trello updates
• Online support systems

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21. Communication & Computing

Communication & Computing
Software Teams Need Communication To:
• Understand user requirements
• Explain ideas
• Work in teams
• Share updates
• Solve problems
• Support users
Technical skills alone are not enough. Communication is a core computing skill.

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25. AI & Communication- Communication in the AI Era

AI & Communication- Communication in the AI Era
AI Can Help With:
• Writing drafts
• Brainstorming ideas
• Summarising information
• Generating content
But Students Still Need:
• Critical thinking
• Understanding
• Communication skills
• Ethical decision making
• Original thinking

26. In-Class Activity

Communication Challenge
Activity Ideas
• Telephone game
• Miscommunication exercise
• Team problem-solving task
• Listening challenge
Goal
Understand how easily communication can break down.

27. Discussion Questions

Questions
• What communication skills do you think are most important?
• What causes misunderstandings most often?
• Why do communication problems happen in teams?
• Why are communication skills important in computing?

28. What Have We Learned?

Communication:
• Happens everywhere
• Is more than speaking
• Includes listening
• Can be verbal or non-verbal
• Is essential in computing
• Requires clarity and understanding

29. Reflection

Describe a situation where poor communication caused confusion or
misunderstanding. Explain:
• What happened
• What communication barriers existed
• How the situation could have been improved

30. Next Week - Interpersonal & Group Communication

Next Week - Interpersonal & Group Communication
We will explore:
• Team communication
• Collaboration
• Group dynamics
• Giving feedback
• Communication in teams