Lala

Our course programme offers a broad coverage. Depending on your requirements, we give courses on a specific subject or arrange different key-aspects. You can choose from the following subjects. For individual and additional subjects, we are happy to construct a customised proposal. Please contact us to request for our catalogue.

Basic principles of communication

• It won’t work without theory. However, in our courses it is brief and user-oriented. In this core course you are introduced to the main features of interpersonal communication: the difference between factual and personal levels, the meaning of “gut instinct”, the function of conviction. Moreover we address fundamental formal elements of communication via exercises in intonation, gestures and facial expressions.

Action-orientated communication

• Deductive reasoning: A line of reasoning is the basic element of any well directed form of communication. It aims to persuade your addressee. Each argument ideally contains: a hypothesis, its rationale as well as appropriate and consistent evidence. Thus the construction of a cogent line of reasoning is far more complex than a mere opinion.
• Outlining: A well structured outline allows the audience to concentrate fully on the matter of a statement be it an article, a speech or a discussion. Structure may be based upon the logic of the subject matter or be inferred independently from external thoughts. The course covers techniques describing how to choose suitable subject matters and how to form an outline.
• Public speaking and script technique: A manuscript can often have a negative impact on brief presentations. Even with longer speeches, keywords usually suffice. The freer the speech, the easier it is to maintain contact with the audience. In this unit we describe specific requirements of keywords and the reasonable reduction of a manuscript. For this purpose you learn how to construct “intuitive” outlines. In additional exercises, we analyse and strengthen your individual style of speech, your gestures and facial expressions and develop strategies for handling typical rhetorical problems.

• How to write speeches: Planning your communication in a goal-oriented way is essential to the preparation of speeches in order to reach and convince the audience in a concrete situation. The requirements of a speech are often high and the circumstances may differ entirely. In this seminar you learn to elaborate subject matter from innovative trains of thought and to react on surprising situations with flexible concepts. Learn how to immediately integrate experiences with the audience into the revision of speeches that have to be held repeatedly. In this course you will be introduced to speeches and speakers, you will write your own speeches and hold speeches of others.

• Presentation and visualisation:Speech, essay and media-supported lecture are all forms of presentation with eminently different prerequisites. Each is confronted with manifold conditions and techniques. The seminar gives an overview of the most important techniques and delves into the specific pros and cons of the types of presentation. In doing so we take a closer look at the typical problem with fitting subject to presentation-media rather than presenting an already structured content with an adequate medium.

• How to work with PowerPoint: Microsoft’s program PowerPoint is often used for presentations. However, unquestionable advantages stand alongside crucial difficulties. In this special seminar, graphical realisations for differing discussions are explained. Additionally, important limitations are discussed and solutions offered.

How to exchange: Interpersonal communication

• Constructive conduction of conversations and negotiations: Conversations flow satisfactorily if all participants are listened to, if they believe that their individual interests are being taken seriously, and aims achieved. In fact misunderstandings, unknown aversions or simply personal insecurity impede a matter-of-factly conversation. Here one should be able to smooth the discussion in order to progress even deadlocked situations. Every conversation follows a dynamic. With practice it can be observed, furthermore be prepared and influenced. In this unit we practice how to identify and differentiate personal and factual levels of communication, and how to classify their relevance for the progression of the conversation. Further techniques to deal with typical difficult situations are conveyed.

• Interview and media-training:Even the best of speakers may sometimes become confused and disoriented as soon as a camera is pointed at him. Stage-fright, mental blocks, high-pitched voice and annoying fillers can be avoided. Being aware of your weak points and having alternative techniques at hand, makes you appear more authentic rather than lacking confidence. Thus you do not need to dread such situations. We practise your performance in front of the video camera, giving you constructive feedback on your body language, facial expressions, gestures and improving your style of speech.

• Conduct, facilitation, moderation: Even without a nominated chairman, moderator or facilitator every interactive communication is conducted. Panel discussions, lectures, negotiations, team meetings: There are important fundamental guidelines to learn for both officially nominated and unofficially conducted situations, helping the official as well as unofficial moderator to ensure effective communication. In this unit different kinds of moderation, conduct and facilitation of conversation along with their specific differences are introduced and practised. Thus strategies are acquired to handle typical problems in conducting communication.

• Trouble shooting:Interference may occur in every kind of communication situation. Partly they are external unpredictable possibilities like a jackhammer in front of your window, partly deliberate or unintentional disruptive actions from the audience or your conversational partner. Generally, disruptions need to be used as a seed for further discussion, or to be blocked as an undue influence. In this course both strategies are introduced and reinforced specifically for your personal communication skills.

• Appropriate response:Communication means interaction. Nevertheless its degree and form varies depending on the particular circumstances. The proportion between one’s own actions and the reactions of others, e.g. in an interview, is balanced, where as it is one-sided in speeches. Whatever the situation, the appropriate handling of the responses of others is the key to success. The seminar deals with different forms of interaction and possible options for response to the conversational partner. Moreover the influence of the context and atmosphere are discussed. Exercises are aimed at listening to others and at including others’ interests without losing sight of your own objectives.