Communication

A lawsuit can drag on for years, creating an emotional and financial drain far exceeding any anticipated rewards. Prolonged litigation also presents huge operational problems for the courts. As a result, the use of alternative dispute resolution is on the rise. With an Australian legal center as a model, this program shows how ADR processes are implemented and how all parties involved in a dispute can benefit from them. Topics include third-party mediation, negotiation, and arbitration; the types of domestic and corporate disputes typically settled using ADR; assessments of ADR effectiveness; and the comparatively low cost ranges associated with ADR. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (28 minutes)

Solid communication skills are keys to a smooth transition from school to work. Using engaging scenarios to dramatize real-world communication breakdowns and demonstrate how employees overcome them, this four-part series addresses the cornerstones of communication: listening, speaking, writing, and reading. A Meridian Production. 4-part series, 18-23 minutes each.

Mark is exasperated-he has to redo a sales report because a coworker did not hear the directions-and a customer is furious because someone did not listen to his special shipping instructions. In this dramatization, Mark and his colleagues attend a seminar on listening skills and learn about the steps to good listening, emotional filters and hot buttons, and active/passive and reflective listening. A Meridian Production. (19 minutes)

If Mark and his colleagues are to meet a tight research deadline, they will have to read faster-and smarter-than ever. This dramatization illustrates the value of taking a time-saving approach to reading, which includes using skimming and active reading techniques, taking advantage of reader-friendly devices designed to help pinpoint information, and diligently concentrating on the content target zone. A Meridian Production. (18 minutes)

Mark's public speaking nightmare has materialized into reality: he must present his department's new marketing plan to the board of directors. This dramatization tracks Mark's preparations, during which he learns good speaking techniques, effective methods for organizing a speech, tips for minimizing stage fright, and the importance of nonverbal communication. A Meridian Production. (23 minutes)

On his first day on the job, Mark already has a writing assignment. How should he begin? In this dramatization, Mark quickly learns the four steps to good writing-plan, write, revise, and edit-as well as the differences between a memo, a letter, and a report. Revisions are displayed on his computer screen as he actually makes them, providing concrete examples of the writing process in action. A Meridian Production. (20 minutes)

Presentations, reports, video conferences, e-mail, telephone calls-more than ever, excellent communication skills are a prerequisite for entry into all sorts of careers. This video provides guidance in strengthening both verbal and nonverbal communication. The importance of carefully targeting the message to be conveyed, minimizing outside distractions, listening attentively, and developing an awareness of body language are stressed. A Cambridge Educational Production. (22 minutes)

The vibrant world of high-tech communication is as complex as it is fascinating. This three-part series makes sense of that world, going behind the scenes to present the equipment and processes that make it all possible-and some of the careers that are open to those who can master them. A Meridian Production. 3-part series, 13-16 minutes each.

The ability to defuse confrontation and arrive at a solution that is acceptable to everyone involved is a quality that all employers value. This video illustrates how to courteously resolve office conflicts by depersonalizing them, opening the lines of communication, and examining all options in order to come to an agreement. Brainstorming with coworkers is presented as a means of developing consensus. A Cambridge Educational Production. (21 minutes)

This program guides viewers through an E.A.S.Y. communication process. Students learn constructive communications by identifying the Effect they hope to achieve; understanding the knowledge and attitude of their Audience; explaining the Subject with specific and organized information; and seeing the positive effects of knowing and understanding Yourself. A Cambridge Educational Production. One 30-minute video.

There is little doubt that e-mail is an extremely useful innovation that has changed, and continues to change, the way we communicate. However, the fact that e-mail is different from both voice- and paper-based communication can be a source of frustration for many people. This program gives viewers an understanding of the conventions that have been developed by e-mail users over the years to facilitate effective communication. In addition, the video exposes many of the myths that exist regarding such issues as e-mail privacy, and warns of possible dangers when using e-mail. The words spamming" and "flaming" may not make sense to everyone, but chances are they've come across examples of this type of behavior in their e-mail usage. The animated "cyber postman," who features throughout the video, has seen every example of bad e-mail usage you could imagine. With his assistance we provide a comprehensive introduction to the etiquette of using e-mail. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. A Cambridge Educational Production. (20 minutes)"

This important lesson discusses habits and traits that keep us from being good listeners and teaches improved listening skills with the D.R.I.V.E. process. Students learn the benefits of listening and master the skill by Deciding to listen, Reading all stimuli, Investing spare time wisely, Verifying what they hear, and Expending energy. Teach your students how to process the information that goes in one ear, and that information won't have a chance to escape through the other!A Cambridge Educational Production. One 42-minute video.

This video program combines real-world workplace scenarios with up-to-date how to" narratives to illustrate key concepts and skills for proper telephone techniques. A strong base of communication etiquette is developed through a series of telephone Dos and Don'ts. Students will learn how to deliver the perfect greeting, screen calls, handle irate callers, transfer callers, and use voicemail. By viewing a wide variety of role-playing examples and behavior-modeling opportunities, students and professionals will gain a better understanding of the skills needed to communicate effectively over the phone. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. A Cambridge Educational Production. (35 minutes)"

The business world has changed tremendously in the past 50 years. So have many of the ways businesses communicate. Despite advancing technology, however, one communication tool remains a constant: the telephone. Using it competently and courteously is vital to customer and client satisfaction. This two-part series is designed to help students and professionals improve their telephone skills and understand the impact that both good and bad phone etiquette can have on the bottom line of any business. A teacher's guide is included with both programs. Combining the video's tutorial examples with the reinforcement of practical exercises on the CD-ROM, this interactive series will prepare students and professionals to: • Make outgoing and receive incoming calls • Conduct effective and efficient telephone calls in a business environment • Take control of a conversation and direct it towards a specific purpose • Use tone, pitch, and inflection to an advantage when speaking on the phone • Make a positive impression over the telephone • Properly compose and deliver a voicemail announcement and message The material in both the video and the CD-ROM correlates with the National Language Arts Curriculum Standards and the National Business Education Standards. A Cambridge Educational Production. (Video and CD-ROM)

In general, prospects can be divided into groups known as Amiables, Expressives, Analytics, and Drivers-and knowing the differences between them can make or break a budding business relationship. This program narrated by Bob Kimball-author of the American Marketing Association's popular AMA Handbook for Successful Selling and professor of marketing at the University of West Florida-stresses the value of good writing skills; of nonverbal communication during 7-second plans" and presentations; of listening and following up; and of generating mutual cordiality and respect. (30 minutes)"