Effective Communications Month

June is Effective Communications Month. This video provides tips for effective communication and explores some communication technology that was developed or influenced by the disability community.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:36 Tips for Effective Communication
1:49 Assistive Technology Used By Everybody for Communication
2:17 Communication Technologies Developed or Influenced by the Disability Community
4:11 Combining Communication Techniques for Effective Communication
Transcript:
June is Effective Communications Month. This focuses on the foundation of developing and maintaining relationship in our personal life and in the workplace. When we communicate, we use a combination of verbal and nonverbal cues to relay and exchange information, such as our thoughts, ideas and knowledge.
Communication is a two street. It requires us to be clear and concise when we speak; to relay our message.
It requires us to listen carefully when another person is speaking. It also requires us to pay attention to a person non-verbal cues such as their facial expressions, body language, and even voice tone.
You must also have empathy with the person. And also, if you're unsure of information or a person’s message that they’re trying to relay; ask questions for clarification.
All of these actions can help us to better communicate and foster respect. This often promotes open dialogue, which can lead to greater understanding.
When we communicate effectively, our message or intent is understood by others.
Besides verbal and nonverbal communication, there’s many tools and assistive technology can be used to help us communicate more effectively. This includes items such as pens and pencils for writing; or even using electronics such as a computer for email, or even our phones for text messaging. The disability community has developed and influenced many communication technologies that we use today. Let's check out a few.
(Voiceover) One of the first typewriters was developed by Pelligrino Turri in the early 1800s.
(typewriter keys clicking)
He created the typewriter for a blind friend. The typewriter eventually led to the creation of computer keyboards. Today, we use computer keyboards as a communications tool to type our messages on screens and send them via email or print.
When Alexander Bell invented the telephone he intended it to help people with hearing loss. While the telephone didn’t quite work out, Robert H. Weibrecht, who was deaf, invented the teletypewriter also referred to as TTY which was used to relay typewritten conversations through a telephone. He collaborated with James Marsters to relay long distance TTY Phone calls.
While TTY is still used today by the deaf and hard of hearing communities, TTY technology eventually led to the creation of modern text messaging. In text messaging we use many abbreviations. Many abbreviations such as BRB (Be Right Back), THX (thanks), and GA (Go Ahead) originated from the deaf community through the use of TTY.
A textile language system known as braille, was invented by Louis Braille, who was blind.
Thomas Edison invented the phonograph for the blind community. Fast forward to more modern times, the American Foundation for the Blind later invented talking books. Talking books later became audiobooks which is now widely used by the public.
(Jeffrey) These were just a few examples of communication technology that were developed or influence by the disability community in some way.
The way we use communication tools and technology will determine if our message or intent is relayed. When we communicate effectively, we're able to stay in touch with our family, friends, and even in the workplace.
Please stay tuned for our next video.