MODULE OVERVIEW

Effective communication in the context of the Screen Industries is the skill of conveying information, ideas, and creative visions clearly and persuasively among the various stakeholders involved in film and television production. It goes beyond verbal expression to encompass visual storytelling, collaboration, and understanding the unique language of the industry. In this framework, effective communication involves continuous coordination among diverse roles such as directors, producers, actors, and technical crew members, ensuring that all crew members align with the project's creative vision and goals. This form of communication is crucial for successful teamwork, efficient problem-solving, and the smooth execution of a project from pre-production to post-production phases.

In the PYWIP game  Jo (Production Assistant) was presented with the challenge of finding and moving a C-stand,  and one of the options presented was asking for clarification on what exactly that item was. Whilst it may feel embarrassing to ask questions that might seem basic to you, most of the time people are more focused on getting the work done and are not thinking or judging your level of knowledge. Everyone in the workplace had to start somewhere and people are, more often than not, happy to help. After a while, you may notice that, whilst what you’ve learned from books, at school or at university is very valuable, the knowledge and skills that you acquire in the “real world” are usually gained from collaboration, daily problem-solving, ideas exchange and informal conversations with others.

Equally another Scenario - Feeling On The Outside - , showcases different ways of engaging with others which can feel quite daunting when you’re the “new kid in the block” (the new member of a team). In this scenario, Jo has the opportunity to get involved in the conversation and set the tone for further communication throughout the project, or remain as an observer if they do not feel comfortable interacting. Remember that there are no right or wrong choices, but this type of scenario gives you the chance to establish and develop a communication style that serves you and your team.

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LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this module, students will be able to identify and apply effective communication strategies by adapting  communication styles, improving their active listening skills, and developing empathy and tools for conflict resolution. They will also learn how to  integrate and provide constructive feedback, and practise idea pitching and presentation delivery for diverse stakeholders.

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OUTLINE

Section 1: Introduction to Effective Communication (20 minutes)

Communication styles vary widely and go beyond verbal and non-verbal cues, reflecting the diverse ways individuals express themselves. Some people rely on verbal articulation, effortlessly conveying thoughts through speech. Others may prefer written communication, finding comfort and clarity in written expression. Equally, neurodivergent and disabled people may employ different communication styles ranging from non-verbal cues and body language to methods like alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices, braille, and sign language. Developing empathy and embracing this diversity is key for our understanding of communication; it fosters inclusivity and strengthens connections across a spectrum of modalities for expression. There are norules nor secret recipes for this, but there are key methods that can help you develop effective communication strategies.

Active listening is a powerful communication technique that involves fully engaging with the speaker to comprehend and empathise with their message. By giving undivided attention, using non-verbal cues, and providing thoughtful responses, active listening fosters a deeper understanding of the speaker's perspective. This skill goes beyond mere hearing, but creates  a connection that enhances collaboration, resolves conflicts, and strengthens relationships in diverse contexts. In the dynamic industry of Film/TV, active listening contributes to a culture of mutual respect, open communication, and shared understanding. It helps the  navigation of creative challenges, building strong professional relationships, and even delivering compelling and impactful content to audiences.

Validation is a communication strategy used to acknowledge and affirm the feelings, thoughts, or experiences of another person. The goal of validation is to express understanding and acceptance, even if you may not necessarily agree with the other person's perspective, as it helps create an environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and supported. This, in turn, can enhance collaboration, creativity, and overall well-being within the workplace, especially when holding space for people from marginalised groups. Validation can present in numerous ways, from acknowledging challenges whilst addressing issues like tight schedules, unexpected setbacks, or creative differences, to providing constructive feedback and reassurance, recognising efforts, owning mistakes, and offering apologies or making amends when needed.

Mirroring is a set of communication strategies employed to enhance understanding, rapport, and empathy between individuals. In mirroring, one person consciously reflects the verbal and non-verbal cues of another, such as gestures, expressions, tone of voice, or choice of words. The objective is to create a sense of connection by demonstrating active listening and a genuine effort to understand the thoughts and emotions of the speaker . In this sense, effective mirroring involves adapting to the unique communication styles of individuals. This strategy is often used to nurture effective communication and build stronger connections between individuals in various contexts, including professional settings and personal relationships – many people do this naturally, without even realising!

Encouraging feedback and seeking clarification also contribute to effective communication to ensure a shared vision amongst collaborators. Both the sender and the receiver should feel comfortable asking questions or providing a response to ensure that the intended message is accurately received. This two-way communication fosters a clearer understanding and minimises the risk of misunderstandings. By actively seeking clarification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to clear, accurate, and respectful interactions, leading to more successful and harmonious outcomes. This is also an excellent vehicle to develop resilience and self-confidence, as it empowers people to be critically reflective and open to continuous learning.

 

Activity: Set a timer for one or two minutes to share with a peer, or with yourself in the mirror, about a particular event you went through last week; this could be something exciting, embarrassing, sad, or anything that was a highlight during those days. After this, the person who listened to your story (or reflect on your own if you are an individual learner) to paraphrase what you said and describe some of the vocal, bodily or visual cues that contributed to their understanding of what you said. Finally, reflect on their comments and offer feedback on how you felt while you communicated your message – were there any cues that made you feel heard or not heard? Repeat the exercise this time swapping roles!

 

Section 2: Networking and presenting ideas (15 minutes)

For emerging talents breaking into the Screen Industries, networking is not just about business cards and handshakes, but it is also about building authentic connections. Some ideas for building authentic connections? Attend inclusive events and seek out diverse voices. Present your ideas with confidence and authenticity, emphasising the unique perspectives you bring to the table. Embrace digital platforms, not just for self-promotion, but to engage in meaningful conversations with fellow creatives. The Screen Industries flourish through innovation, so do not be afraid to challenge the status quo with your fresh, bold ideas. Equally, seek mentorship from those who inspire you, and let your passion and creativity shine through in every networking opportunity.

Clearly, all this is easier said than done! Building confidence is a gradual process, and it is okay to take small steps. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and be patient with yourself. Social anxiety is a common challenge for many individuals – not only new professionals – yet with consistent effort, support, and practice, you can develop the confidence needed to thrive in networking situations.

 

Activity: Following the recipe below, in 15 minutes or less, write an effective 30 second elevator pitch for a project or role that you would like to bring to life.

Introduction (0-5 seconds):

Start by introducing yourself confidently and clearly. For example, "Hello, I'm [your name], a [your position] with expertise in [your most skilled craft]."

Value Proposition (6-20 seconds):

Communicate your unique value proposition briefly. Highlight key accomplishments or skills that showcase your strengths. For instance, "I've successfully [mention an achievement or skill] and specialise in [your specialisation]."

Call to action (21-30 seconds):

Wrap up with a compelling call to action. This could be an invitation to connect, collaborate, or explore opportunities together. For example, "I'm keen to [your goal], and I would love the opportunity to connect and discuss how we can [mutual benefit]. Let's schedule a meeting to explore this further."

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CALL TO ACTION! (5 minutes)

Think of an experience in the past when you tried to communicate something, but the message was interpreted differently, which led to a misunderstanding and friction in your workplace or your friendship group. Identify possible causes as to why or how your message was misinterpreted by others.

 

• If you could go back in time, would you rephrase or reframe your message?

• If so, how would you communicate this differently?

• If not, how would you approach the event to provide clarification, so your message was understood?

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EXTERNAL RESOURCES

To bring your pitching abilities to a next level, check out FutureGoal’s fun challenge!

As mentioned before, social anxiety is a condition that impacts many people’s ability to communicate with others. If you or someone you know struggles with this condition, this free guide with self-help strategies for social anxiety developed by Anxiety Canada might be helpful. This organisation also offers practical tips on conversation starters, which can be useful for shy individuals or those who struggle in contexts of small talk.

The online learning platform Alison offers numerous free online courses to develop your communication skills.