Target	Description	Progress
Spelling	Make sure that the right grammar and spelling is used when appropriate	31 Dec I have done a sweep of my blog and corrected all spelling mistakes 31 Jan I have further rectified more recent mistakes. 20 Feb Have made a final run through and have found no further errors
Professional	Make sure that all posts and my blog is laid out professionally and all grammar and vocabulary used is professional	31 Dec I have changed the theme of my blog to maintain a more professional style 31 Jan I have removed the tacky looking gold clock 20 Feb Blog has maintained professionalism since last check
Maintain a blog	I will create and keep my blog up to date	31 Dec I have created a blog and added the first of my posts 31 Jan I have uploaded the next batch of posts and made sure the last ones are up to standard 21 Feb Blog is fully up-to-date

Principles of Effective Communication

Principles of Effective Communication

Communication is influenced by a variety of factors which subtly add reference and context to what you are saying. It is not simply what you are saying, but it is how you are saying it and with what facial expression, posture etc.

One of the least subtle signs is the way in which somebody says something. This can easily determine if you are speaking with authority, or are confused. If you are talking to someone, then you must at least sound as if you are interested and know what you are talking about. Do not slur words and do not abbreviate as this seems unprofessional and could make you harder to understand. Also communicate mood, so if you are angry, or worried, or nervous, people will know.

Also, you must have the correct body language, so don’t shuffle about and cross your arms, remain in a steady posture and make sure you have an open posture. This portrays a more confident person and will encourage people to listen more to what you are saying. It also can portray how important what you are saying is, so if you are in a perplexed posture, the information will be important, but if you have a relaxed posture, the information won’t be that shocking.

Also there is eye contact. This is very important as it should be used in every situation when talking to somebody. It is simply polite and makes sure they know you’re talking to them. It could also make you seem untrustworthy if you are looking everywhere but them, as it seems as if you have something to hide.

When communicating through written means (emails taxes etc.), then you must always use good grammar as if you use different things then it looks very unprofessional and can be hard to read. Also, make sure that you don’t use an inappropriate font. The font should look formal and be of a reason able size, such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial. Inappropriate fonts would include Comic Sans, Jokerman, and Curlz MT. Also a reasonable size font should be chosen, smaller than 14, as any bigger looks unprofessional.

Over the phone, a clear voice is key. As phone lines can get muffled and/or distorted, you must provide as clear a speech as possible so as the end result can be easily heard and understood.