The scripts are available for printing and for sound bite identification.

Go to http://www.wichita.edu/newsline to get the current Wichita State University Newsline. If you cannot access the Newsline at the Web address above, contact Joe Kleinsasser at 316-978-3013 or cell 316-204-8266 or joe.kleinsasser@wichita.edu.

Newsline cuts may be edited to suit your needs.

If you have additional questions for Ray Hull after listening to the WSU Newsline, please contact him at 316-978-3271 or ray.hull@wichita.edu.

Background:
Good communication is a valuable tool at home, work, school or play. Ray Hull, an audiologist at Wichita State University, wrote a story for The Hearing Journal last year on the importance of honing your communication skills.

Voice wrap:
Announcer: Interpersonal communication skills, whether on a personal or professional level, are powerful attributes, influencing all aspects of our lives. Wichita State University audiologist Ray Hull says this important topic is seldom covered in high school or college curricula, nor is it taught well in most family settings.

Hull: “In order to be a good communicator, we must communicate clearly, directly and openly. An important rule in business relationships, for example, is don’t expect others to read your mind, because they may be incorrect.”

Announcer: According to Hull, interpersonal communication is often learned, for better or worse, from parents and peers, even if they are poor examples. He says we all need to learn to present ourselves with poise, confidence and serenity. In turn, we’ll be more likely to receive positive responses. This is Joe Kleinsasser at Wichita State University.

Sound bite #1
Hull explains the importance of communication. The sound bite is 17 seconds and the outcue is “to become successful.”

Hull: “Much of what we do in our day-to-day interactions with our colleagues, our friends, our clients, involves communication in one form or another. It’s imperative that we become familiar with the processes involved with interpersonal communication in order to become successful.”

Sound bite #2
Hull explains why we’re not as good at communicating as we might be. The sound bite is 12 seconds and the outcue is “from childhood on.”

Hull: “I think the reason that we’re not as good communicators as we might be is that we have not had good models for communication, good interpersonal communication from childhood on.”

Sound bite #3
Hull says good communication helps us be more successful. The sound bite is 15 seconds and the outcue is “our grocery store.”

Hull: “The better we are in this aspect of our life, the more successful we will become. All else being equal, equal education, equal preparation, it’s often the basis upon which we choose our physician, our dentist, our favorite place to eat, our hairdresser, even our grocery store.”

Sound bite #4
Hull says it’s good to admit when we’re wrong. The sound bite is 10 seconds and the outcue is “a potential conflict.”

Hull: “Another tip for good communication is that if we’re wrong, we must admit it. Sometimes an apology is all that’s necessary to end a potential conflict.”

Sound bite #5
Hull says nonverbal actions can give positive or negative impressions. The sound bite is 30 seconds and the outcue is “for example.”

Hull: “In regard to nonverbal communication, actions can give positive or negative impressions. This involves everything from our handshake to how we sit. Nonverbal messages can enhance or diminish how we communicate. We have to keep in mind that positive or negative first impressions are determined within the first two minutes of entering a room, for example.”

Sound bite #6
Hull says we all must learn how to present ourselves. The sound bite is 18 seconds and the outcue is “to success.”

Hull: “And we must learn how to present ourselves. We have to practice presenting our self in a calm manner, to make people feel at ease. We all know someone who has the ability to make us feel accepted and nurtured, which is a wonderful attribute to success.”