Verbal expression and comprehension (understanding)
The extent to which a person can use and understand verbal communication.
What do I need to be able to do?
Use, understand and respond to verbal communication during on-campus learning activities and during professional experience placement.
Specifically:
- Verbally communicate with peers or team members to understand and convey project concepts and technical requirements by providing clear instructions and explanations.
- Use, understand and respond to verbal instructions in a studio environment where safety is a primary concern.
What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be provided within the academic setting.
However, the circumstances of industry placement tasks often require timely communication, and this should be considered prior to commencement.
Social communication
Social communication refers to the capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as: eye contact, gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity and verbal turn-taking.
What do I need to be able to do?
Recognise, interpret, use and respond to non-verbal communication appropriately during on-campus and industry placement activities to build relationships, display understanding, and acknowledge others.
This may include:
- In industry placement environments, tasks which require the use of social communication abilities include identifying and using gestures, verbal turn-taking, and physical proximity when sharing workload and equipment with others.
- In classes or studios, you will be required to respond to peers and supervisors to demonstrate understanding.
- In busy news production environments, with potentially dangerous equipment, using and understanding non-verbal cues is essential for safe execution of tasks.
Collaboratively working as part of a group, managing multiple sources of information, and maintaining focus during on-campus and online group work.
Engaging effectively with sources, colleagues, and supervisors, ensuring accurate recall and application of relevant research methodologies and findings.
Some specific examples from journalism:
- Following advice of editors, directors and news executive producers
- Engaging with sources to gain information, while applying trauma-informed practice.
What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
Consideration will be given to the use of non-verbal communication appropriate to your disability or condition for example, if you have a vision or hearing impairment, you may rely more on using either auditory or visual means of social communication.
