Topic 3: Oral Communication & Presentation Skills
Lesson 2: Key Oral Interactions: Meetings and Interviews
Formal oral interactions like meetings and interviews are critical organizational tools that require structured processes to be effective.
Meetings:
- Definition: A gathering of two or more people to discuss matters of common interest within a set period.
- Types of Business Meetings:
- Formal Meetings: Follow strict rules and procedures (e.g., Annual General Meeting, Board of Directors meeting).
- Informal Meetings: Less structured, for brainstorming or team updates.
- Committee Meetings: Held by subgroups formed for specific tasks (e.g., finance committee, project team).
- Essentials for a Valid and Productive Meeting:
- Proper Authority: Called by the correct person/body (e.g., Board of Directors).
- Adequate Notice: Sent in advance with agenda, time, date, and venue.
- Quorum: Minimum number of members required for decisions to be legal.
- Clear Agenda: A list of topics to be discussed, guiding the meeting’s flow.
- Effective Chairperson: Leads the meeting, maintains order, and ensures participation.
- Accurate Minutes: The official written record of proceedings, decisions, and action items.
Interviews:
- Definition: A planned, goal-oriented conversation between two or more parties.
- Major Types:
- Employment/Selection Interview: To assess a candidate’s suitability for a job.
- Appraisal Interview: To review an employee’s performance and set goals.
- Exit Interview: Conducted when an employee leaves to gather feedback.
- Grievance/Disciplinary Interview: To address complaints or rule violations.
- Interview Techniques:
- Structured: Using a standardized set of questions for all candidates.
- Unstructured/Open-ended: A free-flowing conversation to probe depth.
- Panel Interview: The candidate is interviewed by multiple people at once.
- Stress Interview: Deliberately challenging to see how the candidate handles pressure.
- Guidelines for Effectiveness:
- For Interviewer: Prepare questions, listen actively, be impartial, and provide feedback.
For Interviewee: Research the company, prepare questions, dress appropriately, and communicate confidently.