The seminar will be held by Mag. Nadine Moser, Dr. Christian Garaus, und Mag. Markus Nekham.

“If you want others to listen, you have to talk “their” language.”

Not only in dyadic relationships between friends, family members, and colleagues, but also in group constellations communication is of utmost importance when it comes to successful collaboration and teamwork. Even more so, in top management teams and in conversations with people from other companies, a good understanding of different aspects of communication can foster many benefits. Hence, a misunderstanding can easily happen and carry major consequences for all parties involved in a team, project, or negotiation process.

One of the key factors for effective communication is the ability to identify and adapt to different communication styles. These differences in interpersonal communication can inter alia be ascribed to personality factors. It is therefore essential to get an understanding of personality-based preferences and aversions when talking to others and to learn how to adapt to these communication types.

The course starts with theoretical input on well-established communication models which is followed by a reflection and discussion of typical aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication. Based on these components, course participants will get familiar with different personality-based communication types. Students will learn to differentiate between personalities based on verbal and non-verbal cues and will also reflect on their own communication style. A substantial part of this course will be spent on various exercises in which students will train to identify, adapt to and reflect on different communication styles.

After completing this course, students will have the ability to:   

• Use well-established communication models to analyze or prepare for challenging communication situations
• Identify and adapt to personality-based communication styles
• Critically reflect upon their personality and communication style

40% in-class trainings (individual and group assessment)

20% oral exam (individual assessment)

40% reflection paper (individual assessment)