PGP-I

Yr: 2011-13 ; Term-VI

Workshop on Communication
Duration: Instructor: 15 Hrs Prof Baharul Islam bislam@iimkashipur.ac.in / 8392811111 [8 hr]

PART 1 : WRITING The Problem Writing is not precise and to the point Grammar and spelling errors

Improper writing style that does reflect the correct intent of the writer Letters, memos and emails are not impressive and produce negative reaction from the reader Internet lingo and interference in formal writing

The Solution Discover the art of writing Track the thinking-to-writing process Identify/avoid the most common grammar mistakes Write with impact and emphasis Result driven letters and memos Politically correct and Gender/Race/Culture sensitive writing Plan and organize your writing Effective emails Write a proper letter or memo Additional reading: Writing skills by Anne Laws; Orient Blackswan Publication

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LESSON PLANS Day 1 [2 Hr] Introduction to the art and fun of writing letters Is it a fact that with the advent of Internet and Emailing, tweeting and texting, letter writing is an ignored, neglected and a forgotten art? Dont we still write letters, mails, memos? How does our writing affect the reader and influence the results with respect to our intent? We will analyse The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of writing by dissecting some examples. Day 2 [2 Hr] Planning for writing Nowadays we dont usually pull out a piece of paper and a pen, sit down and write a real letter to a friend or relative. Thanks to Emails, many of us no longer communicate in well-thought-out paragraphs in pretty, handwritten script. We now communicate in short broken sentences full of innovative abbreviations! Is it acceptable or it is a threat to any successful communication that produces desired results? What entails a good written communication then? We will find out what goes into the planning for writing through a process-oriented approach. We will identify the linguistic tools and content tools for writing. Day 3 [2 Hr] Writing in action Its pleasure to get a precise, concrete, to-the-point and yet thoughtful written communication. But is it easy to write such a piece? We will discover how, once you put pen to paper, you must think more before you write, mainly because it's messy and more difficult to correct (either letter delivered or you hit the send button). We will try to prepare any written communication (letter, memo, email, complaint, invitation etc.) through a paired exercise. 2|Page

Day 4 [2 Hr] Purposes in Writing Why are you writing? Whats your purpose? In other words what functions does your communication serve? When we think of writers, we normally think of those who craft creative fiction short stories, poems, novels, maybe even dramas or screenplays. One key to successful writing, however, is the ability to write in multiple forms and for a variety of purposes. In this session we will explore a wide variety of writing modes or purposes. In a classroom exercise we will look at various forms of writing and identify intent-function mismatch in peer groups.

PART 2 : THE ARGUMENTATIVE INDIAN

[7 Hr]

The Argumentative Indian is a book written by Nobel Prize winning Indian economist Amartya Sen focusing on the Indian traditions of public debate and intellectual pluralism. The book "demonstrates the importance of public debate in Indian traditions generally."

Day 5 [2 Hr] Introducing Public Debate In this session we will introduce what a debate is and how to present an argument in a public space. We will also analyse how and why a Debate or a Group Discussion leads to undisciplined shouting match between parties. Through some demonstration we will try to see that Debating has strict rules of conduct and quite sophisticated arguing techniques and you will often be in a position where you will have to argue the opposite of what you believe in. A debate involves a discussion of the pros and cons of an issue. Debating successfully is all about using argument and persuasion to convince other people that your views are right. 3|Page

Day 6 [2 Hr] Group Discussion Vs Debate Group Discussion often appears as a key component of recruitment process while debate is generally seen as a competition event. But can we really put them part? Dont we use a debate factor in any of our group communication? So, is it right to say that the effective debating skill or presenting an argument forms the basis of our successful communication? We will do some debate and Group Discussion exercise to understand what lies beneath an argumentative mind and how it is presented to an external audience. Day 7 [2 Hr] The Game of Debate Debating properly requires rhetorical flourishes and quick thinking. Debates and debating teams offer an excellent opportunity for students to participate in the ancient art of rhetoric, or persuasive speech. Before we master debating techniques, however, we need to learn the basics of arguing and rebutting, especially on the spot. If we practice these skills properly and master them, we have a better chance of succeeding when it comes to a real debate in any platform. In this session we will use a variety of games to learn how to construct arguments, deliver them effectively and defend them against interlocutors. Day 8 [1 Hr] The Exhibition Debates Students will participate in Groups of 10 (5 for the motion and 5 against) at exhibition debates. ------------------Evaluation Scheme: Writing Assignment Peer Group exercise Exhibition Debate Class participation 30% 30% 30% 10% 4|Page