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University Communication Skills

Building Relationships Through Communication

Roleplay Activity — work in groups of three to explore how communication makes or breaks a professional relationship.

Learning Focus

Building professional relationships
Effective communication
Networking and collaboration
Trust and rapport

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LearnObjectives & task

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PlanScenario & roles

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PerformWrong way / right way

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ReflectDiscuss & review

Enter your details to begin

Your name (group spokesperson)

Your course / seminar group

Slide 2

Learning Objectives

By the end of this activity, you will be able to:

✓ Build rapport in professional situations
✓ Use effective communication strategies
✓ Recognise behaviours that damage relationships
✓ Demonstrate active listening and empathy
✓ Reflect on relationship-building skills for your future career

Slide 3

The Task

Work in groups of three.

Create and perform a roleplay that demonstrates:

How to build professional relationships
OR
How NOT to build professional relationships

Your roleplay should clearly show the difference between effective and ineffective communication.

Slide 4

Choose a Scenario

Select ONE scenario, or create your own.

Scenario

Pick your scenario

If you chose "Other", describe your scenario here

Slide 5

Character Roles

Remember: everyone should have a speaking role.

A

Person A — Attempts to build a positive relationship.

Who is playing Person A?

B

Person B — Responds to the situation.

Who is playing Person B?

C

Person C — Creates challenges, misunderstandings, or demonstrates poor relationship-building behaviour.

Who is playing Person C?

Slide 6

Part 1 – The Wrong Way

Act out the situation using poor communication skills.

Possible behaviours — tick the ones your group will use

Interrupting others Talking only about yourself Ignoring ideas Being distracted Making assumptions Not remembering names Giving short or unfriendly responses Excluding people from the conversation

Slide 7

Part 2 – The Right Way

Replay the same situation using effective communication techniques.

Examples — tick the ones your group will use

Active listening Showing genuine interest Asking follow-up questions Encouraging participation Being respectful and supportive Finding common interests Building trust and rapport

Slide 10

Planning Time

Discuss these questions as a group.

1. Which scenario will you choose?

2. What relationship-building mistakes will you show?

3. Which communication skills will you demonstrate?

4. Who will play each role?

5. How will the "wrong" and "right" versions differ?

Slide 11

Reflection Questions

After each performance, discuss these as a group.

1. Which behaviours helped build relationships?

2. Which behaviours damaged trust or rapport?

3. Which communication skills were most effective?

4. Have you experienced similar situations?

5. How important are relationship-building skills in your future career?

Slide 12

Key Takeaway

Strong Relationships Start with Strong Communication

Remember

Listen actively
Show genuine interest
Include others
Build trust
Communicate respectfully

These skills are essential for success at university and in the workplace.

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Plan complete!

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