CROSS-CUTTING DOMAIN

Knowledge and awareness of the roles of language, speech patterns, body language, and communication styles within culturally distinct populations, such as persons with disabilities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals; and others.

Knowledge of the structure and content of language (e.g., English, Spanish, as appropriate), including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar, including standard syntax and sentence structure.

Knowledge of how and why media messages are constructed and for what purposes; and knowledge of how individuals and groups interpret messages differently, how values and points of view are included or excluded, and how media can influence beliefs and behaviors.

Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling ideas and concepts, including variations within culturally distinct communities.

Knowledge of how to use various forms of media communication and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform audiences via written, oral, and digital media. (Note: “Digital media” is defined as interactive forms of communication that use the Internet, including, but not limited to, tools such as social networking sites, web-based applications, text-based messaging, mobile health applications, blogs and micro blogs, and image- or video-sharing sites).

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Using information accurately and creatively for the issue or problem at hand, managing the flow of information from a wide variety of sources, and organizing or reorganizing information as appropriate to get a better understanding of a problem.

Reflecting genuineness, empathy, warmth, and a capacity to respond to a range of possible situations in oral and written exchanges.

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Talking to others to convey information effectively. Expressing information to individuals or groups (public speaking), taking into account the audience and the nature of the information (e.g., technical or controversial information).

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Ability to communicate with people outside the organization, representing the organization to the public, government, and other external sources, in person, in writing, by telephone or email, or through digital media.

Ability to provide information to supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates in person, in writing, by telephone or email, or through digital media.

Ability to communicate accurate information to, and on behalf of, culturally diverse populations and communities, and to interpret the implications of the evidence of problems as partners and individuals from different cultures express them.

Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Ability to observe, receive, and otherwise obtain information from all relevant sources.

Ability to listen to, receive, identify, interpret, and understand information and ideas presented through verbal messages and other cues.

Ability to communicate information and ideas verbally so others will understand.

Ability to persuade or influence others to change their minds or behavior by presenting information, thoughts, and ideas that support the alternative view.

Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. The ability to locate, understand, and interpret written information in prose and in documents such as manuals, reports, memos, letters, forms, graphs, charts, tables, calendars, schedules, signs, notices, applications, and directions, as well as information presented via digital media.

Ability to communicate thoughts, information, messages, ideas, and other information in writing so others will understand, and the ability to prepare reports and documents using proper terminology.