What Makes a Good Communicator?

Think about someone you know who is a really good communicator. What qualities do they have? What do they do well when they talk or listen to others?

Jot down 2-3 ideas below:

Your Voice, Your Future! Script

Warm Up & Introduction (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Let's start with a quick warm-up activity. Take a moment to think about someone you know who is a really good communicator. What qualities do they have? What do they do well when they talk or listen to others? Jot down 2-3 ideas on your Warm Up: What Makes A Good Communicator? sheet."

Teacher: "Alright, let's hear some of your ideas. Who would like to share what makes a good communicator in their opinion?" (Allow a few students to share and briefly discuss their points.)

Teacher: "Fantastic ideas! Today, we're going to dive into what makes communication so powerful, especially when it comes to finding and keeping a job. We're going to learn how to use Your Voice, Your Future! (refer to slide). This lesson is all about unlocking your employment communication superpower!"

(Transition to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Future! - Slide 1: Your Voice, Your Future!)

Teacher: "Why is communication so important, especially for work? Take a look at this slide (refer to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Future! - Slide 2: Why Are We Here?). Effective communication helps you in many ways: it helps you get a job, keep a job, and even grow in your job. And a big bonus? It builds your confidence!"

Understanding Communication Basics (30 minutes)

(Transition to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Future! - Slide 3: Verbal Communication)

Teacher: "Let's start with verbal communication – that's what you say and how you say it. It involves your words, your tone of voice, how loud or soft you speak, and how clearly you speak. If you mumble or use unclear words, it can be hard for others to understand you, right?"

(Transition to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Future! - Slide 4: Non-Verbal Communication)

Teacher: "But communication isn't just about words. It's also about non-verbal communication, which is everything else you do when you're talking or listening. This includes your body language – how you stand or sit, your hand gestures. It includes eye contact – looking at the person you're talking to shows you're engaged. Your facial expressions – a smile or a nod can say a lot! And personal space – respecting someone's space. These signals speak volumes without saying a word!"

Teacher: "Now, I'm going to hand out a short Reading: Mastering Workplace Communication. Please take about 10-15 minutes to read it quietly. It will give you more details on verbal and non-verbal communication." (Distribute reading.)

Teacher: "Alright, who can tell me one new thing they learned or one important idea from the reading about communication?" (Facilitate a brief discussion about the reading.)

Active Listening & Asking Questions (30 minutes)

(Transition to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Future! - Slide 5: Active Listening)

Teacher: "Moving on, one of the most important communication skills is active listening. It's not just about hearing words; it's about truly understanding what the other person is saying. How do we do that? We pay attention, we show we're listening with our body language, and we don't interrupt. We also ask questions."

Teacher: "Let's try a quick active listening exercise. I need two volunteers. One person will describe a simple object in the room for about 30 seconds, and the other person will listen carefully and then try to retell what they heard. Who wants to go first?" (Facilitate the exercise, encouraging listeners to focus and retell accurately.)

(Transition to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Future! - Slide 6: Asking Good Questions)

Teacher: "As you saw in our exercise, asking good questions is key. We ask questions to understand better, to get more information, or to show we're interested. It helps prevent misunderstandings. For example, instead of just saying 'okay,' you might say, 'So, just to be clear, you'd like me to finish this report by Friday, right?'"

Crafting Clear Messages (25 minutes)

(Transition to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Future! - Slide 7: Crafting Clear Messages)

Teacher: "Now, let's talk about crafting clear messages. Whether you're speaking or writing, it's important to be direct, be concise, and be specific. Try to avoid using complicated words or 'jargon' that others might not understand. Simpler is often better, especially in the workplace."

(Transition to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Future! - Slide 8: Choosing Your Channel)

Teacher: "Sometimes, it's also about choosing the right way to communicate. Is it best to talk in person? Make a phone call? Or send an email? Each has its own best time. For example, an email is great for sharing documents or formal requests, but talking in person might be better for an important, sensitive conversation. "

Teacher: "Now, I'm going to give you a Worksheet: Communication Practice. You can work on this individually or with a partner. It has a few scenarios where you'll practice writing or thinking about how you would communicate effectively." (Distribute worksheets. Circulate and assist students.)

Role-Playing Real-Life Scenarios (30 minutes)

(Transition to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Future! - Slide 9: Real-Life Scenarios)

Teacher: "Great work on the worksheets! Now, let's get ready for some role-playing! This is where we put our skills into practice in real-life situations. We're going to use the Discussion: Real-Life Scenarios prompts. I'll give you a scenario, and I'd like volunteers to act out how they would communicate in that situation. After each role-play, we'll give constructive feedback – what went well, and what could be even better."

Teacher: "Who would like to start with the first scenario: 'Asking your supervisor for clarification on a task you don't fully understand'?" (Facilitate several role-playing scenarios, providing feedback after each.)

Assessment & Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

(Transition to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Future! - Slide 10: Putting It All Together)

Teacher: "Excellent job today, everyone! We've covered a lot about employment communication skills – from verbal and non-verbal cues to active listening, asking good questions, and crafting clear messages. These skills are incredibly valuable for your job search and your future career."

Teacher: "Now, to check your understanding of today's lesson, please complete this short Quiz: Communication Check." (Distribute quiz. Collect after completion.)

Teacher: "For a more comprehensive assessment, I'm also providing a Test: Employment Communication Skills Assessment. You can complete this as homework or during a dedicated time in a future session." (Distribute tests.)

(Transition to Slide Deck: Your Voice, Your Future! - Slide 11: Your Communication Goal)

Teacher: "Finally, for our cool-down activity, take out your Cool Down: My Communication Goal sheet. Think about everything we discussed today. What's one specific thing you will try to do better in your communication this week, either at home, with friends, or in a job-related situation? Write it down." (Allow time for students to write.)

Teacher: "Thank you all for your active participation today! Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to communication. Keep working on these skills, and you'll see a positive difference in your interactions. Have a great rest of your day!"

Communication Practice Worksheet

Instructions: Read each scenario carefully. Then, answer the questions or write your response in the space provided. Think about what you learned today about verbal, non-verbal, and active listening skills.

Scenario 1: Asking for Help

You are at your new job, and your supervisor asks you to complete a task. You listened, but you are still unsure about one step. You want to ask for clarification without seeming like you weren't paying attention.

1. What would you say to your supervisor? Write down your exact words.
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What non-verbal cues (eye contact, body language) would you use to show you are engaged and respectful?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: Receiving Feedback

Your co-worker gives you feedback on a task you completed. They say, "The report was good, but next time, try to include more details in the summary." You want to make sure you understand exactly what they mean.

1. What is one clarifying question you could ask your co-worker?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How would you show active listening while they are giving you feedback?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 3: Leaving a Voicemail

You need to call your manager to let them know you will be a few minutes late due to unexpected traffic. You get their voicemail.

1. What would you say in your voicemail? Write down a clear and concise message.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Mastering Workplace Communication

Communication is more than just talking; it's about making sure your message is understood and that you understand others. In any job, good communication is one of the most important skills you can have.

Verbal Communication: The Power of Your Words

Verbal communication involves the words you choose and how you deliver them. Here are some key points:

• Clarity and Conciseness: When speaking, try to be clear and get straight to the point. Avoid rambling or using too many words. Imagine you have a limited amount of time to explain something – what are the most important things to say?
• Tone of Voice: Your tone can change the meaning of your words. A friendly tone can make a request sound polite, while a harsh tone can make the same words sound demanding. Be mindful of how your voice sounds to others.
• Volume and Pace: Speak loud enough to be heard, but don't shout. Also, try to speak at a moderate pace. Speaking too fast can make you hard to follow, and speaking too slowly can make you seem unenthusiastic.
• Vocabulary: Use language that is appropriate for your workplace and that others will understand. Avoid slang or overly technical terms unless you are sure everyone knows what you mean.

Non-Verbal Communication: What Your Body Says

Often, your body language communicates more than your words. Non-verbal cues include:

• Eye Contact: Making appropriate eye contact shows that you are engaged and paying attention. It builds trust. However, staring too intensely can be uncomfortable, so aim for a natural gaze.
• Body Posture: Standing or sitting upright can project confidence and professionalism. Slouching might suggest boredom or a lack of interest.
• Facial Expressions: Your face can show many emotions. A smile can make you approachable, while a frown might signal disapproval. Be aware of the expressions you are making.
• Gestures: Hand movements can help emphasize points, but too many can be distracting. Use gestures purposefully.
• Personal Space: Respecting others' personal space is crucial. Standing too close can make people feel uncomfortable. Be aware of cultural norms regarding personal space.

Active Listening: Hearing and Understanding

Good communication is a two-way street. Being a good listener is just as important as being a good speaker. Active listening means fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively hearing the message.

Here’s how to practice active listening:

• Pay Full Attention: Put away distractions. Look at the speaker.
• Show You Are Listening: Nod occasionally, use brief affirmations like "I see" or "mhmm" to show you're following along.
• Ask Clarifying Questions: If something is unclear, ask questions to get more details or to confirm your understanding. For example, "Did you mean... ?" or "Could you explain that part again?"
• Paraphrase: Briefly repeat what you heard in your own words. This shows the speaker you understood, and it gives them a chance to correct you if you misunderstood. For example, "So, if I understand correctly, you'd like me to..."
• Don't Interrupt: Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts before you respond. Interrupting can make them feel unheard or disrespected.

Summary

By practicing verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and by becoming an active listener, you will be much more effective in all your interactions, especially in a job setting. These skills will help you build good relationships, solve problems, and achieve your professional goals.

Real-Life Scenarios for Discussion & Role-Play

Instructions: As a group, discuss each scenario. Then, we will choose volunteers to role-play how they would communicate effectively in these situations, applying the skills we've learned today.

Scenario 1: Clarifying Instructions

Your supervisor gives you a new task. You understand the general idea, but you are not sure about one specific step. You don't want to make a mistake.

• Discussion: What verbal and non-verbal cues would you use when approaching your supervisor? What specific questions would you ask to get clarity?
• Role-Play: Practice asking for clarification.

Scenario 2: Reporting a Problem

You notice a small problem with a piece of equipment you are using. It's not a big emergency, but it needs to be addressed.

• Discussion: How would you clearly explain the problem to your supervisor? What tone of voice would be appropriate? Would you suggest a solution?
• Role-Play: Practice reporting the problem.

Scenario 3: Working with a Co-worker

You are working on a team project with a co-worker, and you disagree on the best way to complete a part of the task. You want to resolve the disagreement respectfully.

• Discussion: How can you express your opinion clearly and respectfully? How would you actively listen to your co-worker's perspective? What could you say to find a compromise?
• Role-Play: Practice discussing a disagreement and finding a solution.

Scenario 4: Answering Interview Questions

You are in a job interview, and the interviewer asks, "Tell me about a time you had to communicate a difficult message."

• Discussion: How would you structure your answer to be clear and concise? What specific communication skills would you highlight?
• Role-Play: Practice answering this interview question.

Scenario 5: Saying "No" Respectfully

A co-worker asks you to do something that is outside your job responsibilities and you don't have time for it. You need to decline politely.

• Discussion: How can you say "no" clearly but kindly? What non-verbal cues would you use to maintain a good relationship?
• Role-Play: Practice respectfully declining a request.

My Communication Goal

Think about everything we discussed today about communication. What is one specific thing you will try to do better in your communication this week? This could be at home, with friends, or in a job-related situation.

My Communication Goal: