My Interpersonal and Written Communication Skills

During my communications and employability course I completed a task for an assignment which involved me and another member of my class creating and presenting a powerpoint presentation about web based communication channels.

To create and present the web based communication channels powerpoint I needed to use my interpersonal and written communication skills. Presenting the powerpoint also involved me using verbal communication skills because I had to speak to the audience while presenting. I used non-verbal communication skills also because I had to communicate using body language and written information which was included in the powerpoint presentation. The interpersonal and written communication skills that I used included presentation and team working skills.

Presentation Skills:

The powerpoint presentation needed to have definitions of a range of web based communication channels and include examples of their usuage including: Blogs, VLogs, Podcasts, Web pages and Video conferencing.

The presentation that I created covered all of the web based commmunication channels that I was tasked with. It included detailed definitions as well as examples of each of the different communication channels. The presentation included images, links to web pages relevant to the topic and also informative video content.

The presentation was targeted at my ICT class and my communications and employability teacher to help inform them about different web based communication channels. I feel the powerpoint presentation was targeted well toward this specific audience and included enough appealing content such as detailed information, images, web page examples and informative video content relevant to the topic.

When I was presenting I maintained a loud and clear voice to keep the audience listening. I maintained the tempo of my voice and tried not to talk to fast so that the audience would be able to understand everything that I was talking about and take it in. I also used a powerful and interesting tone of voice while speaking to my audience in order to keep them enthused. I used strong and powerful body language to ensure that my audience did not get distracted during the presentation and tried to keep the focus of the audience on me. I stood tall and looked at the audience as much as possible when I was speaking to ensure they were listening to me. I maintained eye contact with the audience and used enthusiasitic facial expressions in order to keep my audience interested in what I was saying. I feel I did a good job at maintaining the audience’s attention because everytime I scanned with my eyes the audience they were looking up and listening to the presentation. At the end of my presentation when I asked the audience questions I made sure to nod to what they were asking so that they knew I understood them.

To improve my presentation I could memorize the presentation off by heart next time to ensure that I can focus on only my body language and my tone of voice as I felt using notes may have been a distraction for the audience. If I was focused solely on giving the audience the best presentation experience then I would be overall able to improve the presentation.

At the end of the presentation I asked the audience if they had any questions about the powerpoint and I answered any questions they had. As this was a good technique I could have instead asked questions on each of the slides to get the audience more engaged with the presentation and make the presentation more interactive for the audience. I could also have included more open questions in order to get the whole audience involved in my presentation. That way they would really take in what was being said and leave the presentation feeling informed and knowledgable about the topic.

Teamwork skills:

I was paired with a member of my class and needed to work with them to create a powerpoint presentation that we would eventually present to my ICT class and communications and employability teacher. To complete this task to the best of my ability I needed to use my team working skills.

The powerpoint presentation needed to have definitions of a range of web based communication channels and include examples of their usuage including: Blogs, VLogs, Podcasts, Web pages and Video conferencing.

As there were many sub topics that were needed to be covered for the web based communication channels powerpoint, my partner and I first of all decided which topics each of us would cover. We decided that I would complete half of the powerpoint and cover the definition of web based communication channels, blogs and VLogs sub topics. My partner needed to cover the other half of the powerpoint which included the podcasts, web pages and video conferencing sub topics.

After we had assigned the topics that each of us would cover we set out to complete the powerpoint. The plan was that when we had both completed each half of the powerpoint we would merge all of the slides together into one powerpoint because this made the task of creating the powerpoint much more straightfoward and efficient. When we had finished all of the slides and merged them into one powerpoint we presented it. Me and my partner both presented each of the slides that we had made because we thought this was the most effective way as we would know our own slides better and would be more likely to do a better job at presenting.

Overall the presentation was a success and the work that we had done was equally split up which in turn paid off and we ended up with a quality powerpoint presentation on web based communication channels. I also feel that powerpoint was successful in its purpose of delievering information to a large group because I used all of the correct techniques for drawing a large audience in including detailed information, images, video content, web page examples, questions, good use of body language and a good tone of voice.

Sometimes not all of the audience will grasp the information in the presentation and will want to ask questions about the presentation in order to further their understanding of the presentation topic. It is important for me to ask questions for these types of people so that my presentation will be successful with the whole audience. Types of questions that I could ask the audience to futher their understanding would include: if we look at this slide we can see, if we now consider this slide or what can we learn from this slide.

Web Based Communication Channels - Corrected Powerpoint

Web Based Communication Channels - Original Powerpoint

Personal Development Plan

Personal Development Plan

Introduction

My personal development plan allows me to plan my own development based on the where I am at now in my life and also where I would like to be in the future. My personal development plan sets out my learning needs as well as training, learning and qualification opportunities that will develop my knowledge and skills.

Strengths acheived

ICT Skills

I think I was successful in achieving this strength because I met my goal of improving my Microsoft Excel Skills, specifically in areas such as: performing calculations and using functions and formulas.

I met this goal by attending a spreadsheet modelling class and learnt how to carry out different calculations in Microsoft Excel including: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. To meet my goals I visited a tutorial website and learnt how to carry out formulas such as addition in Microsoft Excel and I also talked to one of my classmates who demonstrated how to carry out muliplications and division in Microsoft Excel.

In order to achieve my goals in the future I would find more tutorials online, attend another spreadsheet modelling class or ask a friend to teach me more advanced functions and formulas in Microsoft Excel.

I feel being an aural learner helped me to reach my goals because I was able to watch tutorial videos on how to learn functions and formulas in Excel, I was able to record lectures given in my spreadsheet modelling class and play them back to help myself learn functions and formulas in Microsoft Excel and I was also able to particpate in group discussion with my classmates to learn functions and formulas in Microsoft Excel.

I feel being a solitary learner helped me to reach my goals because I was able to concentrate better on Excel tutorials that I had carried out. I was also able to focus my attention on what my classmates demonstration of Microsoft Excel.

I feel being a physical learner helped me to reach my goals because it helped me to carry out the activities during the tutorial of Microsoft Excel and also when I tried to carry out tasks that my classmates told me to do while they demonstrated how to use Microsoft Excel.

Presentation Skills

I think I was successful in achieving this strength because I met my goals of improving my presentation skills in ares such as: my body language and how I engage the audience.

I met this goal by speaking with my communication & employability teacher and got her advice on how to give a successful presentation. I also completed an online course on how to improve my body langauge and read a book from the library which had advice on how to engage my audience more.

In order to achieve my goals in the future I would complete more courses to improve my body language further and make it the best that it can be. I would also buy and read more books to help me engage my audience more.

I feel being an aural learner helped me to reach my goals because I was able to discuss how to give a successful presentation with my teacher.

I feel being a solitary learner helped me to reach my goals because I was able to concentrate while reading books on how to engage my audience.

I feel being a physical learner helped me to reach my goals because I was able to complete the activities on the body language course online that I took and it also helped me because I was able to learn from the book I read on how to engage my audience.

Strengths not achieved

Microsoft Frontpage Skills

I was not able to acheive this strength because I could not meet my goals of improving my Microsoft FrontPage skills specifically in areas such as using HTML and linking web pages together.

As I was not able to acheive some action points I was partially able to speak with my web design lecturer and ask them how to link web pages together or give me a short demonstration of this. My web design teacher gave me a quick tutorial on this but was unable to complete the session as she was interrupted so I only learned this topic partially. I was also unable to complete an online course I found, on how to use HTML because I didn’t have enough time due to other work. I was able to speak with one of my classmates who has experience using Microsoft FrontPage and I asked them to to show me how to use HTML or link web pages together however I could only partially meet this action point because as they were showing me how to do this they the class finished and I only partially learned the topic.

In order to achieve my goals in the future I would find the time to ask my web design teacher for help on with my FrontPage skills. I would also make time so I could complete a course on how to use HTML and I would also arrange a good time for one of my classmates to show me how to use HTML and link web pages together.

I feel being an aural learner didn’t affect me in not completing my goals because it was simply down to the fact I didn’t have enough time due to completing other work.

I feel being a solitary learner stopped me from completing my goals because it affected me when I was being shown by classmates on how to use HTML because I was not learning on my own.

I feel being a physical learner didn’t affect me from completing my goals because when I was completing my goals being a physical learner helped my to take a practical look so that actually helped instead of stopped me from learning how to use HTML and link web pages together.

Weaknesses achieved

Time Management Skills

I think I was successful in reaching this strength because I met my goal of improving my time management skills and making sure my assignments were done before the deadline and handed in on time.

I met this goal by organazing my time and spending some of it in the library on a Friday to make sure I got my assignments done. I created a timetable and stuck with it to make sure I had enough spare time to work on my assignments and get them finished before the deadline. I also made sure not to plan any events on the weekend if I knew my assignment work was due the week after and I should be working on it over the weekend instead. All these actions helped me reach my goal of getting my assignments done before the deadline and handed in on time.

In order to acheive my goals in the future I would spend more time in the library after and between classes to make sure all my assignments are complete before the deadline and ready to hand in.

I feel being an aural learner was of no advantage when reaching my goals of improving my time management skills because none of my goals involved the use of listening or sound.

I feel being a solitary learner helped me to achieve my goals because I was able to privatley study in the library on my own and concentrate on completing my work independantly.

I feel being a physical learner has helped me to achieve my goals because I was able to take action in not planning any events over the weekend that would take time away in which I could be getting my work completed.

Weaknesses not achieved

Verbal Skills

I was feel I could improve this weakness because I could not meet my goals of improving my verbal skills in areas such as: reading slowly, more clear and also using the right tone of voice.

I was able to speak to an english teacher however she only showed me how to read text slowly and at a slow pace so I only partially met this action point. I was not able to complete an online verbal test because I didn’t have the time due to other assignment work I had to complete. I also couldn’t arrange a time with a friend who I knew was good at reading out.

In order to achieve my goals in the future I would find the time to ask an english teacher to give me more advice or a short demonstration on reading out. I would also take time out of my assignment schedule to complete online verbal tests to help improve my verbal skills. I would make sure to arrange a good time with a friend who is good at reading out to give me some advice.

I feel being an aural learner was of no advantage when reaching my goals of improving my time management skills because none of my goals involved the use of listening or sound.

I feel being a solitary learner affected me in achieving my goals in a negative way because reading out is not a strong solitary trait and I would prefer to read out alone.

I feel being a physical learner partially helped me in achieving the goal of reading out slowly because taking a practical outlook on reading slowly to an audience helped me alot.

Written Communication Skills

I was not able to acheive this strength because I could not meet my goals of improving my written communication skills in areas such as proofreading and using punctuation.

I was unable to speak to an English teacher and ask them to give me advice on how to use comma’s and apostrophe’s correctly because I was too busy completing other assignment work. I was able to ask a classmate to read over my work but they were only able to read over half of it until they were interrupted so I only met this action point partially. I found a good educational website that could help me with my use of spelling and grammar but I was only able to complete one lesson on it so I only partially met my action point.

In order to achieve your goals in the future I would make more time to ask my teacher to give me some advice on my use of punctuation. I would also arrange a good time with one of my classmates and get them to read over my work before I hand it in. I will also research for an educational website that can help me improve my written communication skills and use spelling and grammar properly.

I feel being an aural learner was of no advantage when reaching my goals of improving my time management skills because none of my goals involved the use of listening or sound.

I feel being a solitary learner helped me in achieving my goals because practicing and learning how to write out independantly came very easy. Also being a solitary learner helped me when I was completing activities on the educational website for improving my spelling and grammar.

I feel being a physical learner helped me in achieving my goals because I was able to take a physical approach to activities that I carried out on the  educational website. I was also able to take a physical approach to reading over my work to make sure spelling and grammar was correct.

Barriers to Communication

General Communication

Problems with technology can act as a barrier of communication. People who are not familiar with technology will sometimes have trouble communicating with people who are technologically advanced.

Ways of communicating with people using technology could be podcasting, blogging, telephone calls, instant messaging or video conferencing.

There are many barriers that could take place when communicating with people using technology.

Hardware problems such as there not being enough RAM installed, not having enough hard drive space or having a slow CPU could cause software to run slow or lag.

Network issues could occur such as the internet being disconnected which would stop the user from being unable to connect with the person they are trying to communicate with.

If the user has a virus on their PC they may experience problems with software such as the software not running at all or crashing and the software running slowly or lagging.

If the user has restrictions setup in the firewall of their PC they may experience problems while trying to connect with the people they are communicating with because the firewall will block access to them.

Problems with audio and video equipment such as monitors, projectors, microphones or speakers will stop the user from being able to communicate with people. If the user doesn’t have access to these different technologies then they will not be able to use programs such as Skype, MSN and other video conferencing or instant messaging services.

Interpersonal Communication

Background noise can be disruptive when people are communicating and can therefore act as a barrier to communication.

Examples of disruptive background noises could include noises from outside, loud voices, construction work, telephones ringing or others using the telephone and talking loudly, noises from IT equipment such as printers or the hum of computers and the noise of air conditioning.

Background noises can block out what a speaker is saying by diverting the attention of the person they are talking to and making them lack concentration on what the speaker is saying. This could cause the recipient to percieve what the speaker is saying incorrectly and this could cause them to even take offence to it. 

Written Communication

Spelling and grammar can act as a barrier while communicating with someone.

If words aren’t spelled correctly then the reader cannot perceive the text as the writer intended. Grammar errors can also cause this problem, if there are problems with the spelling and grammar then it can leave a negative effect or it won’t be understood by the reader.

If the text is in an illogical order it can throw the reader off and not allow them to understand  the order how the text should be as the writer intended.

If the text has not been formatted then the reader can have a hard time reading it and will therefore not receive the message.

If the text has not been given headings or subheadings the reader will have a hard time navigating there way through different sections of the text and therefore won’t receive the message. Not using bullet points or numbering can cause the same problem as the user won’t be able to perceive the text how the writer intended.

Also if the text is badly presented or has an inconsistent layout it can come off unprofessional and depending on the reader intended for, the text will not be able to serve its purpose.



Reduce the Impact of Barriers

General Communication

There are many different methods to reduce barriers of communication with technology.

The user could get training in the technology they are using by taking a basic IT class on how to communicate with people via instant messaging, video conferencing or email.

To reduce problems with equipment the user could test it before they use it. The user could test their microphone and webcam to make sure they are in working order. They should then make sure that their equipment is compatible with the software they are using to communicate with the other person.

To reduce issues with the firewall the user could test the firewall settings to ensure that the connections to video conferencing or instant messaging software are setup properly and that the ports that the software needs to access the internet are open and allowed by the network.

Interpersonal Communication

There are several ways to overcome potential barriers such as background noise.

If someone is having a conversation while talking loudly and distracting others, they could use instant messaging instead of talking to reduce the noise of their voice.

If an office workplace is very loud and noisy from people talking, partitions or walls could be put up between the persons chatting to discourage them from talking or getting distracted.

If the noise is coming from outside of the room then closing the windows or doors which are drawing the noise in will help reduce distractions and overall noise. Also if a building is designed with double glazing windows it can also reduce the noise coming in from outside such as construction works.

Noise cancelling headsets could be worn by a person to help reduce the noise in a loud environment such as a concert or even for reducing noise in an office environment such as computer buzzes or printers churning out paper.

Written Communication

There are many different ways to reduce spelling and grammar barriers relating to written communication.

If a person takes time when they are writing in documents such as emails, reports, letters and so on. They will reduce barriers simply because their writing is more likely to be understandable, readable and correct as they took time to think about what they are writing.

When a person has finished writing they should make sure to proof read it and get someone else to proof read it also to make sure it will make sense to the reader. They should also check the spelling of each word in their text as this will ensure that there are no spelling or grammar errors with the text.

To make sure that the text makes sense the user could check that the layout of their text is consistent by using headings, subheadings, bullet points and numbering. They should also make sure the information in their text is in a logical order and will make sense to the reader.

Formatting could be used by  the writer on text such as adding bold, adding italics, underlining or adding different fonts. Adding different formats could help the text become more readable or understandable to the reader.

Depending on the type of document different templates or structure could be used on the text to make sure it comes across to the reader as the writer intended. Examples of templates could be formal letters, tax slips, payment slips or a informal text message.

Principles of Effective Communication

General Communication

General communication is how we communicate with each other generally. This involves how we communicate to others with a cultural difference, how accurately we communicate and get our point across to others, the ways in which we can adapt our communication to suit a particular audience such as modulating our voices, using the correct terminology and using a suitable format. General communicating also involves how we engage with an audience through the use of technology, the tone of our voices and by asking the audience questions and answers to keep them interested as they are listening to us.
General communication is used within organisations such as Rainbow Light for many reasons. Some reasons on how general communication skills are used are to communicate with customers through various communication methods such as email, telephone or face to face.
General communication is vital when communicating with customers and employees in Rainbow Light because if their is a communication breakdown then the business will not operate efficiently.
Employees can use general communication skills when interacting with clients when they are dealing with customer questions. This may be through email or telephone. They will have to communicate important information to their customers.
General communication skills could be used between staff of Rainbow Light when communicating with each other if they are working on a project together.

Written Communication

Written communication skills have a big impact on the business world today. Effective written communication skills are essential for any form of writing in business development. This includes written materials such as letters, memos, emails, advertising, promotions, blogs, social networking and any other form written material.

Writing is a more effective and formal way, compared with speech, to get the meaning behind your words across. This comes down to writing involving carefully chosen words, well thought out words, good sentence formation and grammar that allow the user to understand the piece of writing and proof read material that has no mistakes that will confuse the reader. Although writing is a more reliable and efficient way of communication it can take awhile to receive a response from the person you are commuting with.

Rules Of Written Communication

There are some rules that are involved when writing which make it different to normal everyday speech.

Spelling and grammar needs to be adequate when writing so the user can understand it. The spelling of words helps the reader know what word the writer is referring to and helps them understand what is happening in the text. Grammar allows the user to understand how the writing is written and it also shows them how to read the writing such as when to take pauses or when to shout or whisper.

The layout of a piece of writing is important because it represents how we want the piece of text to come across to the reader. If the text is a formal letter then the writing needs to be represented in a formal letter layout, if the text is just a note for personal use it can be plain and simple with no certain layout.

The style of the text, such as the font that is used, represents how we want the document to be seen by the reader. For example if the piece of text is for a job application we would want the text to be in a plain, simple, easy to read font such as Arial or Times New Roman. If the piece of text is for a children’s story book the font used could be something different to represent the story such as Gothic font.

The language used in a piece of text is also important as it can show how important or formal the document is. For example in a formal letter the language must be formal and contain no errors or slang. While on a blog the language can be however you want and can contain common slang or shortened down words.

Email

In the organisation Rainbow, volunteers can communicate with clients and other volunteers by email. Emails sent by a volunteer in Rainbow would contain information about upcoming events or any important dates that clients and volunteers would need to be informed of or expected to attend. In order to keep the email in a formal, business and professional setting the right actions must be carried out. Spelling and grammar must be correct so the client or volunteer can understand the email. If the spelling of words is wrong or incorrect grammar is used in the email it will give off a bad impression about the business. The right language must also be used in the email and cannot include any slang words or text speak, this means the email can keep it’s professionalism and keeps to a business setting which delivers a good impression.

Social Networking

In the organisation Rainbow, volunteers can communicate with clients and other volunteers by using social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter or Google Blogger. Posts would be the main form of written communication on these websites. The volunteer would share information in these posts about upcoming events or information about past events. In order to keep the posts in a formal, business and professional setting the right actions must be carried out. Spelling and grammar must be correct so the clients or volunteers can understand the posts. If the spelling of words is wrong or incorrect grammar is used in the post it will give off a bad impression about the business. The right language must be used in any posts and cannot include any slang words or text speak, this means the posts will keep a professionalism and business style about them which in turn delivers a good impression.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are the skills we use to communicate with others around us. It includes our confidence and our ability to listen and understand one another. People with strong interpersonal skills are usually more successful than others when it comes to their professional and personal lives and they are perceived by other people to have more calm, confident and charismatic qualities. Anyone can develop and improve their interpersonal skills by being more aware of the interpersonal skills they already have.

Body Language

Everyone uses some sort of body language in a face-to-face discussion. Body language can help the person convey what they are thinking to the person they are talking to. We can improve our body language skills by understanding it and looking at the body language skills we already have.

If a person nods their head, or leans toward the speaker this can convey that they are in agreement and are interested in what is being said. When a person sits with good posture and puts there hand on their chin while looking up at someone it means they are concentrating on what the person is saying.  

When a person uses negative body language and has a negative attitude it can act as a barrier to communication because if a person uses a negative, aggressive body language or stance the person they are communicating with is less likely to respond or want to have a discussion.

This could be the case such as when a person slams their fist onto the table. This would produce a negative effect compared to someone with their hands by their side. Also when a person slouches in their chair and puts their hands over their mouth, it would be received that they are not interested or concentrating on what the speaker is saying.

A volunteer working in Rainbow Light would need to have positive body language while communicating with clients. For example they need to show an interest into what the client is saying. They would do this by nodding and also having a good positive posture facing towards the client.

A volunteer working at Rainbow Light would need to have positive body language towards other volunteers. For example when the volunteers are working as a team to make sure activities are completed with the clients they would need to be friendly and get along with each other by showing friendly and positive body language such as patting another volunteer on the back or shaking hands with other volunteers.

Verbal Communication

Verbal communication or spoken communication is the way we interact with other people and how other people receive our message.

When we verbally communicate we do so by using clarity of speech. While we are calm, focused and polite a better response is received from people we talk to. If we are negative and in a bad mood we will receive a bad response from the people we speak to and it will also create a barrier of communication. This is why it is important to be warm, welcoming and open when speaking to a person.

A volunteer working in Rainbow Light would need to have positive verbal communication so they can converse with the clients. If they are negative and unfriendly it will create a negative atmosphere for the client and a bad working environment for everyone else.

Also a volunteer working in Rainbow Light would need to have positive verbal communication so they can communicate with other members of staff. For example when a volunteer is getting interviewed for a place in Rainbow Light they cannot use a negative tone of voice when communicating with the interviewer. They need to speak in a clear, friendly manner with confidence if they wish to get a place in Rainbow Light.

Attributes and Attitudes that Employers look for

An attribute can be defined as the quality of a feature or charateristic of someone.

Rainbow look for employees who are able to help clients who have problems with their sight and need help in using ICT. Employees who can help to create ‘talking books’ which are saved on CD then loaned to clients. Employees who can visit the clients and show them how to load and listen to the CDs. Employees who can work alongside the manager of Rainbow Light. Which includes managing a team of volunteers, recruiting new volunteers, keeping staff up to date with IT and ensuring that staff are able to communicate with clients using IT, maintaining a database of clients and a schedule of volunteers.

Specific Attribute – ICT Skills

Potential volunteers will need to have good ICT skills for the job. Volunteers need to communicate with clients that have sight problems by using ICT.

Volunteers will create talking books by recording themselves reading a book through a microphone on a computer and then burn it to a CD. They will then need to visit the clients and show them how to setup and use the talking books.

Volunteers are also required to work alongside the manager. The manager needs to keep staff up to date with ICT and also ensure the staff know how to communicate with the clients using ICT. Volunteers could research different types of ICT hardware and software needed to communicate with the clients. They could then create a presentation demonstrating these types of communication tools to the staff. Volunteers could also email staff with updates and information about different types of software and hardware used to communicate with clients.

Volunteers will need to be able to run and manage a database of the different clients. This will include entering contact information such as name, address, telephone numbers and emergency telephone numbers. Volunteers will need to manage a schedule for staff working times which will also so be in database form, this would include details such as name, staff id number and the starting and finishing times of each working rota.

Volunteers will be required to create a blog to keep all charity members up to date with the important areas in Communicating and Employability in the area of IT. Volunteers should have good knowledge of how to create blogs such as changing the layout, colour, adding images and changing fonts on a blog.

General Attribute – Communication

Potential volunteers will need to have good communication skills for the job. This includes above the average skills in verbal, written and non-verbal communication. Volunteers need to communicate with a variety of people to do their job successfully.

Volunteers need to communicate with clients when they teach them how to use the “talking books” created by volunteers. This could include carrying out a demonstration, sending them a written tutorial by email or simply talking the client through the process in steps.

Volunteers are also required to work alongside the manager. They are expected to help manage a team of volunteers and also recruit new volunteers, this involves communicating with other volunteers in a team and helping out by teaching them how to communicate effectively with the clients. When recruiting new volunteers, they may be required to ask the potential volunteer questions during the interview process. 

Volunteers are also expected to keep staff up to date with IT and teach them how to effectively communicate with clients by using IT. To keep staff up to date, volunteers would give staff a presentation on new forms of IT or send them an email containing new forms of IT available for communicating with clients.

Attitudes

Confidence

Potential volunteers will need to have a good level confidence for the job. Volunteers need confidence to communicate with a variety of people to do their job successfully.

Volunteers need confidence to communicate with clients when they teach them how to use the “talking books” created by volunteers. This could include carrying out a demonstration which would require them to have good confidence in order to carry out the demonstration. They could also talk the client through the process in steps which would require good confidence.

Volunteers also need confidence to work alongside the manager. They will need confidence to help them manage a team of volunteers and also recruit new volunteers, this involves communicating with other volunteers in a team and helping out by teaching them how to communicate effectively with the clients. Volunteers will also need confidence when recruiting new volunteers, they may be required to ask the potential volunteer questions during the interview process. 

Volunteers are also expected to keep staff up to date with IT and teach them how to effectively communicate with clients by using IT. To keep staff up to date, volunteers would give staff a presentation on new forms of IT which would also involve confidence.

Team-Working

Team work is work done by several members who each do their part and work together to get a task completed.

Potential volunteers will need to be able to work well in a team envioroment for the job.

It is important for the employee to be able to work in a team because they are required to work with volunteers in a team and help clients.

Volunteers need good team working skills to work alongside the clients when they teach them how to use the “talking books” created by volunteers. This could include talking to the client through the process in steps.

Volunteers also need good team working skills to work alongside the manager. Volunteers need good team working skills to help them manage a team of volunteers which would include helping out other volunteers by teaching them how to communicate effectively with the clients. This could involve talking to the volunteers or presenting a presentation to the volunteers.

Volunteers are also expected to keep staff up to date with IT and teach them how to effectively communicate with clients by using IT. This would require good team working skills. To keep staff up to date, volunteers would give staff a presentation on new forms of IT which would also involve them talking to each member of staff and working in a team.