Module 8

LESSON TITLE:

Communication

INTRODUCTION:

Upon completion of this lesson students will understand the

importance of good communication skills in the classroom and
workplace. In addition, the objectives listed below should be met.

OBJECTIVES:

Understand the importance of good communication skills

Understand how nonverbal communication skills affect their
overall communications in the classroom and at work
Use effective listening techniques
Use proper oral communication skills

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS:

Module 8 Communication Skills
Overhead projector as needed
MODULE OVERVIEW:
All of us are constantly in a state of giving and receiving communications. Problems
arise when one does not receive, or understand, the message sent in the
communication as it was intended, or when one subconsciously sends a nonverbal
message that contradicts the spoken word. This module attempts to help students
understand the importance of good communications skills at school and at work.

This document is under developmental copyright by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. Do not reproduce any part of this
document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

COMMUNICATION
Communication occurs when a sender expresses an emotion or a feeling, creates an
idea, or senses the need to communicate. The communication process is triggered
when the sender makes a conscious or an unconscious decision to share the message
with another personthe receiver.
Every communicative act is based on something that conveys meaning, and that
conveyance is the message. The message may be either verbal (spoken or written) or
nonverbal (body language, physical appearance, or vocal tone). Messages may also
come from the contextor place and timeof the communication. For instance, if you
choose to make a critical comment to someone, the place and the time you choose to
make that comment will make a big impact on how it will be received.
Every message is sent and received through one of our five sensesit is seen, heard,
touched, tasted, or smelled. The sensory media through which messages are sent and
received are communication channels. In a work setting, messages may be seen
through body movement, letters, memos, newsletters, bulletin board notices, signs,
emails, and so on. Messages that are heard come through conversations, interviews,
presentations, telephones, radios, and other audio media. Sight and sound are the two
most frequent communication channels used in our society.
When the receiver gets the message (through seeing, hearing, feeling, touching, or
smelling), he or she will usually give feedback (return message) unconsciously or
consciously. Thus, the communications process is on-going.
The worst assumption a sender of a message can make is that the message will be
received as intended. So many things can go wrong during the communications
process that we should always assume that something will go wrong and take steps to
prevent that occurrence. Barriers to good communications are always present. For
instance, the language itself can be a barrierunclear wording, slang, jargon, the tone.
Another barrier is the failure of the sender to realize that his or her body language might
contradict the spoken message. The channel used to convey the message might be
wrong. For instance, you would not use the telephone to relay a lot of statistical
information; you would need to write that message on paper. Poor listening skills can
constitute a barrier also.
Nonverbal Communications
People telegraph their intentions and feelings, whether they are aware of it or not. They
become unintentional senders. In other words, whatever goes on inside shows outside.
The messages we convey to others go far beyond the words we speak. Probably over
half of the meaning that others attach to our spoken message come not from the words
of the messages themselves but from the tone of voice and from our body language.
This nonverbal impact comes particularly from the face, eyes, body, clothing, gestures,
and touch. We have to be careful not to assume that just because a person displays
3

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

one nonverbal signal that we are interpreting that signal correctly. We must look at the
whole cluster of signals to see if they support our reading of that person. For instance,
a person who crosses his arms might be expressing defiance, but he might also just be
feeling cold. We would need to check out his facial expressions and other nonverbal
signs to determine the correct reading.
Most of us depend on our reading of others facial expressions to judge how they feel
about us or a particular situation. We depend on the face as the most trustworthy
indicator of emotions such as happiness, surprise, fear, anger, joy, sadness, disgust,
contempt, interest, concern, and embarrassment. We also look at the face for insight
into a persons character (for example, an open, honest face, a strong chin, or
beady eyes). A man who has a moustache, beard, or long hair might suggest
conformity or nonconformity, depending on the time and the context. The grooming of
hair says much about a persons meticulousness. Narrowed lips or jutted-out chin might
mean a person is angry or defiant.
The eyes convey much meaning. Eye contactor a lack of itmight tell us something
about a persons confidence, friendliness, honesty, or desire to dominate. The pupils
themselves can signify interest or disinterest, among other things. Pupils dilate when a
person is interested or excited; they grow smaller when a person is bored or
uninterested. The brow area and the narrowing of the eyes tell a receiver much also.
Frowns, scowls, and raised eyebrows might indicate displeasure or intensity. Narrowed
eyes can suggest anger, irritation, or doubt.
The body is another rich source of nonverbal confirmation or denial of our verbal
message. We draw conclusions about people before we ever exchange words based
on their sex, posture, height, weight, and skin color. For instance, people often
stereotype others by thinking that tall people make good leaders, overweight people are
jolly, and women are too emotional. We notice how the senders of messages hold their
bodies. We consider crossed arms to be a sign of defensiveness, defiance, or
withdrawal. Hands on hips say that a person is goal oriented or ready and able to take
something on. Leaning back in a chair with hands clasped behind the head can be
interpreted as a sign of superiority, smugness, or authority. A slouched posture can be
read to mean humiliation, defeat, or submission. Using our arms, bodies, and legs to
block in others or things can be a sign of territorial feelings. Turning your shoulder or
body slightly away from someone can be a sign of rejection of that person.
Our appearance can disclose several pieces of information about us. Someone who
dresses immaculately is likely to be a careful person who attends to detail. Someone
who prefers old-fashioned dress might be very conservative in his or her opinions and
values. A person wearing excessive jewelry is possibly displaying signs of a
materialistic nature. Our clothing during working hours can tell others what we do for a
living. For instance, a blue-collar workers clothes are designed to help or protect him or
her in doing the job. The white-collar worker usually wears more formal clothes
considered appropriate for business but having little to do with protection.

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Our most common form of social physical contactthe handshakeis often relied upon
as a source of data about another person. The handshake is an indication of welcome,
liking, acceptance, and greeting. Therefore, it is considered extremely rude not to
accept an offered hand. The way you shake hands is another source of data about
you. A bone-crushing grip can be seen as a desire to dominate and a limp grasp as a
sign of insecurity or a negative outlook on life. A mechanical pumping up and down of
anothers hand in a series of convulsive jerks suggests mental rigidity, strong will, and
inflexibility. Other than the handshake, we have to be very careful with touching others
in the workplace because of harassment issues.
People who are better readers of nonverbal messages tend to do the following things:
They look at the totality of cues rather than isolated ones (remember the crossed
arms?).
They take context (time and place) of the message into account.
They attempt to compensate for their own biases and prejudices.
Oral Communications
People who are successful communicators take full responsibility for success in the
communication process. These people take responsibility for being certain that you
understand what they are saying. They recognize that barriers to good communications
exist so they speak in simple, grammatical, and understandable terms. They also give
examples, ask for feedback, put what they said previously in different words, and make
it easy for you to gain the true intent of their communications. However, this in no way
frees the listener from responsibility from the process. Without proper listening,
communication does not occur.
Listening Skills
Effective listening is active participation in a conversation. It is an activity which helps
the speaker become understood. The listener must actually hear and not assume what
is said. A passive listener is attentive but does nothing to assist the speaker. Active
listeners sit or stand alertly, maintain eye contact with the speaker, concentrate on the
speakers words, make verbal responses, and summarize parts of what has been said
when clarity is needed.
Because there is a difference in how fast one can speak and how fast others can listen,
a time lag exists in conversations. Good listeners do not daydream during this lag; they
use the time to organize what is being said and to relate to the message. The listener
must guard against distractions to the message. The speakers mannerisms, accent,
dress or grooming, language style, or delivery can be distracting if the listener does not
learn to tune them out. Also, listeners need to learn to avoid letting first impressions of
a speaker color their ability to hear the message.
We cannot learn anything from others if we try to do all the talking. Therefore, let
speakers finish out their own sentences. Dont interrupt them to interject your own
5

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

thoughts. We need to pay attention to the tone of the words and the nonverbal cues of
the speaker. Sometimes, these things undermine the actual meanings of the words
themselves. For instance, someone might be telling you that he or she is not upset, but
the tone or the body language might tell you otherwise.
Overall, effective listening can be expressed as follows. You should concentrate so that
competing external and internal distractions are eliminated. You should probe and
reflect by asking questions to seek clarification and greater understanding. You might
ask Is this what you mean? or Could you repeat that? or Are you saying that?
Finally, you should summarize (paraphrase) and feed back to the speaker what you
think you have heard. When the speaker agrees that your understanding is indeed
accurate, then effective listening and effective communication have taken place.
Telephone Skills
What does telephone usage have to do with our work ethic skills? A lot, if you consider
that too often we tend to forget that the person on the other end of the line is a human
being. When we cannot see the person, it is easier to be rude to him or her. Anger,
irritation, and frustration can be suggested by our tone of voice. Ignoring our calls and
our messages suggests that we are unconcerned about our clients and customers.
When we transfer callers without trying to address their concerns, we are showing a
disinterested, apathetic attitude. These are just a few of the negative ways that our lack
of telephone etiquette can impact our work ethics.
When we speak on the phone at work, we should always have a smile in our voice. It
might sound silly, but this is easy to achieve if we actually do smile when we answer the
phone. Our voices should be clear and distinct. We should show that we have a
service attitude by offering to give assistance however and whenever we can. We
should not transfer calls blindly without making sure that the receiving party can take
care of the callers problem.
We must also be discreet when using the phone. Think through any requests for
information and give out only information that is really needed by the caller. For
instance, If someone calls asking for your supervisor, you would not say, Mr. Jones is
playing golf this afternoon. That would be giving unnecessary information. You would
say, Mr. Jones will be in the office tomorrow morning. May I help you or have him
return your call?
We should avoid slang in telephone conversations. Instead of saying yeah, say
certainly. Instead of saying bye-bye, say goodbye. Doesnt it sound better to say I
beg your pardon. Would you please repeat that? than to say Huh?
When taking telephone messages for others, dont be in such a hurry that you do not
get all necessary information. Incomplete messages are frustrating. In fact, it is a good
idea to repeat the message to the caller so that you can be certain that it is accurate.

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

If you have to put callers on hold to gather information to handle their call, always ask
their permission to do so. Or you might offer to call them back if you think they will have
to wait some time before you can get back with them. As a rule, nothing irritates a caller
more than to be left on hold. When you return to the phone, apologize for having the
caller wait for you.
Sometimes the caller is unhappy or angry about a situation. When this is the case, be
very careful. A good tactic is to let the caller vent. When he or she is finished, you will
hear a noticeable sigh at which point you can express your understanding of and
concern for the situation. If you let the caller vent, he or she will then be ready to listen
to you and to be reasonable as you try to get to the root of the problem. However, when
the venting is nasty and involves foul language, it is permissible to warn the caller that if
he/she does not refrain from using such language, you will hang up. If the ugliness
does not cease, you do not have to listen.
In summary, when taking calls at work, you should remember to treat the callers as you
would want to be treated yourself. Also, treat them as if they were standing in front of
you. Remember this: To any caller on the other end of that telephone line, you are your
company. The responsibility of being your companys sole ambassador during that
phone conversation should help you remember to use correct telephone techniques.
References:
--COMEX: THE COMMUNICATIONS EXPERIENCE IN HUMAN RELATIONS, 1984,
South-Western Publishing Company
--OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND PROCEDURES, 11th Ed., Fulton-Calkins, 1998, SouthWestern Publishing Company

This document is under developmental copyright by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. Do not reproduce any part of this
document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

MODULE 8
Communicatio
n
Activities

This document is under developmental copyright by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. Do not reproduce any part of this
document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Suggested Activities For

Module 8
COMMUNICATION
Activity

Title

Time

Page
No.

Self-Appraisal Communications Survey

15

10

Reviewing Nonverbal Cues

10

13

Body LanguageExercises

5-10

16

Reading Nonverbal Cues

30

19

Nonverbal CuesGestures

5-10

22

Concentrating to Improve Listening

15

27

Practice Listening Skills

30

29

Telephone Etiquette

33

Correct Telephone Responses

10

39

10

How Do You Calm Down an Upset Customer?

10

41

11

Practicing Communication Skills

43

12

Been There, Said That

15

44

13

The Coat

5-10

45

14

Hunters Game

5-10

47

15

Gizmos

20

50

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 1

COMMUNICATION

Self-Appraisal Communications Survey

Materials Needed: Handouts/Transparency: Self-Appraisal Communications Survey

Directions:

Students will complete the self-appraisal survey. Instructions and

follow-up for the students are included on the form.
Many self-appraisal surveys of communication skills are flawed in
that they call upon subjects to report on how well they actually
communicate ("How well do you listen to others?). Students cannot
answer such questions with objectivity or much knowledge. How
many people know how well they listen to others, and how many
would be honest about their self-assessment?
This survey attempts to measure the extent that students work at
becoming better communicatorsa judgment they are more likely
to be aware of and about which they can be candid. The fifteen (15)
items of the survey closely parallel the major points made in the
reading.

Follow-Up:

Ask questions of the students such as:

Does your score surprise you?
Do you think it is accurate?
What can you do to improve your score?
No answer key is needed.

Time Required:
15 Minutes

Source: ComexThe Communication Experience in Human Relations, Sussman and Deep, South-Western
Publishing Company, 1984.

10

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 1

COMMUNICATION

Self-Appraisal SurveyCommunications
The purpose of this survey is to determine your susceptibility to being a source of
communication breakdown. Since no one but you will see the results of this
questionnaire, answer the questions as honestly as possible. Respond not as you would
like to be seen as a communicator but as you really are.
Indicate how frequently you engage in the following behaviors when communicating
with another person or persons.
Use this scale to describe your behavior.
4 I always do this.
3 I often do this.
2 I sometimes do this.
1 I seldom do this.
0 I never do this.
____

1. When I have something to say, I am open and honest about my need to

say it.

____

2. I communicate with an awareness that the words I choose may not mean
the same thing to other people that they do to me.

____

3. I recognize that the message I receive may not be the same one the other
person intended to send.

____

4. Before I communicate, I ask myself questions about who my receiver is

and how that will affect his or her reception of my message.

____

5. As I communicate to someone, I keep a watchful eye and ear out for an

indication that I am understood.

____

6. I make my messages as brief and to the point as possible.

____

7. I consciously avoid the use of jargon with those who may not understand
it.

____

8. I consciously avoid the use of slang words and colloquialisms with those
who may be put off by them.

____

9. I try not to use red-flag words (words that might trigger an emotional
response) that may upset or distract the receiver of my message.
11

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Module 8

Activity 1

COMMUNICATION

____

10. I recognize that how I say something is just as important as what I say.

____

11. I analyze my communication style to determine what nonverbal messages

I send and how well they conform to the meaning I desire to get across.

____

12. I carefully consider whether my message would be best understood by my

receiver in a face-to-face meeting, over the telephone, or in writing.

____

13. I form opinions about what others say to me based on what I hear them
saying rather than what I think of them as a person.

____

14. I make a genuine effort to listen to ideas with which I don't agree.

____

15. I look for ways to improve my listening skills.

TOTAL SCORE

Analyze Survey Results

Find your score on the following table.
Score
50 60
40 49

Interpretations
Are you sure you were honest? If so, you are an extremely effective
communicator who almost never contributes to misunderstanding.
You are an effective communicator who only infrequently causes
communication breakdown. The goal of these exercises is to move everyone
up to this level.

30 39

You are an above average communicator with occasional lapses. You cause
some misunderstandings but less than your share.

20 29

Many people (at least those who are honest) fall into this category. While
things could be worse, there is much room for improvement in your
communication style. The goal of these exercises is to move you to a higher
category.

10 19

You are a frequent source of communication problems. Enthusiastically

tackle the rest of these exercises and consider their implications for you
personally.

Less
Than
9

Your honesty is commendable, but it will take more than honesty to improve
your communication effectiveness. Consider taking a communication course.

12

This document is under developmental copyright by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. Do not reproduce any part of this
document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Source: ComexThe Communication Experience in Human Relations, Sussman and Deep, South-Western
Publishing Company, 1984.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 2

COMMUNICATION

Reviewing Nonverbal Cues

Materials Needed: Handouts/Transparency

Directions:

Give students a copy of the handouts on nonverbal

communications. Use the handouts as a basis for discussion of our
nonverbal behavior. During class, point out the nonverbal cues
being exhibited by students, and ask the students to point out cues
exhibited by you the instructor. No answers are required.

Time Required:
10 Minutes

13

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 2

COMMUNICATION

Nonverbal Cues:
Facial expressions

NO!

Body language
Eye contact
Dress and physical appearance
Gestures

When our words send one message

and our nonverbal cues send another
message, people almost always
believe our nonverbal cues.

Most People Express and Can Recognize

Six Basic Emotions

Sadness

Anger

Happiness

Surprise

Disgust

Fear

Life Skills: Job Skills Lesson 6 Nonverbal Communication

14

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

1997

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service

15

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 2

COMMUNICATION

Our Communication Comes From the

Following Three Sources:

Words

7%

Tone
38%
Gestures

55%

Posture
Very Interested

Interested

Bored
Disagreement
Agreement

Neutral

Personal Space
Public Zone --Over 12 ft.
Social Zone --4 ft. 12 ft.
Personal zone--18 in. 4 ft.
Intimate zone--16 in. 1 in.

Life Skills: Job Skills Lesson 6 Nonverbal Communication

1997
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service

16

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 3

COMMUNICATION

Body LanguageExercises

Materials Needed: Handouts/Transparency: "Body Language"

Directions:

The handout contains several exercises to enhance the students'

understanding of how nonverbal cues affect communications. You
may complete all the exercises or choose certain ones. All
directions are on the handout, and no answer key is needed.

Time Required:
5-10 Minutes

17

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 3

COMMUNICATION

Body Language
These exercises are designed to help students tune in to the subtleties of body
language and what they might mean about interpersonal behavior.
EXERCISE 1: Hand Gestures:
Ask students to demonstrate and describe the meaning of various hand gestures. You'll
be amazed at how many there are. Discuss how facial expressions and other body
movements influence the meaning of a hand gesture. What do hand gestures mean in
different cultures?
EXERCISE 2: Bar Body Behavior:
Discuss body language in a bar or club. What personality types can you detect just by
how people use their bodies? What are the obvious and subtle behaviors of the
braggart, the flirt, the wallflower, the drunk, etc.? Consider such factors as personal
space, posture, eye contact speed and angle of movement.
EXERCISE 3: The Tell
Gamblers and con artists long have known that people reveal their inner thoughts
through body language without even knowing it. For example, if you place a coin in one
hand behind your back and then present your fists to a body-savvy person, that person
may be able to detect where the coin is. Your "tell" will indicate which hand holds it. You
may lean your body to one side, hold one hand higher than the other, point your nose,
or unintentionally leak some other behavior that gives away your "secret."
Have students form pairs to try this coin experiment. Some people are much more
adept at it than others. If you're good at it yourself, demonstrate with a volunteer in front
of the class. This exercise works best if the person with the coin is not told (initially)
about the concept of the "tell."
EXERCISE 4: Mirroring (also works well as a warm-down to the role plays below)
Have students pair off. Either sitting or standing, one person in each pair takes the lead
and begins to move in any way he/she wishes (tell them to avoid talking, since it's
distracting). The task for the other student is to follow or mimic everything that the
leader does. Encourage people to use both obvious and subtle behaviors. Do this for a
minute or two, then switch roles of who is leading and who is following. Finally, tell the
dyads to do the exercise one last time except that NO ONE is the leader or the follower.
Both people in the pair should try to move in unison, as if they are mirroring each other
simultaneously in a body language "dance." This is somewhat hard to do and takes a bit
of practice before a pair gets the hang of it, if they can do it at all. If the pair IS
successful, what usually happens is that there are rapid, minute shifts between leading
and following.
18

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Module 8

Activity 3

COMMUNICATION

Also have everyone switch partners several times and repeat the above steps.
This mirroring can be done with body language alone, facial expressions alone, or body
language WITH facial expressions. This last one is considerably more difficult to do than
the first two.
This simple exercise sensitizes the students to the details of body movement and
expression. It also may say something about interpersonal styles. Some students prefer
to "lead" while others prefer to "follow." In particular, some people are very
empathetically in tune with the others' movements, while some people cannot focus on
this. Also, moving in unison is easy with some people, but not others, which says
something about how "in sync" a dyad is.
EXERCISE 5: Improvised Role Plays
Divide the class into small groups. Ask the groups to create a role play that involves
ONLY body language and NO talking. The group can pick any scene and characters it
wants. Encourage the group NOT to over-plan the role play. Instead, suggest that they
pick a scene, define the characters in the scene, and think of a few possibilities for
events that might occur in the scene. Then *IMPROVISE* within that general structure.
This makes for a much more spontaneous and interesting role play than the more rigid
alternative of carefully scripting all the action.
Each group takes its turn at improvising its scene in front of the whole class. A group
may "set up" the role play by telling the class where the scene is taking place and who
is in the scene. Another interesting and fun alternative is for the group to provide NO
introduction to the role play. The class can then guess what is happening in the scene.
Rather than having students come up with the ideas for the improvisations, the
instructor can provide them. Give each group a card with a scene on it that they will role
playa scene that involves NO talking. For example:
1.
2.
3.
4.

It's 11:30 on New Years Eve. The bus is late.

It's the end of a party. You are the last people left.
You are all friends at a funeral.
You are family members on the way back from a vacation. A few minutes ago you
had a big fight.

Each group takes its turn performing its role play in front of the whole class. Before each
group starts, you can read to the class the scene descriptions from the cards, or NOT
read the descriptions and let the class guess what the scene is about. After each role
play, the class discusses what they believe was happening in the scene based on what
they saw in the body language. What are the personalities of the people, their
relationships with each other, the issues affecting the group, etc.?
Teaching Clinical PsychologyBody Language

19

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 4

COMMUNICATION

Reading Nonverbal Cues

Materials Needed: Handouts/Transparency: "Survey of Nonverbal Impressions,"

pictures of five (5) men or five (5) women cut from magazines,
mounted on small posters, and labeled A, B, C, D, and E.
Directions to
Students:

Directions to
Instructor:

Follow-up:

You will be presented with a small group of people either on

photographs or in person. Study these people for the nonverbal
cues you receive from them. Complete the handout survey and be
ready to discuss our reasons for your decisions.
The models should all be the same sex, race, and approximately of
the same age in order to prevent students from falling back on
stereotypes in making their rankings. Variations you should look for
in selecting volunteer models are color of hair, presence/absence of
facial hair, personality (it will show), height, weight, build, personal
effects, and dress (from businesslike to very casual). Display the
five (5) pictures in a way that all students can study them and
complete their survey sheets.
Afterwards, you might draw a chart similar to the survey handout on
your whiteboard or on a transparency and ask students for their
answers to each item on the survey. At any rate, you should lead
the class in a discussion of the questions at the bottom of their
survey handout.
Sample answers to these questions follow below.
Questions 1 5: Answers depend on students' own interpretations.
Questions 6: Several students may believe that the nonverbal cues
they are not aware they send but that other people
attribute to them are purely and simply unintentional.
Share with them the argument that there may be no
such things as unintentional nonverbals, only
subconscious ones. Take a devil's advocate
approach, if you must, to get students to consider the
implications of their own nonverbal behavior.

20

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 4

COMMUNICATION

Question 7: Any messageverbal or nonverbalthat we receive

is biased by our senses in line with our values,
attitudes, and experiences. Since a nonverbal
message from a sender usually involves more
interpretation by our senses than does a verbal
message, we are more likely to be wrong in extracting
meaning from a nonverbal cue. Therefore, we should
look for other confirming cuesboth nonverbal and
verbalbefore drawing conclusions about nonverbal
meaning.
Question 8: As a receiver
To the extent that nonverbal cues are
subconscious, they may be more honest than the
verbal cues we receive.
Nonverbal cues may conflict with the verbal ones
we receive.
As a sender
We may be communicating messages of which we
are not aware to others.
By controlling our nonverbal communication, we
can add desired impact to some of our messages.

Time Required:
30 Minutes

21

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 4

COMMUNICATION

Survey of Nonverbal Impressions

Now that you have studied A, B, C, D, and E, make the following assessments of them.
1. The coldest person is
A B C D E
The warmest person is
A B C D E
2. The most intelligent person is
The least intelligent person is

A
A

B
B

C
C

D
D

E
E

3. The hardest worker in this group is

The most lax worker in this group is

A
A

B
B

C
C

D
D

E
E

4. The most assertive person is

The least assertive person is

A
A

B
B

C
C

D
D

E
E

5. The wealthiest person is

The poorest person is

A
A

B
B

C
C

D
D

E
E

6. The person most interested in pleasure is

The person least interested in pleasure is

A
A

B
B

C
C

D
D

E
E

7. The person most likely to hold a position of leadership is

The person least likely to hold a position of leadership is

A
A

B
B

C
C

D
D

E
E

8. The most trustworthy person is

The least trustworthy person is

A
A

B
B

C
C

D
D

E
E

9. The most sexually active person is

The least sexually active person is

A
A

B
B

C
C

D
D

E
E

A
A

B
B

C
C

D
D

E
E

10. The most satisfied (happy, contented, fulfilled) person is

The least satisfied person is

1. For each person you rated, which nonverbal cues were the most apparent?
2. For each personal characteristic rated, which nonverbal cues were the most helpful?
3. To what degree were the ratings by the class consistent? To what do you attribute this
degree of consistency?
4. Was it relatively easy or relatively difficult to assign these ratings based solely on
nonverbal cues?
5. What are your most telling nonverbal cues?
6. When you emit a nonverbal cue of which you are unaware, is it more accurately termed
unintentional or subconscious? What are the implications of your choice?
7. Why do you think we should suspend making judgments of others based solely on one
or two nonverbal cues?
8. Why is it important to be aware of nonverbal communication?
Source: ComexThe Communication
Publishing Company, 1984.

Experience in Human Relations, Sussman and Deep, South-Western

22

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 5

COMMUNICATION

Nonverbal CuesGestures

Materials Needed: Handouts/Transparency: "Gestures: What Do They Tell Us?"

Directions:

Have students match the gestures listed with their meanings given
in the opposite column. This assignment could be given on one day
and the answers discussed the next. Students should be prepared
to give reasons for their answers. An answer sheet follows the
activity.

Time Required:
5-10 Minutes

23

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 5

COMMUNICATION

Gestures: What Do They Tell Us?

Part 1
Many of the gestures we use are habits; some are objectionable ones which need to be
modified. DIRECTIONS: Match the following items.
GESTURE

Letter of
Correct
Answer

ANSWERS TO CHOOSE FROM

1. Leg swung over chair

a. Doubt

2. Sitting backwards on a chair

b. Need of more information,

anxiety
c. Bored
d. Comfort, unconcern
e. Sure of oneself
f. Confidence, pride
g. Unsure or lying
h. Admonishment

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Hands behind one's back

Locked ankles
Rubbing palms
Thumbs in belt or pants
Unconscious throat clearing
Hands together pointing toward
ceiling
One hand above the other on
one's lap
Sitting with one leg under oneself
Covering the mouth while speaking
Wiggling a foot
Putting objects in one's mouth,
such as pencils
Rubbing eye or ear
Conscious throat clearing

i. Apprehension
j. Everything under control
k. Expectation
l. Holding back
m. Feeling superior
n. Dominance
o. Unconcerned

Excerpt from You're the Boss by Natasha Josefowitz

24

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 5

COMMUNICATION

Gestures: What Do They Tell Us?

Part 2
Many of the gestures we use are habits, some are objectionable ones which need to be
modified. DIRECTIONS: Match the following items.
GESTURE

Letter of
Correct
Answer

ANSWERS TO CHOOSE FROM

16. No eye contact

p. Opening up

17. Feet pointing toward door

18. Rubbing nose
19. Touching ear
20. Hand to throat
21. Clenched hands
22. Clenched fist
23. Pointing finger
24. Sitting on the edge of a chair
25. Moving forward of a chair
26. Arms crossed tightly across chest
27. Unbuttoning of coat, uncrossing of
arms and legs
28. Playing with one's hair or jewelry

q. Unwilling
r. Ready for action
s. Agreement
t. Determined, angry
u. Reprimand
v. Anxious
w. Need reassurance
x. Doubtful
y. Rejecting what is being said
z. Ready to leave
aa. Sexual preening
ab. Concealing something

Excerpt from You're the Boss by Natasha Josefowitz

25

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 5

COMMUNICATION

Gestures: What Do They Tell Us?

Part 1
ANSWERS
Many of the gestures we use are habits, some are objectionable ones which need to be
modified. DIRECTIONS: Match the following items.
GESTURE
1. Leg swung over chair
2. Sitting backwards on a chair

Letter of
Correct
Answer
o
n

3. Hands behind one's back

4. Locked ankles
5. Rubbing palms
6. Thumbs in belt or pants
7. Unconscious throat clearing
8. Hands together pointing toward
ceiling
9. One hand above the other on one's
lap
10. Sitting with one leg under oneself
11. Covering the mouth while speaking
12. Wiggling a foot
13. Putting objects in one's mouth,
such as pencils
14. Rubbing eye or ear
15. Conscious throat clearing

ANSWERS TO CHOOSE FROM

m
l
k
j
k
f

a. Doubt
b. Need of more information,
anxiety
c. Bored
d. Comfort, unconcern
e. Sure of oneself
f. Confidence, pride
g. Unsure or lying
h. Admonishment

i. Apprehension

d
g
c
b

j. Everything under control

k. Expectation
l. Holding back
m. Feeling superior

a
i

n. Dominance
o. Unconcerned

Excerpt from You're the Boss by Natasha Josefowitz

26

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 5

COMMUNICATION

Gestures: What Do They Tell Us?

Part 2
ANSWERS
Many of the gestures we use are habits, some are objectionable ones which need to be
modified. DIRECTIONS: Match the following items.
GESTURE
16. No eye contact
17. Feet pointing toward door
18. Rubbing nose
19. Touching ear
20. Hand to throat
21. Clenched hands
22. Clenched fist
23. Pointing finger
24. Sitting on the edge of a chair
25. Moving forward of a chair
26. Arms crossed tightly across chest
27. Unbuttoning of coat, uncrossing of
arms and legs
28. Playing with one's hair or jewelry

Letter of
Correct
Answer
ab
z
y
x
w
v
t
u
r
s
q
p
aa

ANSWERS TO CHOOSE FROM

p. Opening up
q. Unwilling
r. Ready for action
s. Agreement
t. Determined, angry
u. Reprimand
v. Anxious
w. Need reassurance
x. Doubtful
y. Rejecting what is being said
z. Ready to leave
aa. Sexual preening
ab. Concealing something

Excerpt from You're the Boss by Natasha Josefowitz

27

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 6

COMMUNICATION

Concentrating to Improve Listening

Materials Needed: 2 textbooks, magazines, or newspapers

Directions to
Students:

Note to Instructor:

Directions to
Students:

Note to Instructor:

First try: The instructor will select two students to go to the front of
the room and stand facing the class. Each will be given a different
section of printed material to read to the class from a newspaper,
textbook, or similar source. At a signal from the instructor, they will
begin reading at the same volume until the instructor directs them
to stop. They will read for about two minutes. Before the reading
begins, choose the person to whom you will listen. When the
readings have ended, summarize the message communicated by
the person to whom you chose to listen.
Try to select readers with similar sounding voices and prompt them
to read at competing volumes. The concurrent readings should last
2 to 3 minutes. Front-page stories from a local newspaper will
provide appropriate text. This activity can also be done with three
readers if the classroom is relatively small. A way to conserve time
is to dispense with the written summaries and to do away with the
discussion of them. Instead, after each reading you can ask for a
show of hands of how many people believe they can summarize
what was said. In order to validate the show of hands, you might
even ask one or two to recite what they thought they heard.
Second try: The two readers will be given new sections to read.
Once again, you are to choose in advance to listen to one of them
and not the other. This time you should make a more concerted
effort to block out the other person (who may have distracted you
the first time around) and to focus solely on your speaker. Try these
aids to listening. Sit more forward in your chair. Maintain constant
eye contact with your speaker, even though he or she is not looking
at you. Imagine that you and the speaker are completely cut off
from any movement or sound in the outside world. Do whatever
else you believe will improve your ability to listen. When the second
readings have ended, summarize what your speaker has said.
You want students to do better this time in order to demonstrate the
value of concentration. Therefore, be sure to emphasize to them
the techniques for concentration.
28

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Module 8
Follow-up:

Activity 6

COMMUNICATION

Chances are the second summary was more accurate and was
easier for people to write than the first? Why? What concentration
technique worked best for you? If your second summary was not
easier to write, why not? The dramatic point of how simple it is to
improve your listening through concentration should be highlighted
in this discussion.

Source: Comex The Communication Experience in Human Relation, Sussman and Deep, South-Western
Publishing Company, 1984.

Time Required:
15 Minutes

29

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 7

COMMUNICATION

Practice Listening Skills

Materials Needed: Handouts/Transparency: Observer Sheet

Directions to
Instructor:
1.

The class will divide itself into triads (groups of three). One
member of the group is designated Speaker, the second is
Listener, and the third is Observer.

2.

Speaker chooses a topic that will serve as a focus of

conversation. The topic should be one that Speaker is
interested in and has definite views about and should be one
that is likely to generate debate or disagreement. Examples
of such topics include:
My views on affirmative action.
The role of unions today.
Money as a motivator.
The problem with public schools today.
The problem with most people is . . .
Women in the work force.
My definition of a successful life.
Gay rights.
Abortion.
Lottery.
Deadbeat Dads.
Religion.
The important thing is that Speaker selects a topic about
which Speaker has definite and strong views.

3.

Speaker and Listener hold a conversation for about three to

four minutes. The purpose of the conversation is for Listener
to practice these listening skills: probing, reflecting, and
summarizing. At the conclusion of the conversation, Listener
should summarize Speaker's position, including Speaker's
30

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 7

COMMUNICATION

underlying logic and rationale. In other words, Listener

should indicate what Speaker said and why it was said.
During the conversation, Observer is to analyze Listener's
behavior. The Observer Sheet is designed for this purpose.
Each of the questions on the sheet should be answered by
Observer as soon as the summary ends. The sheets will be
discussed.
4.

Follow-Up
Discussion:
1.

Rotate the role assignments. Do this twice so that each

person in the triad has a chance to be Speaker, Listener, and
Observer.
Discuss the observer sheets. Then lead discussion on the
following questions. Answers are italicized.
What did being in the Observer role teach you about
effective listening?
Answers will differ

2.

How does probing make implicit messages explicit?

You can ask, "Is this what you mean?"

3.

Did you use any nonverbal probes? For example, can you
probe without the use of specific questions but rather
through gestures, eye contact, and posture?
Yes. When we look puzzled, the speaker will probably stop
and clarify.

4.

What kinds of questions and statements can be used to

implement reflecting?
"Do you mean to tell me that . . .?"
"You're telling me that you're unhappy with your job."

5.

What is the underlying purpose of exploring the implications

of a person's message?
Often speakers do not share the intents of their messages.
They often assume their implications are understood by
listeners. Effective communication occurs when meaning
intended equals meaning received. Intended meaning will
only equal received meaning when implications are probed
and brought out.

31

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 7

COMMUNICATION

6.

What has EXERCISE LISTEN taught you about your

listening behavior?
Answers will differ

7.

How can the skills you've developed in this exercise make

you a better speaker?
This practice should reinforce the fact that communication is
the process of sending and receiving messages. Senders
should solicit feedback from listeners.

8.

What are the likely consequences when listeners fail to

summarize?
The speaker may erroneously assume he or she was
correctly understood.

9.

What is a paraphrase?
A statement by the listener of the speaker's message to
check for understanding.

10.

Why is summarizing important?

Summarizing tells you whether you have been an effective
listener and/or indicates the effectiveness of the speaker. It
is a final check; however, it can be used at critical points
throughout an extended conversation.

Time Required:
30 Minutes

32

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 7

COMMUNICATION

Observer Sheet
Strongly
Disagree

Disagree

Uncertain

Probing
1. There was sufficient probing.

Agree

I am observing ___________________________

Strongly
Agree

My name is______________________________

2. The probing was natural, blending in

with the flow of the conversation.
3. The probing produced clarification.
Reflecting
4. Listener extended Speaker's
comments.
5. Listener suggested implications of
Speaker's comments.
6. Listener sought to reveal Speaker's
underlying thought patterns.
Summarizing
7. Listener accurately paraphrased
Speaker.
8. Listener sought clarification if
paraphrasing was inaccurate.
9. Listener was able to tell Speaker why
she or he held a particular position.

33

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

10. Is there any advice you can suggest

that would help this person become a
better listener.
Source: ComexThe Communication Experience in Human Relations, Sussman and Deep, South-Western
Publishing Company, 1984.

34

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 8

COMMUNICATION

Telephone Etiquette

Materials Needed: Handouts/Transparency: Telephone Etiquette Checklist, Answering

the Telephone With an Attitude, On the Phone, On the Telephone
With Customers
Directions:

Several activities are given in this section. Choose the ones you
wish to use to review telephone etiquette with your class and either
give students a copy or make transparencies to use on an
overhead projector. Have students give examples of situations in
which telephone etiquette was poor and resulted in poor
communications. No answers are required.

Time Required:
5 Minutes

35

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 8

COMMUNICATION

Telephone Etiquette Checklist

Whenever possible, try to answer your phone by the second ring. Do not let the
phone ring endlesslydoing so will most certainly annoy your caller. Answering
calls quickly is good business.
Show respect for your listener's time.
Do not put someone on "hold" for more than a minute or so. If for some important
reason you feel you must take another call or do some other work, offer to call the
listener back later rather than keeping him or her on "hold."
Control the overall length of a call, and limit the nonbusiness part of the call to a
minimum.
Identify yourself immediately when you place a call.
Identify yourself immediately when you answer a call.
Identify yourself immediately when you answer someone else's phone.
Show a willingness to take a message for another person.
Be sure not to reveal personal or confidential information when answering
someone else's phone.
Always be polite. Remember to say "please" and "thank you" whenever
appropriate. Don't be rude and read documents or do other work while on the
telephone. Give your listener your full attention.
Adjust your voice quality to your telephone equipment. Make sure that your volume
is clear, your rate of speed not too fast, your pitch and emphasis appropriate, and
your enunciation and pronunciation correct.
Don't shout at or snap at people or give others the impression that you feel
superior or are being disturbed unnecessarily. Try to control any negative feelings
you might have.
Respect each person with whom you work, regardless of his or her rank or
position.

36

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

 Treat your joband every business callerseriously and professionally.

Module 8

Activity 8

COMMUNICATION

Do not say negative things about the company or any of its employees.
Be helpful. Is there something you can do to help the callerfor example, send her
a catalog, put her name on a mailing list, or find out a price? The "true
professional" always tries to be as cooperative as possible.
Do not argue or become defensive with a "problem caller."

BASIC POINTS TO KNOW

1.

Know your telephone system and what all the features are.

2.

Answer promptly (2-3 rings).

3.

Identify yourself clearly.

4.

Use your friendliest (not sicky sweetest) voice and enunciate your words.

5.

Offer help to caller (within reason).

6.

Never lose your temper no matter how angry the caller may make you.

7.

Take messages carefullyGet necessary information tactfully.

8.

Spell and/or pronounce caller's name correctly.

9.

Avoid asking caller his/her name if the person being called is not in. Instead, ask
if you can help or if you may take a message.

10.

Never keep caller waiting for one minute without going back and checking with
the caller.

37

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 8

COMMUNICATION

Answering the Telephone

With an Attitude
Be prepared to answer calls. Keep pad and pen near
phone.
Answer on first or second ring.
Do not be in conversation with someone else with picking up
the receiver.
Do not put caller on hold before asking permission and waiting for a response.
Speak distinctly and slowly.
Vary the tone of your voice.
Identify yourself properly.
Take messages carefully.
Ask for verification of numbers and spelling of names and addresses.
Repeat the message.
Be tactful if you must screen calls, but avoid screening if at all possible.
Be a good listener.
Do not react to irate callers. Offer to help resolve the situation.
Transfer calls properly and only when necessary.
If a caller has been put on hold, do not leave caller dangling forever. Check
with caller at least every 30 seconds or so. Offer to call him/her back if
necessary.
38

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 8

COMMUNICATION

On the phone

Use variety in tone of voice

Smile
Answer in three rings
Ask how you can help
Be courteous

Life Skills: Job Skills Lesson 9 Customer Service

1997
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service

39

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 8

COMMUNICATION

On The Telephone With Customers

Always smile when you are talking on

the phone. The customer needs to feel
understanding in your voice.

Answer the phone within the first three

rings. This will give the customer a
feeling that you are efficient and there to
help him/her.

Ask what you can do to help him/her.

Doing so will let the customer know that
you are willing to help in any way you
can.

Always be courteous when putting

someone on hold or transferring calls.
Ask if you may put them on hold or
transfer their call before you do it.

How Do You Calm Down an Upset Customer?

Make sure you see the
problem from his/her
side.

Try to find something on

which the two of you
can agree.

Tell him/her what you can

do for him/her, instead of
what you can't do.

Stay calm yourself.

Don't ever say "It's not my

job!" Instead say, "Let me
put you in touch with . . .
She can help you with your
situation."

Let the customer talk.

Don't interrupt!
Write down what is said.
Echo what they said
and restate the problem, and this shows that
you are listening.

Avoid emotional trigger

words such as "problem" and "can't."

Don't ever say "What do

you expect from me?" or
"What do you want?" or
"What else can I tell you?"

Life Skills: Job Skills Lesson 9 Customer Service

1997
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service

40

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 9

COMMUNICATION

Correct Telephone Reponses

Materials Needed: Handouts/Transparency: "Making Correct Telephone Reponses"

Directions:

Suggested
Answers:

Have students read each of the incorrect responses to a telephone

request. Determine what a more suitable response would be. The
activity can be completed as a group assignment.
Following are some better responses to the items on the activity.

INITIAL RESPONSE

BETTER REPONSE

1. Hold the line.

Will you hold a moment, please?

2. Her line is busy.

Her line is busy. Would you like to hold or shall I ask her
to call you?

3. Call back later.

It will take a few minutes to get the necessary information.

Would you like to hold or shall I call you back?

4. Mr. Jones isn't in.

Mr. Jones is out; I expect him back in approximately one

hour; may I ask him to call you when he returns?

5. Mr. Jones is playing golf.

Mr. Jones should be back in approximately two hours.

May I ask him to call you when he returns?

6. What did you say?

I'm sorry; I did not hear what you said. Would you please
repeat it?

7. Who's this?

May I tell Mr. Jones who is calling please?

8. I don't know where Mr. Jones

is.

Mr. Jones isn't in right now. May I ask him to call when he
returns?

9. Your call is being transferred.

May I transfer your call to Mr. Dixon? I believe he can

help you.

10. I am not responsible for the Listen first; do not interrupt. After the caller has finished
mistake; don't raise your speaking, you might say, "I'm sorry for your
voice at me.
inconvenience. I believe Mr. Jones will be able to help
you. May I transfer you now?"

Time Required:
10 Minutes
41

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 9

COMMUNICATION

Making Correct Telephone Responses

Read the telephone responses listed. Indicate a better manner of responding.

1.

Hold the line.

2.

Her line is busy.

3.

Call back later.

4.

Mr. Jones isn't in.

5.

Mr. Jones is playing golf.

6.

What did you say?

7.

Who's this?

8.

I don't know where Mr. Jones is.

9.

Your call is being transferred.

10.

I am not responsible for the mistake, don't raise your voice at me.

42

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 10

COMMUNICATION

How Do You Calm Down an Upset Customer?

Materials Needed: Handouts/Transparency: "How Do You Calm Down an Upset

Customer?"
Directions:

Give handouts to the students. Go over the points. Role play a

situation in which this material is used or ask students for examples
of this type of situation which they've witnessed.

Time Required:
10 Minutes

43

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 10

COMMUNICATION

How Do You Calm Down an Upset Customer?

Make sure you see the problem from his/her side.
Stay calm yourself.
Let the customer talk. Don't interrupt!
Write down what is said.
Echo what they said and restate the problem; this
shows that you are listening.
Try to find something the two of you can agree on.
Avoid emotional trigger words such as "problem" and "can't."
Tell him/her what you can do for him/her, instead of what you can't do.
Don't ever say, "It's not my job!" Instead say, "Let me put you in touch with . . . She
can help you with your situation."
Don't ever say, "What do you expect from me?" or "What do you want?" or "What
else can I tell you?"

44

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 11

COMMUNICATION

Practicing Communication Skills

Materials Needed: Blank sheet of paper for each student

Directions:
1.

Say this to the students:

We are going to play a game that will show us some important things about
communication. Pick up a sheet of paper and hold it in front of you. Now close
your eyes; no peeking and absolutely no talking. Simply listen closely to the
directions I will give you and follow them.

2.

Give the following directions while you demonstrate with your sheet of paper:

The first thing I want you to do is fold your sheet of paper in half. (Give
them time to do this.)

Now tear off the upper right-hand corner.

Fold it in half again and tear off the upper left-hand corner of the sheet.

Fold it in half again. Now tear off the lower right-hand corner of the sheet.

Now you can open your eyes and see what you have. If I did a good job of
communicating, and you did a good job of listening, all of our sheets
should look the same! (Hold your sheet up for them to see. It is highly
unlikely that any of them will match yours.)

3. Observe differences. There will probably be much laughter.

4. Ask the participants why their papers did not match yours. (You will probably get
responses like "You didnt let us ask questions!" or "Your directions could be
interpreted in different ways.")
5. Point out to the group what a "poor job" you did as a communicator during this
activity. Not only did you not allow for questions but you failed to recognize an
important fact about the communication process: The listener rarely makes the
same assumptions as the speaker. This means that when someone is told
something, he or she will interpret the message based on personal experiences.
Communicating has to be an interactive process so that the speaker and the
listener can understand each other.

Time Required:
5 Minutes
45

This document is under developmental copyright by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. Do not reproduce any part of this
document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Derived from Twenty Active Training Programs, Mel Silberman; Pfeiffer & Company, 1992, pp. 22-23.

46

This document is under developmental copyright by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. Do not reproduce any part of this
document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 12

COMMUNICATION

Been There, Said That

Materials Needed: Markers and flip chart or marker board

Directions:
1.

Explain that this activity is designed to emphasize the

importance of active listening.

2.

Divide the group into trios and ask each group to designate
its members as A, B, and C.

3.

Ask person A in each group to think of three words that

summarize an entire experience he or she has had, e.g., I
did that, We went there, or I learned something, but not
to reveal the actual experience.

4.

Instruct person B to learn what that experience was by

reflecting back what person A says and then clarifying by
asking Who? What? Where? When? or How? questions. Tell
participants that person B is not allowed to guess, and
person A is restricted to answering only the question that is
asked.

5.

Instruct person C in each group to observe the interaction

and to intervene if B starts guessing or if A volunteers more
information than is asked.

6.

Ask the group to describe what happened during the activity,

giving examples of effective and ineffective listening and
questioning. Conclude with a list of techniques on the flip
chart for future use.

7.

If time permits, use three rounds so that each person has an

opportunity to practice effective listening and questioning
skills.

Time Required:
15 Minutes
Source: 101 Great Games and Activities, Arthur VanGundy, Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, 1998.

47

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 13

COMMUNICATION

The Coat

Materials Needed: A jacket, box of matches, or other prop

Directions:
Lay a jacket on the table. Select a volunteer and inform him or her
that you dont know what the jacket is or what to do with it. The
volunteers task is to train you in the jackets use as quickly as
possible. The trainer will often engage in telling behaviors whose
effectiveness can be distorted by slow learner behaviors on the part
of the trainee (e.g., grabbing the pocket when told to grab the
collar, or inserting the arm up the sleeve in a reverse direction). The
difficulty of completing the assignment can be further exaggerated
by depriving the trainer of visual feedback, having the trainer turn
his or her back to the trainee. After a brief time period of minimal
progress, the class can be asked for its assistance. A fruitful
alternative, of course, is to show the trainee how to use the jacket.
This can effectively illustrate the merits of the classic Job Instruction
Training (J.I.T.) approach, which is to:
1.

Explain how to do it.

2.

Demonstrate how to do it.

3.

Request an explanation of how to do it.

4.

Invite the trainee to do it.

Note: The same process can be used with other articles of clothing
(e.g., shoes) or even with a box of wooden matches (with the goal
of lighting one).
Follow-Up Discussion:
1.

2.

Why did the trainer initially have a difficult time with the task
of training? Because of assumptions about prior knowledge
and common vocabulary, because of limited patience with a
slow learner doing a simple task, or because of one-way
communication.
What are the benefits of demonstration? Add the sense of
sight, and the words take on additional meaning.

48

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 13

COMMUNICATION

3.

What are the benefits of feedback? Can gauge progress,

understanding, and satisfaction of trainees.

4.

Bring out these points:

There is a danger in making assumptions about a
participants background knowledge and common
vocabulary.
There is an advantage of modeling, demonstration, and
interaction over one-way communication.

Time Required:
5-10 Minutes

Source: 101 Great Games and Activities, Arthur VanGundy, Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, 1998.

49

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 14

COMMUNICATION

Hunters Game

Materials Needed: Hunters Game cards

Directions:
1.

Duplicate the Hunters Game Worksheet on card stock (one

duplicate copy provides a set of game cards for one team of
six participants). Cut each set of game cards into separate
cards along the dashed lines. Note: If the total number of
participants is not divisible by six, supplement the game
cards with the DECOY cards (the cards at the bottom of the
Hunters Game Worksheet).

2.

Distribute one game card to each participant (making sure

that players keep their cards concealed from other players).
Explain that each of these cards has the name of a particular
animal on it that is not to be revealed to other players until
later in the activity. Players will participate in a hunt in which
each player will hunt for an assigned animal. Without making
any sounds, each person must act out the animal shown on
his or her card while attempting to find the player acting like
the animal that the player is assigned to find.

3.

Read the following list of animals that shows what animal

each player must find. The list is circular:
ELEPHANT looks for LION
LION looks for WOLF
WOLF looks for DOG
DOG looks for CAT
CAT looks for MOUSE
MOUSE looks for ELEPHANT

4.

Explain that some participants may have received DECOY

cards, in which case the individual may act like any animal to
fool the other players. The decoys try to find one another
and stay together. Stress that each participant will be both a
50

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 14

COMMUNICATION

hunter and a hunter animal. Each team will be comprised of

one set of the six animals named or else will contain all
DECOYS. When a participant thinks that his or her animal
has been found, he or she taps that player on the shoulder;
the hunted animal should then show its card to the hunter. If
it is the correct animal, the hunter holds on to the player
while continuing to search for that players prey. In the end,
each team should form a circle with the animals holding onto
one another.
5.

Monitor the activity. When all the teams have formed, lead a
discussion with the reassembled group using the questions
below.

Follow-Up Discussion:
(Answers may vary)
How difficult was it to find your animal through actions only?
Why?
What role does perception play in an activity such as this?
How does nonverbal communication affect the image others
have of you?
Why is communication, both verbal and nonverbal, so important
in the workplace?
How can we relate this game to teamwork in general? (players
all connected, need for clear communication, common goals,
etc.)

Time Required:
5-10 Minutes

Source: Working Together, Lorraine L. Ukens, Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, 1997.

51

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 14

COMMUNICATION

Hunters Game Worksheet

ELEPHANT

LION

WOLF

DOG

CAT

MOUSE

DECOY

DECOY

Source: Working Together, Lorraine L. Ukens, Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, 1997.

52

This document is under developmental copyright by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. Do not reproduce any part of this
document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 15

COMMUNICATION

Gizmos

Materials Needed: A pencil and a Gizmos Worksheet for each participant; an

additional Gizmos Worksheet for each team; a copy of the Gizmos
Answer Sheet.
Directions:
1.

Explain that there are some functional objects existing

around us which we may not know by their proper terms.
This activity will strive to pool the groups knowledge to
determine the technical terms for certain objects.

2.

Distribute a pencil and one copy of the Gizmos Worksheet to

each participant. Direct group members to complete the
worksheet alone, matching the term they think is correct for
each of the ten definitions. Allow approximately five minutes
for completion of individual work.

3.

When participants have completed the worksheets, instruct

them to form teams of up to five members each. Assign one
member of each group to act as the team leader.

4.

Distribute one copy of the Gizmos Worksheet to each team

leader. Explain that group members should work together to
come to a team decision on the correct answer for each
item. The team leader is responsible for coordinating group
discussion and recording the teams answers.

5.

Allow approximately ten minutes for the group members to

work together.

6.

Using team feedback and the Gizmos Answer Sheet, review

the correct terms for the described items with the
participants. You may choose whether or not you wish to
provide definitions for the other terms shown on the
worksheet (these definitions are provided on the answer
sheet).

Follow-Up Discussion:
(Answers may vary)
Did group members do better with their individual answers or as
a team? Why?
53

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 15

COMMUNICATION

What role did the leader take in the decision-making process?

How does the use of technical terminology and/or acronyms
affect the communication process?
What other kinds of filters break down communication?
(perception, experience, environment, etc.)
How can we improve the overall communication process in the
workplace?

Time Required:
20 Minutes

Source: Working Together, Lorraine L. Ukens, Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, 1997.

54

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Module 8

Activity 15

COMMUNICATION

Gizmos Worksheet
Circle the answer that best matches the definition provided.
1. The small embroidered loop
forming a decorative edging on
ribbon.

6. The small round pulley that

regulates the speed of magnetic
tape in a recorder.

a) capuche
b) frizette
c) picot

a) capstan
b) newel
c) operon

2. The metal spike on hiking boots.

7. The vertical strip dividing the panes

of a window.

a) crampon
b) petard
c) languet

a) cullis
b) filature
c) mullion

3. The little metal band around a

pencil, right below the eraser.
8. The plastic or metal tip of a
shoelace.
a) larch
b) circumflex
c) ferrule

a) aglet
b) gusset
c) groat

4. The block or slab on which a

statue rests.
9. The pointed gardening tool that
makes holes for planting bulbs.
a) foramen
b) plinth
c) palanquin

a) ostiole
b) dibble
c) pawl

5. The outer rim section of a wheel.

10. The small magnifying glass used
by jewelers.
a) druse
b) felly
c) parget

a) lapin
b) binnacle
c) loupe
55

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Source: Working Together, Lorraine L. Ukens, Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, 1997.

Module 8

Activity 15

COMMUNICATION

Gizmos Answer Sheet

1.

a) Capuche hood of a cloak (espl.

The cowl of a Capuchin friar)

6.

a) Capstan the small round

pulley that regulates the speed
of magnetic tape in a tape
b) Newel the vertical support on a
staircase
c) Operon a cluster of genes

7.

a) Cullis a gutter

b) Frizette a curled fringe of

hair
c) Picot the small embroidered
loop forming a decorative
edging
2.

a) Crampon the metal spike on

hiking boots
b) Petard a bell-shaped bomb

b) Filature spinning into

thread
c) Mullion the vertical strip
dividing the panes of a window

c) Languet thing or part

resembling tongue in shape or
function
3.

a) Larch a coniferous (pine) tree

8.

a) Aglet the plastic or metal tip

of a shoelace
b) Gusset a triangular garment
insert
c) Groat an old British coin

a) Ostiole a small opening or pore

b) Circumflex a phonetic mark

used over long vowels (Greek)
c) Ferrule the little metal band
around a pencil, right below the
eraser, used to strengthen the
shaft
4.

a) Foramen medical term for a

small opening or perforation
b) Plinth the block or slab on
which a statue rests

b) Dibble a pointed gardening

tool that makes holes for
planting bulbs
c) Pawl a pivoted device on a
ratchet wheel

c) Palanquin an enclosed litter (a

conveyance borne on the
shoulders of men using poles)
5.

a) Druse crystals in a rock cavity

b) Felly the outer rim section of
a wheel
c) Parget - plaster

10.

56

a) Lapin - rabbit
b) Binnacle a case, box, or stand
for ships compass and a lamp
c) Loupe the small magnifying
glass used by jewelers and
watchmakers; also used in the

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

graphics industry

Module 8
Activity:

Activity 16

COMMUNICATION

Interpersonal Communication Skills Videos

Materials Needed: Videos: Interpersonal Communication Skills, Vols. 1, 2, 3, and 4, TV

& VCR
Directions:

These videos deal with the following topics.

Vol. 1Communicating to be liked, trusted, and respected
Vol. 2Communicating to increase understanding and minimize
mistakes
Vol. 3Communicating to increase our personal power
Vol. 4Communicating better with your team

Time Required:

Vol. 11 hour 5 min.

Vol. 21 hour 8 min.
Vol. 31 hour 14 min.
Vol. 456 min.

Location of
Videos:

Administrative Office, Deborah Wood

Time Required:
Varies
Vol. 11 hour 5 min.
Vol. 21 hour 8 min.
Vol. 31 hour 14 min.
Vol. 456 min.

57

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

Suggested Activities For

Module 8
COMMUNICATION
Activity

Title

Time

Page
No.

Self-Appraisal Communications Survey

15

10

Reviewing Nonverbal Cues

10

13

Body LanguageExercises

5-10

16

Reading Nonverbal Cues

30

19

Nonverbal CuesGestures

5-10

22

Concentrating to Improve Listening

15

27

Practice Listening Skills

30

29

Telephone Etiquette

33

Correct Telephone Responses

10

39

10

How Do You Calm Down an Upset Customer?

10

41

11

Practicing Communication Skills

43

12

Been There, Said That

15

44

13

The Coat

5-10

45

14

Hunters Game

5-10

47

15

Gizmos

20

50

16

Interpersonal Communication Skills Videos

Varies

54

58

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document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.

59

This document is under developmental copyright by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. Do not reproduce any part of this
document without written permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education or his assigned representative.