Communications Merit Badge

1. Communications Merit Badge

2. Webster’s “DEFINITION”of Communication • a verbal or written message • a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior • exchange of information • a technique for expressing ideas effectively (as in speech) • the technology of the transmission of information (as by print or telecommunication)

3. Requirement #1 List as many ways as you can think of how you can communicate with others. What are they?????

4. SOME EXAMPLES Signs, Notes, Fax, Telephone, Letters, Talk E-mail, IM, Speech, Teach, Radio, TV, Morse Code, CB, Two Way Radios, Books, Magazines, Expressions, Body Language, Conversations in a group, Sign Language Chat Rooms, Music, Poetry, Smoke Signals,

5. Communication: A key to opening doors In the beginning you cried: when you were hungry when you were tired when you were lonely when your stomach hurt You communicated to your parents

6. Even as a baby we develop facial expressions. Watch a baby try a new food for the first time. By the baby’s facial expression you can tell if he likes it or not.

7. At 6 weeks of age babies communicate by smiling • Somewhere between 18 months and two years of age babies start to communicate by talking

8. Fortunately as we grow our communication skills get better and we learn to: • Listen to others without interrupting • Know when to offer advice and when not to • Learn how to communicate effectively in different situations

9. Communication is a learned skill. Speaking, listening, and our ability to understand verbal and nonverbal meanings are skills we develop in various ways.

10. We learn to communicate by: • Observing others • Through education

11. Communication Model

12. Methods of Communicating Audio Visual Kinetic Everyone has a dominant method. The trick is to find out which is yours, and later on to find out what the other person’s is.

13. Having this skill will allow you to engage, influence and persuade other people. Audio learners learn best by listening. Visual learners have to see something to believe it. Kinetic or physical learners learn best by touching or doing something physical.

14. Once you figure out whether you are talking to a visual, audio or kinetic learner, use this as your chief mode of expression with that person. They will probably understand you better and will respond more positively.

15. How do you perceive and how do you process information? If you know the answer to this, it will help you better understand how others use verbal and nonverbal cues and help you understand them better. End Result………….Better Communication

16. Keeping a Communication Log Study the ways and the time you spend communicating. Keep the log for one day and see how you communicate and what is your best style. Record how much time you spend on the internet, watching television, reading, listen to the radio, talking face to face and on the telephone and emailing or writing letters.

17. Listen, Learn and Communicate • People who listen are considered thoughtful, nonjudgmental and easily approachable. • Listening is one of the most important skills you can learn. • 85 percent of what we know comes from listening.

18. Listening and Critical Thinking There are four types of listening: Appreciative Listening for pleasure or enjoyment Music, movies, comedy, plays… Empathetic Listening to provide emotional support for the speaker A shrink listens to a patient; you listen to a friend’s rant Comprehensive Listening to understand the speakers message Direction to a friend’s house; in a class or seminar Critical Listening to evaluate a message A campaign speech; a peer’s research paper

19. Listening is Receiving • Listen with your eyes. • Avoid distractions while listening. • See things from the speakers point of view. • Relate the ideas to yourself. • Review the speaker’s points. • Don’t talk until the speaker is finished. • Respond nonverbally, nod your head.

20. Causes of Poor Listening Not Concentrating Daydreaming, mind wandering, dozing Listening Too Hard Trying to remember every fact, no matter how minute Jumping To Conclusions Putting words into the speakers mouth; interrupting speaker, anticipating what speaker will say/do next Focusing On Delivery Instead Of Message Speakers accent, clothes, stuttering, presentation tools

21. Leading Small-Group Discussions • Hold yourself slightly apart from the group. • Instead of joining the conversation keep the group on track. • Support everyone’s ideas and promote mutual respect. • Make sure all are heard without interruption. • All communication is directed to the group leader.

22. Group Leaders are part coach, part referee, and part impartial observer. Watch for one person dominating the conversation and keep an eye out for shy individuals.

23. Guidelines for Leading Small Group Discussion • Introduce topic or task • Moderate the discussion • Control excessive talkers • Guide group through the discussion format, no solutions yet. • Keep the group focused • Encourage members to express different opinions • Help all to compromise • Watch your time • Close the discussion, summarize main points

24. Will a phone call do?Not Always! • Formal Letters Academic, business or professional • Telephone Calls Quick messages, making plans or finishing business • Email Basic communication between friends, spreading information

25. Creative Ways to Describe Yourself • Make up a collage • Write a short story about yourself • Write an autobiography • Create a series of drawings of yourself

26. When describing yourself keep it light. Be humble, and don’t be afraid to poke fun at yourself. This also serves as a good way to break the ice if you are asked to speak in public.

27. The Five Minute Speech Make up an outline. A speech Is made up of: • Introduction • Body • Conclusion

28. ELEMENTS OF A GOOD SPEECH ATTITUDE REHEARSAL VERBAL EXPRESSION NONVERBAL EXPRESSION

29. ATTITUDE • Attitude matters a great deal with delivery. • A confident presence is an aspect of your credibility and persuasiveness.

30. DON’T * Don’t hide behind the lectern, wear hats, or chew gum. * Don’t look over the audience heads or envision them naked (silly myths). * Don’t “watch your own feet when you dance.” KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!

31. REHEARSAL • Practice, practice, practice. • Say your speeches out loud as you’re writing them. • Use the mirror for an audience!

32. VOCAL EXPRESSION: * You must speak loudly enough to be heard, clearly enough to be understood, and slowly enough for your audience to keep up.

33. Vocal Expression There are five dimensions of voice that can be manipulated for greater effect. Volume - Speak louder or softer for emphasis. Pitch - Stay at an appropriate mid-range level. Rate - Accelerate for a few sentences to excite, Slow down and pause to emphasize some words. Articulation - Speak clearly with full voice. Quality - The personality of your voice, resonant, throaty, nasal, etc.

34. Using Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal Communication is simply messages expressed without words. • Eye Contact • Facial Expressions • Gestures, Posture, Body Movement • Use of Space • Appearance

35. Building a successful sales plan A sales plan is a persuasive speech in which your objective is to get the audience to buy your product or service. • Get their attention---what you have to say is important. • Highlight a need. Explain the problem.

36. 3. Propose a solution. Use evidence to support your claim that you can solve the problem with your product. 4. Help them to visualize the solution. Show what happens when they buy your product and when they don’t

37. Interviewing and Introducing a Guest Speaker Call your proposed guest and be prepared to take notes. If he agrees to speak, ask him about his background. Ask these questions: What is your full name and professional title? What are your duties? What do you like best about your career?

38. What is the most difficult challenge you face in your position? Did you go to college or receive special training? What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? Based on the answers write brief upbeat introduction.

39. Campfire Planning

40. THE CAMPFIRE PROGRAM PLANNER Be sure that every feature of this campfire program upholds Scouting’s highest traditions. • 1. In a campfire planning meeting, fill in the top of the Campfire Program sheet (over). • 2. On the Campfire Program Planner (below), list all units and individuals who will participate in the program. • 3. Write down the name, description, and type of song, stunt, or story they have planned. • 4. The MC organizes songs, stunts, and stories in a good sequence considering timing, variety, smoothness, and showmanship. • 5. The master-of-the-campfire makes out the Campfire Program sheet (over).

41. CAMPFIRE PROGRAM • Place __________________________ • Date ___________________________ • Time ___________________________ • Camp director’s approval: _________ • ________________________________ • Campers notified _______________ • Campfire planning meeting ______ • M. C. _________________________ • Song leader ___________________ • Cheermaster___________________ • Area set up by _________________ • ______________________________ • Campfire built by _______________ • Fire put out by _________________ • Cleanup by ____________________ • Spot Title of Stunt, Song, or Story By _____________________ Time • 1 Opening—and firelighting • 2 Greeting—introduction M.C. • 20 • 21 • 22 Closing

42. Careers in Communication Public Relations, Theatre/Performing Arts, Journalism, Radio and Television, Advertising, and Communication Education