Session 2: Reading and Writing

Session Two Objectives When trainees have completed this session, they should be able to do the following: Describe good reading and writing skills and their relationship to job performance. Describe the importance of good reading and writing skills. Describe job-related reading requirements and identify good reading skills. Describe job-related writing requirements and identify good writing skills.   Related Performance Tasks Fill out a work-related form provided by your instructor. Basic Communication Skills 00107-15

Section 2.1.0 – Reading on the Job Code books are just one example of the documents a worker must read to successfully complete a task or project. Present the ways that written communication may be used in the workplace. Review the use of textbooks and code books on the job and their importance. Basic Communication Skills 00107-15

Section 2.2.0 – Reading on the Job Some of the many things that you will need to read on the job: Safety instructions or guidelines Drawings, specifications, and manufacturer’s instructions Signs and labels Work orders, schedules, and various permits Written communication from others, such as emails and text messages Explain why reading comprehension is essential to properly performing a task. Review the examples of items that construction industry workers need to read. Discuss why it is helpful to have a purpose in mind when reading a document. Basic Communication Skills 00107-15

Places to go for information and guidance: Section 2.2.0 – Reading Places to go for information and guidance: Table of contents Index Glossary Appendixes Tables and graphs Review the list of features found in many non-fiction books and discuss how each one can be helpful. Basic Communication Skills 00107-15

Section 2.2.0 – Reading READING TIPS Avoid physical and audible distractions. Take notes; use highlighters and bookmarks. Skim the Table of Contents to get an overview before you start reading. Imagine yourself performing a task while you are reading the instructions. Reread as necessary for a clear understanding. Review the tips to reading effectively and how information of interest can be noted. Explain that it helps to use their imagination when reading instructions or steps. Emphasize that reading material twice is often required to ensure it is understood. Basic Communication Skills 00107-15

SANS SERIF FONT EXAMPLES SPECIALTY FONT EXAMPLES Section 2.2.0 – Fonts SANS SERIF FONT EXAMPLES Arial: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Helvetica: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Verdana: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. SERIF FONT EXAMPLES Times New Roman: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Palatino: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Century Schoolbook: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. SPECIALTY FONT EXAMPLES Comic Sans: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Lucida Calligraphy: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Papyrus: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Review the different fonts used in writing and where they are best applied. Basic Communication Skills 00107-15

WRITING AN IMPORTANT PIECE Section 2.3.0 – Writing WRITING AN IMPORTANT PIECE Prewriting – includes brainstorming; listing ideas and topics; creating an outline. Rough draft – follows any required research. Incorporate your ideas and topics; do not try to make a perfect document at this stage. Walking away from it for a while often helps. Revise and edit. Proofread – usually best to allow others to do this. Point out that the need to write increases as experience increases and a career advances. Explain that good writing skills support career advancement. Discuss the purpose of prewriting to begin a writing task. Review the creation of an outline and the research process. Talk about the rough draft. Discuss the revision process and why it is critical to proofread the document. Explain how a review by another reader can help create a well-written document. Basic Communication Skills 00107-15

Section 2.3.1 – Email …or this one? Which of the following emails looks more pleasant, is better organized and friendlier, and most likely to leave a good impression on a potential client? This one… Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of email. Stress that an email must be considered a permanent document and that it can represent a contract in some cases. Emphasize the importance of the tone in which it is written, since all non-verbal communication and tone-of-voice is lost. Show the email examples and compare the information in each. Review the bulleted list of general rules to writing good emails. Basic Communication Skills 00107-15

Section 2.3.1 – Text Messages TEXT MESSAGING TIPS Be sure it’s the best choice for what needs to be communicated. Do not use to share potentially emotional information, such as apologies or criticism. Be certain the message is accurate. Be aware of potential auto-correction errors. Do not use shorthand and abbreviations such as “LOL” or “IMHO” when communicating with superiors or strangers. Use language and complete sentences as you would in a proper email. Again, never send or read text messages while driving, operating machinery or power tools, or while walking around the job site. Talk about the best uses of texting and when it may not be appropriate. Stress the importance of proofreading a text message. Explain that abbreviations and acronyms are often inappropriate for the workplace. Stress the danger of text messaging while driving and during other tasks that require any level of concentration. Basic Communication Skills 00107-15

LABORATORY/PERFORMANCE TASK Next Session… LABORATORY/PERFORMANCE TASK MODULE EXAM Review the complete module to prepare for the module exam. Complete the Module Review and the Trade Terms Quiz. This activity corresponds to Performance Task 2. Basic Communication Skills 00107-15

Laboratory – Performance Task 2 WRITING WORK-RELATED INFORMATION Each trainee will practice writing a short cover letter that would accompany a resume to a prospective employer. Basic Communication Skills 00107-15