Soft Skills Work Experience This template can be used as a starter file for presenting training materials in a group setting. Sections Right-click on a slide to add sections. Sections can help to organize your slides or facilitate collaboration between multiple authors. Notes Use the Notes section for delivery notes or to provide additional details for the audience. View these notes in Presentation View during your presentation. Keep in mind the font size (important for accessibility, visibility, videotaping, and online production) Coordinated colors Pay particular attention to the graphs, charts, and text boxes. Consider that attendees will print in black and white or grayscale. Run a test print to make sure your colors work when printed in pure black and white and grayscale. Graphics, tables, and graphs Keep it simple: If possible, use consistent, non-distracting styles and colors. Label all graphs and tables.

Small Talk Good conversational skills are critical for workplace success. Small talk is informal, light conversation that often precedes more important discussions. Small talk is how most job interviews begin and can make a positive impression right from the start.

Seven Small Talk Starters Well being (How are you doing?) Things in common (Weather) Work Hobbies Plans Experience (Good books, movies) Positive Close (Have a good day) Small Talk video Choose two students to demonstrate small talk.

One of the most important secrets to success is to learn how to engage people of all ages in casual conversation. This casual conversation, often dubbed small talk, will help you build positive personal and professional relationships. Author and speaker Kathleen D. Pagana suggests using the acronym OAR to help generate conversation. Ask students for examples of occasions where they were able to initiate “Small Talk” at school, at work, at home.

Reveal something – Tell something Observe – Make an observation Ask questions – Ask about them Reveal something – Tell something about yourself Ask students to give an example of each of these.

10 things your Co-workers want you to say! Good morning 1 Good afternoon 2 You did a great job on that 3 Are you free for lunch? 4 Hang in there 5 You look nice today. 6 I love this place! 7 What’s new? 8 I really like learning from you. 9 Can I help you with anything? 10

REMEMBER Your job interview starts in the company’s parking lot. Make small talk with all the different people you meet. Making small talk will give you added insights and help you relax before your interview.

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