1. Building Communication skills as a Young Professional
This presentation aims to help young people better understand the ways we all communicate, why having good communication skills are important and how we all can build and develop our communication skills throughout our lives.

2. We all communicate, but are we all good at it?
We communicate so that we can talk to each other, share news, put our opinions forward, build relationships, get help and so much more.
To be a good communicator you need to get across your ideas and opinions well, but also listen to others and take their ideas into consideration. Effective communication means that everyone is on the same page. ?
Think of a situation that you have been in where someone has not communicated well with you, did you help them, listen to them and give them what they wanted?
Discuss an example that the young people you are working with can relate to. It might be where a parent or teacher has asked them to do something they didn't want to do. What could the person who was doing the asking have done differently to get them to respond better?
Should they have been more friendly, explained why they needed something, offered to help or support?

3. What are the ways we communicate?
Buzzwords
Presenting
Negotiation
Active listing
Body language
Influencing
There are 3 main types:
Verbal
Written
Non Verbal
Explore what sort of communication falls into each of these three areas:
Verbal - Face to face, over the phone, via skype or other platforms
Written - s, letters, text messaging
Non Verbal - The way we walk, stand and sit

4. What makes a good communicator?
Being a good communicator isn't about being the loudest or saying the most. It involves body language, presenting yourself well and sometimes saying nothing at all!
It can seem like some people are naturally good at communicating, but good communication comes with practise. Even if you are a really good presenter you might need to work on your listening or body language skills! ?
Think about successful communicators you know:
What makes them a good communicator?
Is communication a key part of their job?
It's good to note that we are all different and we all communicate differently. Some people are shy and struggle to talk to new people, they may lack confidence, and we certainly can't all be fantastic communicators. But to get on in life it will definitely help to build your skills and confidence so you can enjoy life, school and work that little bit more.

5. Developing your skills?
How might you develop these types of communication skills:
Verbal
Written
Non Verbal
Like the very best athletes, artists, movie stars and business professionals we all have to train to keep our skills on top form.
As we go through education and into work there are new skills to learn and different people to deal with. We need to learn new ways to communicate with people as we grow and develop.
Ask the young people you are working with how they might be able to improve in these areas. Even small improvements will help to grow their skills and confidence.

6. Develop your skills - Top Tips
Verbal - Talk and listen more, especially with people you don't often talk to. Watch how adults and other young people talk and listen to each other.
Written - Young people are often accused of speaking in “Txt Spk” when you are communicating with someone other than your friends try using the same language and tone that they would.
Non Verbal - Watch your body language and those around you. Watch two people who get on really well and see how they mirror each other in the way they stand, If you want to communicate well with someone this is a great tip!

7. Practice like a Young Professional
There are so many ways for you to practice:
Get involved with extra projects
Put yourself forward to take a lead in presentation or school assembly
Write a blog
Volunteer
Share your ideas more in group projects and in class
Identify some opportunities for the young people you are working with to develop their skills in your setting or a setting they are familiar with (volunteering, youth clubs, sports, National Citizen Service etc).
Make sure that you and the colleagues you work with recognise it when the young people you work with use good communication skills. Recognising and praising good skill use will help them to know they are doing something well and boost their confidence.

8. Next Steps:
Sign up to be a Young Professional at Youth Employment UK
Read more about employability skills and how you can develop them on the Young Professional Members pages.
Undertake the Youth Employment UK weekly skills challenge.
Ensure that the young people you are working with register as a Young Professional Member and have the time to complete the weekly challenges and explore some of the articles on the site to help boost their skills.