Hard / Soft Skills
What is the difference between hard and soft skills?
The difference between hard and soft skills is that soft skills are used in most (if not all) careers or jobs while hard skills are only used in a few.
What are the six parts of a business letter?
The six parts of a business letter are the heading, recipients address, body, closing, and signature.
What are the five types of communication?
The five types of communication are verbal, non-verbal, written, listening, and visual communication.
What are the four styles of communication?
The four styles of communication are passive, passive-aggressive, aggressive, and assertive.
Is time management a hard or a soft skill?
Time management is a soft skill, as you are going to need to for every job or career you have, so that you don’t waste your time.
What should you write in the subject line of an email?
In the subject line of an email, you should write a two or three word summary of what your email is about (It should be capitalized properly, have correct spelling, and shouldn’t have punctuation).
What two types of communication would you be using if you were giving a lecture on birds and illustrating one on your whiteboard?
You would be using verbal communication, as you are talking. The second type of communication you would be using is visual communication, as you are drawing a bird, which is something you see, not read.
What kind of communication should you be aiming for everyday?
You should try to communicate assertively everyday.
Q: Say you are one of the managers at a restaurant. What is a soft skill you would need to use on a daily basis?
A soft skill you would need to use on a daily basis as a manager is dependability, as employees might ask you questions, and they are relying on you to give them a correct answer. Other soft skills needed could be patience, communication, interpersonal skills, time management, conflict resolution, etc.
When should you write a business letter?
When should you write a business letter?
What characteristics would give you a hint that someone is busy, and isn't able to talk to you? What type of communication is this?
Characteristics that would hint at the fact that someone is busy and isn’t able to talk to you is walking fast or avoiding eye contact. This is nonverbal communication.
Mr. Bradd was yelling at you during a meeting today. What style of communication was he using? Why?
Mr. Bradd was using the aggressive style of communication because he was yelling. Usually, when someone is yelling, it will be the aggressive style of communication.
What is a career where you would be required to know how to code? How would you use it?
A career where you would be required to know how to code is a software designer. You would use your coding abilities to build and edit software.
What is the best way to set the tone for your recipient?
The best way to set the tone for your recipient is to use a formal salutation.
Q: Create an example of where five people are each using one of five types of communication. Make sure that all of the types of communication are represented. The setting is a meeting at your workplace.
Jonathan: Hello everyone! Can we start this meeting?
Room becomes quiet.
Jonathan: Thank you! Our business has been thriving lately, with more and more sales coming in!
Sofia draws an infographic on a rolling whiteboard displaying the sales made. Samuel makes eye contact with Jonathan as he talks.
Jonathan: All of you have contributed so much to our business, and I want to express my appreciation towards everyone.
Jonathan rolls the whiteboard around. It displays several lists, all about what people might eat or drink at a party.
Jonathan: In three weeks, I would like to schedule a party that everyone can come to. I have printed out lists like those shown on the whiteboard, and I would like for everyone to circle what they like best and when they can come. I will pass them out as you leave. Please return them by the end of the week. Thank you for listening!
Everyone files out of the meeting room and receives the lists.
In my example, Jonathan demonstrates verbal, and written communication through his talking and lists, Sofia demonstrated visual communication through her drawing on the whiteboard, and Samuel demonstrated nonverbal communication through his eye contact with Jonathan. Both Sofia and Samuel demonstrated listening skills through hearing what Jonathan had to say.
Do you think there are times when it is appropriate to use the aggressive style of communication?
Usually, you shouldn’t use the aggressive style of communication, however, if you feel that you are going to be harmed, then you can use it.