Module 2_ Interpersonal Communication
Module 2_ Interpersonal Communication
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-DIRECTEDLEARNING
LIFE SKILLS FOR SELF
MODULE 2:
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
LEARNER’S
HANDBOOK
Module 2: Interpersonal Communication Learner’s Handbook
Acknowledgements
Education Development Center (EDC) would like to thank the staff of the USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program,
Philippines local team, and the DepEd Alternative Learning System Task Force, whose invaluable insights
guided the adaptation of this curriculum.
As part of the Journey to Self-Reliance, the education system of DepED ALS will be strengthened to reach
vulnerable out-of-school youth through providing them with second chance education so that learners are
better equipped with the soft and leadership skills they need to excel in the labor market today and into
the future.
The Life Skills Curriculum is an adaptation of EDC’s globally recognized Work Ready Now.
This curriculum is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Education Development Center, Inc.
and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
EDC 43 Foundry Avenue Waltham, MA 02453 Education Development Center (EDC) is a global
nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve
Contact: [email protected] education, promote health, and expand economic
opportunity.
Phone: 617-969-7100 Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing,
implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative
programs in more than 80 countries around the world.
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Module 2: Interpersonal Communication Learner’s Handbook
Module Overview
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Module 2: Interpersonal Communication Learner’s Handbook
Written Assignments
This is a checklist of all the written documents for learners to accomplish. The facilitator will put
a tick mark on the submitted outputs and follow-up on those that have not been submitted yet.
2.1: Effective Listening Observation Form 2.2: Effective Speaking Observation Form
Session 1 Writing Space: listening and speaking strengths, weaknesses, ways to improve
2.3: Three Forms of Workplace Communication
2.4: Working in Groups Self- Assessment
2.5: Elements of an Effective and Cooperative Team Member
Session 2 Writing Space: Cooperating with Others
2.6: Giving Exceptional Customer Service
2.7: Observing Communication in the Workplace Session 3 Writing Space: Customer
Care
1.1 Raise questions and seek clarifications on issues discussed in the text
listened to: - LS1CS/EN-L-PSA-AS-1.1
5.0 Listen in order to recount accurately specific details of informative oral
messages (Formal and informal discussions) – LS1CS/EN-L-PSALE/AE/LS/AS-5
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Module 2: Interpersonal Communication Learner’s Handbook
cues – LS1CS/EN-L-PSA-AE-8
10 Show understanding and respect for ideas and feelings of others by
responding appropriately – LS1CS/EN-L-PSA-LE-10
1. Non-verbal communication
2. Effective speaking skills & strategies
3. Effective listening skills & strategies
Examples of effective listening skills include: using appropriate body language to show
you are listening; listening to the speaker without interrupting; asking questions for
clarification when you do not understand something; being aware of your own attitude and
avoid being judgmental
Communication is a two way process where you need to speak and listen well and ask for
clarification when necessary. Speak with a clear, understandable and convincing voice.
message
Sender Receiver
feedback
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Module 2: Interpersonal Communication Learner’s Handbook
Objectives:
Read the proverb at the beginning of the module and answer the questions. “The first
impression you give is important in communication” (Sa komunikasyon mahalaga ang
unang impresyon).
In your own words, how do you relate this proverb to yourself? Can you recall your first
impression situation with someone else? Do you think the way you talk with your listener is
important? Why?
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Module 2: Interpersonal Communication Learner’s Handbook
This module will focus on communication skills at work, what do you think is the relevance
between the proverb and the importance of communication skills at work. How does it relate to
your real life situation?
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Module 2: Interpersonal Communication Learner’s Handbook
“I hear you, but I’m not listening”. Ask your mother, father, sister, brother or your friend if they
have experienced a situation where they are talking to someone who seemed to be listening to
them but when they ask if they understood what they are saying it turns out that they are not
listening. How did they feel about it? Is this a good or bad thing to do? Why?
Now it is your time to write your thoughts on the following questions in the space below.
Questions Your Thoughts
1. What does it mean to listen/speak effectively?
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Module 2: Interpersonal Communication Learner’s Handbook
Go ahead and share your thoughts based from your answers above to your family and
friends! Don’t forget to explain your thoughts in each question to show how you value
effective communication in your life.
Remember that in this module you are going to learn about communication skills and how to
become more effective and confident listeners and speakers.
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Learners’ Reflection: Module 2 Interpersonal Communication
This is not a test but is a way for you to see what you already know or do not know about the topics.
You will read a skill that is listed in the left column. Think about yourself and your experience. Then
read the statements across the top. Check the column that best represents your situation. The
results will help you and your teacher know which topics may require more time, effort and
guidance.
Ang mga katanungan dito ay hindi test. Ito ay isang paraan upang malaman mo ang iyong kaalaman,
kasanayan o kakayahan tungkol sa paksang ito. Basahin mo ang mga kaalaman, kasanayan o
kakayahan na nakalista sa kaliwang kolum. Magbalik-tanaw sa iyong sarili at mga karanasan,
basahin ang lahat ng mga pangungusap at i-tsek ang sagot na naaangkop sa iyong sitwasyon. Ang
iyong kasagutan ay magiging gabay mo at ng iyong guro sa pagpapalawak ng iyong kaalaman
tungkol sa paksang ito.
My experience 1 2 3 4
I don’t I have very I have some I have a lot of
Knowledge, skills and abilities have little experience experience
any experience experience doing this. doing this.
Kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan doing this. doing this
Mayroon Marami akong
Wala akong May kaunting akong karanasan sa
karanasan sa karanasan ko karanasan paggawa nito
paggawa nito sa paggawa sa
nito paggawa nito
Using a variety of strategies to listen
carefully to others / Paggamit ng
iba’tibang istratehiya para makinig
nang mabuti sa iba.
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Striving to provide exceptional customer
service, in person or on the telephone /
Pagsisikap upang makapagbigay ng
pinakamagandang serbisyo sa telepono
o personal na pakikitungo sa tao
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Activity 2: Non-Verbal Communication
Objectives:
1. Tell a family member how you feel, or what you think, or what you want—without talking.
2. Think of some words to describe your family member’s reactions and note them down.
3. Tell your family member that you just showed an example of non-verbal communication.
The way you use your body can help or interfere in your communication with
others. Your body can show if you are interested in what the other person is
saying or distracted, can show respect or disrespect to the other person, and
can give many more messages.
Let’s Apply!
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Look at the pictures below. By yourself or with a family member, familiarize yourself with what
each facial expression means by practicing it.
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1. Why do you think non-verbal communication is important when giving information or
when listening to someone?
Objectives:
Read the story about a workplace situation described below. Invite 2 of your family
members, friend or home companions to do a role play. Assign them to take the roles pf
the characters mentioned in the scenario.
Omar is a front desk worker at Lantaka Hotel. He is responsible for checking guests
in, answering the phone, and responding to the needs of hotel guests. He and his
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sister Sitti have been having some misunderstanding lately so he has been
distracted at work. An angry guest from room 202 comes to the desk to complain
about dirty sheets. While the guest was complaining, Omar’s mobile phone rings.
It was his sister. He asks the guest to wait for a minute but he ends up getting into a
heated discussion with Sitti. The guest becomes annoyed and says she is going to go
out and expects clean sheets by the time she returns in her hotel room. Omar nods
his head in agreement and says, “No problem, it will be taken care of”. He continues
with his phone conversation and he is quite upset when he gets off. Things start to
get busy at the hotel -‐‐the hotel phone keeps ringing and a busload of guests
arrives to check-in. The guest from room 202 returns, gets her key and within
minutes she went down in the lobby shouting that her dirty sheets have not been
replaced.
Read the following questions and write your answers below based on your understanding
of the scenario.
• C
a n you identify any
misunderstanding?
• W
h y did this situation
happen?
• H
a
s
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a similar situation happened to you? Have you ever not listened to someone who was
speaking to you? Have you experienced speaking and the other person was not
listening to you? What happened?
Identifying effective listening skills and strategies: Read the statement in the table below one
at a time. Check Yes if you use or practice the standard in your real-life situation, and check
No if you don’t.
Standards Yes No
Do you use appropriate body language to show you are listening? (eye
contact, sit upright, nod head, etc.)
Do you repeat what the speaker has said to make sure you have understood
correctly?
Are you aware of your own attitude & do you avoid being judgmental?
Count your YES and NO answers. If you have more YES answers, then most likely you are
practicing good listening skills!
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Let’s Apply!
Ask your family members, home companions or friends to do a role play with you. You can
choose from the 2 role play scenarios described below. You may change the name of the
characters to your real names or other names as you wish. Your conversation or dialogue in the
role play must be according to the standards found in the Effective Listening Observation
Checklist (Be sure to share the checklist with your role play partner beforehand!).
Once the role play is over, encourage the role players (family member, home companion or a
friend) to express your respective opinions about the story you just role-played together. You
may wish to start a discussion with them on a later time either face to face, via text, chat, or
whatever means available and comfortable to you. It’s always great to share your ideas and hear
more points of view
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The following guide questions may help you in your discussion:
1. What did it feel like to be in a conversation where you failed to understand something that
the other person is trying to say?
2. What did you observe about our body languages while talking to each other?
4. What other tips can you offer for us to become effective listeners?
Sharing is caring
Go back to the exercise you have done on Effective Listening Observation Checklists and share
your output to family and friends. You have reflected on this so now it is time to tell others
about the listening “standards” you are practicing (YES answers) and not practicing (NO
answers). Do it face to face, via text, chat, or whatever means available and comfortable to
you. It’s always great to share your thoughts and hear feedback from people who care
1. Read the standard statement in the checklist where you answered “YES” then ask their
affirmation or feedback if you are practicing it based on their experience in talking to
you.
2. Read the standard statement in the checklist where you answered “NO” and share your
thoughts on how can you do it differently or improve it. You may relate your thoughts to
your workplace environment (if you are currently employed or self-employed). Also ask
for their suggestions on how you can improve on the particular listening strategy.
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Activity 4: Effective Speaking
Objective:
Get any object nearest to you (e.g. book, mobile phone) or a blank sheet of paper and draw
something that comes to your mind first. Look for a family member. In 2 minutes, describe
the object you chose or the picture you drew. Your task is to clearly convey the
importance of the object or drawing in your daily life. Convince the listener/s of its
importance. Keep checking to see his/her interest in the object and adjust your approach
accordingly!
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It is important to focus on speaking. Part of effective speaking is the importance of being
present, open and connected to those you are speaking to both speech and body
language. Some of the instances you will need to use effective speaking skills are:
presenting ideas at work either formally to a supervisor or group of colleagues or
informally to co-workers and socially with family and friends.
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2.2 Effective Speaking Skills and Strategies
Be clear, brief, concise – to the point
Be polite/friendly
Be honest
Be respectful
Be flexible – check the mood and attitudes of others and adjust accordingly
Let’s Exercise!
Read the statements one by one and put a if the statement is about effective speaking and
if not.
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I will speak fast so I can finish early on so I can entertain more questions.
6
I should be clear, brief and direct to the point when speaking.
7
I should know what I want to say in advance and prepare when possible.
8
I will avoid arrogance and maintain confidence when speaking.
9
10 I will try to avoid respect when I needed to speak direct messages.
Let’s Apply!
Go back to your object or drawing. Improve on your description of the object or drawing.
After writing, face a mirror and practice speaking about it to yourself or call a family
member to speak about what you have written.
1. How can my learning today help me become confident and effective in speaking?
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Objective:
Nowadays, there are many different ways of communicating. You may choose to write an
email, send an instant message, a text message, make a phone call, or write a formal
letter. This activity will help you understand the different types of communication used in
the workplace so you can choose the right form depending on your needs.
Write down some examples of each of the 3 main ways of communicating at work:
1) Verbal: ____________________________________________________
2) Written: ___________________________________________________
3) Electronic: _________________________________________________
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Mobile phone
Interview
Meeting
Training
Presentation
Letter
Memo
Report
Proposal
Email
Fax
Voicemail
Webinar
Conference Call
Video Conference
Project Management Website
Instant Messaging (Skype)
Email Mailing List
SMS / Text Message
Sticky note
Other (please add): _________________________
Select what you think are the top 10 most used forms of communication at work and give an
example of when you may choose to use it in the workplace.
1. _____________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________
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4. _____________________________________________________________________
5. _____________________________________________________________________
6. _____________________________________________________________________
7. _____________________________________________________________________
8. _____________________________________________________________________
9. _____________________________________________________________________
10. _____________________________________________________________________
Choose a verbal message if… Choose a written message if… Choose an electronic
message if…
You want immediate You don’t need immediate You need quick but not
feedback. feedback. immediate feedback
Your message is simple and Your message is complex and Your message is simple, but
easy to understand. requires planning. you’re physically separated
You don’t need a written You need a written record for You need an electronic record
record of the interaction your files
You can get together easily Your audience is more formal You are geographically spread
out, or want to avoid
timezone barriers
You want to solve a problem You want to avoid You want to avoid
or make a decision miscommunication miscommunication.
Let’s Exercise!
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Imagine the results for the following scenarios. Write down adjectives to describe the feelings of
your colleagues and draw their related faces beside the adjectives.
Example:
1. You want to solve a problem or make a decision. You sent a long email to your colleague.
_______________________ ______________________
2. Your message is simple, but you’re physically separated. You requested for a conference
call.
3. You want immediate feedback. You walk into the office room of your supervisor.
_______________________ ______________________
4. You need an electronic record. You place a sticky note on the desk of your colleague.
_______________________ ______________________
Let’s Apply!
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2.3 Three Forms of Workplace Communication: Part 3
Instructions: For each type of communication, there are 2 examples of how and when to use that
form of communication. Write 3 more examples for each form.
Sources:
Three Forms of Workplace Communication adapted from Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, Media and
Messages: Building a Foundation of Communication Skills, 2005.
Use this space to complete any of the written assignments above or write any thoughts or ideas
that have come to mind on listening and speaking effectively.
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Congratulations! You have completed the session on Listening and Speaking Effectively. You are
now ready to move to the next session on Cooperating with Others.
SESSION 2: COOPERATING WITH OTHERS
14 Use interpersonal and problem-solving skills to influence and guide others toward a
goal – LS5DS-IF-PSB-LS/AS-2.6.1
15 Leverage strengths of others to accomplish a common goal – LS5DS-IF-PSBLS/AS-2.6.2
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Objectives:
Is respectful of differences
Provides opinions and ideas and seeks the opinions and ideas of others
Negotiates and discusses ideas while being flexible to meet the goals of the group
Is aware of own emotions, thoughts and feelings and keeps them under control for the good
of the group
Moves the group towards resolving conflict (if it exists) so goals can be met
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Look at the picture and imagine that you are observing workers and their supervisor building a
house. Write your observations following the questions below:
Think about yourself when working in a group. Do you perform your task well? Why or why not?
How do you describe yourself working in a group?
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In order to accomplish the task, a group needs to work well together. The members need to
communicate & encourage one another. Often, different personalities will come out – some
will want to take over the process, some will want to encourage others, some will not say
anything at all. When working in a group, it is important to have a mixture of these different
styles.
Let’s Apply!
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Go ahead and share your working styles when working in a group to your family and friends!
Don’t forget to explain the three (3) boxes that you chose above to best describe you.
Remember that a person works in different ways in a group. It is necessary to be aware of your
different styles, and that depending on the task at hand, some styles are more suitable to
accomplishing a task than others. It is good to have a balance of approaches.
Objectives:
Recognize the different personalities and approaches that individuals bring to a group
Identify ways on how to handle different personalities in a group
Identify and demonstrate the characteristics of an effective and cooperative team
member
Value the importance of teamwork
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Look at the picture below.
In a basketball game, there is usually a winning team and a non-winning team. Describe a
winner team and a non-winner team. Also, describe the characteristics of an individual team
member of the winning as well as those of the non-winning team.
Winner Non-Winner
The Team The Team
Has a game plan No strategy
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Team work is important and cooperative team members are needed to achieve a goal.
You are now are going to do an activity that will help you to be a cooperative and effective
team player. Read this scenario:
Renovations are complete and your new office space is ready for people to move into.
You are part of a group of co-workers who has been called together to plan the move. A
leader has been selected but everybody else’s roles need to be determined. This is the
first time that you and your co-workers are meeting as a group. You need to discuss the
location of people’s desks, the photocopier, printers, etc. and to decorate so the office
will attract customers. You all need to determine the steps necessary to accomplish the
task and the roles and responsibilities of those in the group. Your co-workers say these
This is so exciting!Let’s
get morecomputers, I have ideas, but maybe
and also an espresso they’re not good
machine and TV for the enough.Just ask if
reception area! .
you’d like to hear them
Bea
YOU
Rose
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Answer the following questions:
2. What type of personality do you think Karl has? Was he helping the group make
decisions? Why/why not?
3. What type of personality do you think Dely has? Was she preventing the group from
making progress? How could others encourage this person to contribute to the group?
4. If you were the group leader, and you were responsible for developing the plan, what
would you say?
Recognize that individuals making up a team may have different personalities and
approaches. Some examples of individual personalities in this activity are the following:
Group leader: a strong leader tries to speak clearly and listen effectively. The group leader
needs to clearly explain the objectives to the group and keep the group on task. As the person
responsible for developing the plan, the leader tries to involve all in the discussion.
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Quiet / shy person: has a lot of very good ideas but won’t say anything until someone asks
directly. Who do you think is the shy person in this activity?
Domineering person: wants to take over the discussion and lead the group. A domineering
person thinks s/he has all the answers and does not want to waste time having everybody share
their ideas. Who is the domineering person in this activity? How would you handle a
domineering person?
Disagreeable person: has a negative attitude and are resistant towards all ideas. Have you
experienced being with a person like Dely in this activity? How did you interact with that person?
Encouraging person: makes sure that everybody is heard, regardless of their background or
ideas. Pull group members into the conversation. Can you tell who is the encouraging person in
this activity? Do you consider yourself an encouraging person?
Ideas person: gets very excited in the group and loves to brainstorm and share extravagant
ideas that aren’t always realistic. Who is the ideas person in this activity? Would you like an
ideas person to be in your team? Why or why not?
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Working collaboratively
a group
in requires people to be respectful and to be good
listeners.
They offer ideas without interrupting, ask the opinions of others and are accepting of
differences.
They stay focused and move the group towards accomplishing the tasks / goals of the
group.
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2.5 Elements of an Effective and Cooperative Team Member
Go through the Elements of an Effective and Cooperative Team Member and list one element that
you think you are good at, and one element that you would like to improve in yourself.
Interacts with and includes others in courteous, respectful and honest ways
Provides opinions and ideas and seeks the opinions and ideas of others
Negotiates and discusses ideas while being flexible to meet the goals of the group
Is aware of own emotions, thoughts and feelings and keeps them under control for the
good of the group
Moves the group towards resolving conflict (if it exists) so goals can be met
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Sharing is caring
This section encourages you to share your learning to family and friends. You worked hard on
this so now it is time to tell others about the task you have just completed. Do it face to face,
via text, chat, or whatever means available and comfortable to you. It’s always great to share
your thoughts and hear feedback from people who care
Have a chat with a friend and share your self-reflection, and get his/her honest opinion about
your strength and area for improvement.
Use this space to complete any of the written assignments above or write any thoughts or ideas
that have come to mind on cooperating with others.
Congratulations! Now that you know how to cooperate with others better, you are ready to
enter the world of customer care.
SESSION 3: CUSTOMER CARE
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marketable goods and services to earn a living and improve one’s economic status.
Learning Competencies:
Welcome: be friendly, greet customer, introduce yourself, use a positive tone of voice,
smile
Understood: listen carefully, repeat or rephrase to make things clearer
Important: refer to customer by name, show interest in clients need, ask open-ended
questions to understand customer’s needs, thank customer for coming
Comfortable: use open body language, show concern
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Activity 8: Giving Exceptional Customer Service
Objectives:
Ask a family member, friend or neighbor to volunteer as an actor to perform the scenario below
with you.
Situation
A woman bought a jacket yesterday, but today she wants to return it because there is something
wrong with the clothes. It has a tear in the lining and some of the buttons are very loose.
Having checked the clothes, the clerk felt deeply sorry and asked for the receipt.
Clerk: I’m really sorry about this. Would you like to exchange it for another one?
Melanie: Well, to be honest, I don’t think this jacket is very well made. I’d rather get a
refund.
After the role play, take turns in sharing answers to the following questions:
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- What is the topic of the role play? What is the story all about?
- How did the clerk/sales rep handle the situation?
- Do you think the way he/she treated the customer was exceptional?
Again, ask a family member, friend or neighbor to be your partner to discuss your
understanding of what customer means. Share with each other examples of your own
experiences as customers or experiences in serving customers.
What is a customer?
Any time we buy something at a store, in a market, in a restaurant, etc. we are customers.
Those who provide services are providing customer service or customer care. It is
extremely important to always provide excellent customer service.
Discuss: How were your answers different or the same? What can a restaurant/department store
do to meet the needs of the customers as best as they can?
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After your sharing and discussion, thank your partner for his/her thoughts on the topic.
Read the handout below. Then, based on your experience as a customer, in any place of
business or providing customer service as a worker of a store, restaurant, etc., check the
boxes of customer service practices which you have done or encountered in making the
customer feel welcome, understood, important and comfortable. Share the list of those
practices with your partner.
D. Customer Perceptions
Perception is how we see, hear or understand a situation. No two people see a situation exactly
the same! A customer does NOT always think the way you do. S/he may therefore not see a
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situation the way you do. Always check to see what the customer is thinking. Never make
assumptions!
Let’s Apply!
Find another family member or a friend (apart from your partner) so that there will be three
of you participating in this next role play activity. Select which sector you would like to
represent as a work place situation (it can be construction, hospitality services, food
processing, delivery services, retail business, etc.).
One person should play the role of the customer, one should provide the service and the third
person should observe. You should act out a scenario that shows exceptional customer
service as well as showing bad customer service using the suggestions in 2.7 Giving
Exceptional Customer Service on how to meet customer needs. The observer should also use
2.7 Giving Exceptional Customer Service to assess if the business is meeting the needs of the
customer.
This section encourages you to express your opinions to family and friends about a
providing exceptional customer service. With the same persons you engaged in the role play
above, start a discussion with them face to face, via text, chat, or whatever means
available and comfortable to you. It’s always great to share your ideas and hear more
points of view
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The following guide questions may help you in making your discussion lively and engaging.
You should take notes of their responses to each question as they go through sharing
their answers. You may write them alongside the questions or on the space provided
above.
a) welcome?
b) understood?
c) important?
d) comfortable?
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2. What benefits can a business have if a worker or customer service provider…
Sharing is caring
With your list/notes of friends’ responses and inputs gathered in the previous activity (Think
About It discussion), share them with another family member and friend. This time, select a
family member or friend who is working as a small store owner, a sales lady or attendant,
waitress/waiter or have worked in any businesses in your community. You have reflected on
this so now it is time to tell others about what you know about providing exceptional
customer service. Do it face to face, via text, chat, or whatever means available and
comfortable to you. It’s always great to share your thoughts and hear feedback from people
who care .
1. Read the first question (refer to questions in the Think About It discussion) and its
responses, then ask their affirmation or feedback if these are correct/true based on their
experience.
2. 2. Read the second question (refer to questions in the Think About It discussion) and its
responses, then ask if they (or their business) actually received the same benefits or more
benefits.
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3. Ask them about their own experience on:
4. Solicit their ideas or suggestions on important things to remember about how to give
exceptional customer care.
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Activity 9: Customer Service and the Role of Word of Mouth
Objectives:
Read the quote and answer the questions below: “It takes much more effort to win a new
customer than to maintain a relationship with an existing one.”1
• Why do you think good customer service may be that important for a business?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
• What role do you think word of mouth can play in your business?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Customers are the heart of any business. Let’s keep them happy!
You will now see how customer service can have a multiplying effect on a business as result of
word of mouth. Ask your family members and/or friends to join you in this game.
1 Wesihaar, Julie. Build a Strong Business with Strong Customer Relationships. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=HUmO0Z570bk (Retrieved: June 4, 2016)
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Form one large circle with all your chosen participants, and you as part of the circle. Explain
that you will read a few scenarios that describe different customer experiences and we will see
how the message travels around.
Explain the activity to your family members and/or friends: The two people next to me (to my
left and to my right) need to quickly decide: Did the customer in this scenario have a positive or
a negative customer experience? If it is a GOOD customer experience, the person on my LEFT
will TAP THE SHOULDER of the next person (to his/her left), who will do the same to the next
person, until tapping shoulders goes around the circle and reaches me again. If it is a BAD
customer experience, the person on my RIGHT will STOMP HIS/HER FEET, then the next person
will do the same, until stomping feet goes around the circle and reaches me again.
Start the activity; ask them to observe how the message travels through the group.
Read these scenarios one at a time. Allowing time for the persons on your right and on your left
to decide whether to start tapping shoulders (left) or stomping feet (right):
Sandra: I went to the new hair salon and I felt happy as soon as I walked in with
everyone smiling at me and being nice, although I know they work very long hours.
(Positive experience)
Jose: I was eager to see the new hair salon so I went to ask for prices. When the
woman working there realized I just wanted to know the costs, she looked at me
disappointed. I did not feel welcomed. (Negative experience)
Fatima: I went to get my hair trimmed. While I was waiting, hairdressers were
arguing with one another and taking scissors from each other’s stations without
asking for them. I was uncomfortable and left. (Negative experience)
Abdul: I went to have a haircut and there was a long wait, but they gave us tea,
magazines to read, and kept us informed about the wait time. I did not mind waiting
because I felt comfortable. (Positive experience)
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1. What did you observe about how the message traveled? Do messages with positive
experiences travel the same as messages with negative experiences?
2. What do you think this means for a business?
3. What role do you think customer service plays in a business?
4. What role do you think technology plays, mainly the Internet, in spreading the word
about good or bad customer service experiences?
This exercise showed the power of word of mouth! Positive and negative experiences
travel fast and they reach a lot of people quickly. If the message goes out, it goes into so
many different directions that you cannot stop it. With technology and the internet, this
spreads a lot faster and to more people! Good Customer Service will lead to positive
messages that will spread out, and this also includes good packaging, pricing and
marketing style. However, bad customer service which includes, pricing too much such as
the price of your candies, will lead to negative messages that will also spread out, and
sometimes even faster. It is said that, “when a customer has a bad experience with a
business, he or she will tell at least 10 people about it”.
Customers are the heart of a business because they bring the profit; they determine the
success of a business. We should pay careful attention to customers.
Let’s Apply!
In one or two sentences, how can you avoid your customers from bad-mouthing your product or
service offered in the market? What do you think is best way to provide good customer service?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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Sharing is Caring
This section encourages you to express your opinions to family and friends. Start a discussion
with them face to face, via text, chat, or whatever means available and comfortable to you. It’s
always great to share your ideas and hear more points of view
• Select a product from Shoppee or Lazada from your mobile phone – in the absence of
these apps, think of something that you want to buy in the department store.
• Text or chat your friend/s and discuss the product. Make sure to state /discuss/say both
negative and positive things about the product.
• Observe your friend’s reaction about it – whether he/she will also have something to
say about it.
Objectives:
Think about workplace observation. How can we learn about communication during an
observation?
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What should you do during a workplace observation?
A Workplace Observation
is when you go to “look and see” at a workplace for a short
time, 20– 40 minutes.
The aim is to see different jobs and work environments, different forms of
communication, and customer service behaviors.
Observations in public spaces. You can do this on your way home at a public space such
as a café, bank, hospital, construction site or store. These locations should not require
you to ask for permission.
Asking permission. You can also conduct an observation after asking for permission. This
approach will be needed at places that require access into a workplace, where you can
stand out of the way in a space that does not require safety clothing. Examples of these
situations include a car repair workshop, panel beating workshop, or inside a restaurant
kitchen.
Let’s Apply!
You will complete two workplace observations. If there are safety restrictions, choose
workplaces that you can observe from a safe distance outside. Do an observation when you are
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tending to your daily needs such as grocery shopping or going to the pharmacy. Observe for 10
– 20 minutes.
Complete the form for each observation to the best of your ability. You may not be able to
answer every single question. Take notes as you can and then answer the questions on
communication that follow the table when you are back home.
Communication:
5. What forms of
communication did you
see?
6. How did the supervisor
communicate with the
employees?
Customer Service:
7. Describe any good customer
service you saw.
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8. Describe any bad customer
service you saw.
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How did the staff communicate with their customers?
Objectives:
State the main topics presented during the module
Reflect on their performance regarding listening and speaking by identifying
their strengths, challenges and what they can do to address their challenges
Perform a role-play
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Reflect on what you have learned from Module 2. Jot down your answers to the questions
below in the spaces provided.
1.
2.
1.
2.
Weakness: Share 2 weaknesses that you think you have in communication that you can
improve in the future.
1.
2.
Challenges: Share 2 things that you find very challenging in effective communication.
1.
2.
Let’s Apply!
Engage your family members in debate! Follow these set of instructions carefully.
1. Select at least 2 family members to join your debate activity as there are three main roles: a.
Speaker 1: affirmative stand
b. Speaker 2: opposition stand
c. Facilitator
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2. Take the role of one speaker. It does not matter if it is the affirmative or opposition stand.
3. Below are some suggestions of topics for debate, but you may come up with your own.
Choose a topic that is relevant to your family’s concerns.
4. Below are the main mechanics of the debate which your family should observe.
NOTE: There cannot be any interruptions. Speakers must wait for their turn. The facilitator
should enforce the rules.
The affirmative speaker presents further arguments in support of the statement and
provides rebuttals to the arguments raised by the opposition speaker.
(e.g. Furthermore, same sex marriage should be legal in the Philippines because of
reason #4 and reason #5. To answer your earlier arguments… answer reason #1, #2,
and #3 of opposing speaker.
The opposition speaker presents further arguments against the statement and provides
rebuttals to the arguments raised by the affirmative speaker.
(e.g. Furthermore, same sex marriage should NOT be legal in the Philippines because
of reason #4 and reason #5. To answer your earlier arguments… answer reason #4 and
#5 of opposing speaker.
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Affirmative speaker presents closing remarks.
In what ways did this debate relate to what you learned in this Module on Interpersonal
Communication?
What good communication skills did you see displayed in this debate? Give examples.
What communication skills were not observable, but you think could help in a debate or
similar dialogue?
Use this space to complete any of the written assignments above or write any thoughts or ideas
that have come to mind on customer care.
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Learners’ Reflection: Module 2 Interpersonal Communication
Remember this? You answered this at the beginning of the module. Answer it again and compare your
results with your previous reflection. Is there a difference?
This is not a test but is a way for you to see what you already know or do not know about the
topics. You will read a skill that is listed in the left column. Think about yourself and your
experience. Then read the statements across the top. Check the column that best represents your
situation. The results will help you and your teacher know which topics may require more time,
effort and guidance.
Ang mga katanungan dito ay hindi test. Ito ay isang paraan upang malaman mo ang iyong
kaalaman, kasanayan o kakayahan tungkol sa paksang ito. Basahin mo ang mga kaalaman,
kasanayan o kakayahan na nakalista sa kaliwang kolum. Magbalik-tanaw sa iyong sarili at mga
karanasan, basahin ang lahat ng mga pangungusap at i-tsek ang sagot na naaangkop sa iyong
sitwasyon. Ang iyong kasagutan ay magiging gabay mo at ng iyong guro sa pagpapalawak ng iyong
kaalaman tungkol sa paksang ito.
My experience 1 2 3 4
I don’t have I have very I have some I have a lot of
Knowledge, skills and abilities any experience little experience experience
doing this. experience doing this. doing this.
Kaalaman, kasanayan at kakayahan doing this
Wala akong Mayroon akong Marami akong
karanasan sa May kaunti karanasan karanasan sa
paggawa nito akong sa paggawa nito
karanasan ako paggawa nito
sa
paggawa
nito
Using a variety of strategies to listen
carefully to others / Paggamit ng
iba’tibang istratehiya para makinig nang
mabuti sa iba.
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customer care and service / Pag-unawa sa
kahalagahan ng pag- alaga ng kustomer
at pagbibigay ng kaukulang serbisyo.
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End-of-Module Assessment
Structure of the Assessment: It has a total of 10 questions. Some questions are multiple choice
and some questions are true or false. You should choose only ONE answer for each question.
Once you have finished answering the questions, note down any clarifications you want to ask
your instructor.
English Tagalog
1. When you are discussing an issue at work 1. Kapag may tinatalakay kang usapin sa isang
with a co -worker and she or he is saying katrabaho at hindi ka sumasangayon sa
somet you:
hing that you do not agree with, sinasabi niya, dapat:
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2. When someone else is speaking, you 2. Kapag may nagsasalita, dapat magpakita ka
should give non-verbal communication ng mga non-verbal communication cues
cues to show that you understand. para ipakitang naiintindihan mo.
a. True a. Tama
b. False b. Mali
4. When you do not fully understand 4. Kapag hindi mo lubusang naiintindihan ang
instructions given to you by your sinasabi ng iyong supervisor sa trabaho:
supervisor at work, you:
a. Tatango ka sa pagsang-ayon para
a. Nod your head in agreement so you hindi masayang ang oras ng iyong
do not waste your supervisor’s time supervisor
b. Assume you will figure it on your b. Umasang maiintindihan mo rin
own iyon mag-isa
c. Ask your supervisor to repeat the c. Hilingin sa supervisor mo na ulitin
instructions so you are clear on ang mga sinasabi niya para
what you need to do malinaw sa iyo ang dapat mong
d. Ask a co-worker what she or he gawin
thinks you are supposed to do d. Tanungin ang isang katrabaho kung
e. All of the above ano sa tingin niya ang dapat mong
gawin
e. Lahat ng nabanggit
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5. When giving instructions or information to 5. Kapag nagtuturo o nagbibigay ng
a group of co-workers, you should ask a impormasyon sa isang grupo ng mga
person to repeat back what you have said katrabaho, dapat mong hilingin sa isang
to make sure everyone is clear on the task tao na ulitin sa iyo ang sinabi mo para
at hand. makasiguradong malinaw sa lahat ang
dapat gawin.
a. True
b. False a. Tama
b. Mali
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such as person’s name and number, d. Itala ang lahat ng mahahalagang
date of call, what the person needs impormasyon tulad ng pangalan ng
e. All of the above tao, numero, oras ng tawag, at kung
ano ang kaniyang
pangangailangan
e. Lahat ng nabanggit
10. If a customer is angry, you too should get 10. Kapag galit ang isang customer, kailangan
angry to respond effectively. mo ring magalit para maramdaman ang
iyong pagtugon.
a. True
b. False a. Tama
b. Mali
Congratulations! You have completed the module on Interpersonal Communication! You are
now ready to conquer the next module on Leadership & Teamwork.
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