Employability Skills

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Unit 1 Communication Skills

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 Session 1 Methods of Communication 1
1) Define Important parts of communications.
Transmitting: The sender transmits the message through one medium or another.
Listening: The receiver listens or understands the message.
Feedback: The receiver conveys their understanding of the message to the sender in the form
of feedback to complete the communication cycle.

2) Define any 4 elements of communications.

Sender: the person beginning the communication.
Message: the information that the sender wants to convey.
Channel: the means by which the information is sent.
Receiver: the person to whom the message is sent.
Feedback: the receiver’s acknowledgement and response to the message.
3) Define any 2 methods of communication.
Face-to-face informal communication: There is nothing better than face-to-face
communication. It helps the message to be understood clearly and quickly. Also, since body
language can be seen in this case; it adds to the effectiveness of the communication.
Email: E-mail can be used to communicate quickly with one or many individuals in various
locations. It offers flexibility, convenience and low-cost.
Notices/Posters: It is effective when the same message has to go out to a large group of people.
Generally used for where email communication may not be effective. For example, ‘Change in
the lunch time for factory worker,’ or ‘XYZ Clothing will remain closed for customers on Sunday.’
Business Meetings: Communication during business meetings at an organisation are generally
addressed to a group of people. It can be related to business, management and organisational
decisions.
Other Methods: There can be various other methods like social networks, message, phone call
for communication, newsletter, blog, etc.
4) How can you choose right method of communication?
Choosing the right method of communication depends on
• target audience
• costs
• kind/type of information
• urgency/priority

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 Session 2 Verbal Communication
1) What do you mean by verbal communication? Explain any 2.
Verbal communication includes sounds, words, language, and speech. Speaking is one of the
most effective and commonly used way of communicating. It helps in expressing our emotions
in words. By improving your verbal communication skills, you will build rapport, and have a
better connect.

Interpersonal Communication: This form of communication takes place between two

individuals and is thus a one-on-one conversation. It can be formal or informal.
Examples
1. A manager discussing the performance with an employee.
2. Two friends discussing homework. 3. Two people talking to each other over phone or video
call. The sender transmits the message through one medium or another.

Written Communication: This form of communication involves writing words. It can be letters,
circulars, reports, manuals, SMS, social media chats, etc. It can be between two or more people.
Examples
1. A manager writing an appreciation e-mail to an employee.
2. Writing a letter to grandmother enquiring about health.

Small Group Communication: This type of communication takes place when there are more
than two people involved. Each participant can interact and converse with the rest.
Examples
1. Press conferences 2. Board meetings 3. Team meetings
Public Communication: This type of communication takes place when one individual address
a large gathering.
Examples
1. Election campaigns 2. Public speeches by dignitaries
2) What are the advantages & Disadvantages of Verbal Communication?
Advantages: It is an easy mode of communication in which you
can exchange ideas by saying what you want and get a quick response. Verbal communication
also enables you to keep changing your interaction as per the other person’s response.
Disadvantages: Since verbal communication depends on written or spoken words, sometimes
the meanings can be confusing and difficult to understand if the right words are not used.
3) How can you be a Good Communicator?

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 Session 3 Non-Verbal Communication
1) What do you mean by Non-Verbal communication? Explain any 2.
Non-verbal communication is the expression or exchange of information or messages without
using any spoken or written word. In other words, we send signals and messages to others,
through expressions, gestures, postures, touch, space, eye contact and para language.

2) Define importance of Non-verbal Communication.

• 55% communication is done using body movements, face, arms, etc.
• 38% communication is done using voice, tone, pauses, etc.
• only 7% communication is done using words.
• Our message becomes more effective if we use the right gestures while communicating.
• If we know about non-verbal communication, we can understand our audience’ reaction
and adjust our interaction accordingly.
• Using the right gestures and postures is a sign of professionalism and etiquette.
• If verbal messages are obstructed by noise or distance, etc., we can use our hand
movements to exchange messages. For example, placing a finger on the lips indicates
the need for silence while nodding the head is the same as saying ‘yes’.
3) Define any 2 types of Non-Verbal communications.

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4) What do you mean by Visual Communication? Explain with example.
Visual communication proves to be effective since it involves interchanging messages only
through images or pictures and therefore, you do not need to know any particular language for
understanding it. It is simple and remains consistent across different places.

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 Session 4 Communication Cycle and Importance of Feedback
1) What do you mean by Feedback?
Feedback is an important part of the communication cycle. For
effective communication, it is important that the sender
receives an acknowledgement from the receiver about getting
the message across. While a sender sends information, the
receiver provides feedback on the received message.
Translated to the work environment, when you observe
someone perform their work and then, communicate with them
to help improve their performances, you are giving feedback.
Feedback can be positive or negative. A good feedback is always
• specific • helpful • kind
2) Define any 2 types of feedback.
Positive Feedback:
• I noticed you finished the work perfectly. Great job!
• I really appreciate you taking that call. Can you please also share the details?
Negative Feedback
• You keep forgetting to smile at the hotel guests when you talk to them.
• You take really long to reply to e-mails! Are you always so busy?
No Feedback
• It is also a feedback in itself which indicates disagreement of ideas.
3) What should be a Good feedback?
• Specific • Timely • Polite • Offering continuing support
4) Define importance of feedback.
• It validates effective listening
• It motivates
• It is always there
• It boosts learning
• It improves performance

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 Session 5 Barriers to Effective Communication
1) What is Effective Communication?

2) Define any 2 Barriers to Effective Communication.

Physical Barriers: Not being able to see gestures, posture and general body language can make
communication less effective. For example, text messages are often less effective than face-to-
face communication.
Linguistic Barriers: The inability to communicate using a language is known as language barrier
to communication. misunderstandings and misinterpretations between people. For example,
slang, professional jargon and regional colloquialisms can make communication difficult.
Interpersonal Barriers: When the sender’s message is received differently from how it was
intended. It is also very difficult to communicate with someone who is not willing to talk or
express their feelings and views. Stage fear, lack of will to communicate, personal differences
can create interpersonal barriers to communication.
Organisational Barriers: Organisations are designed on the basis of formal hierarchical
structures that follow performance standards, rules and regulations, procedures, policies,
behavioural norms, etc. All these affect the free flow of communication in organisations and
therefore, need to be suitably managed. Superior-subordinate relationships in a formal
organisational structure can be a barrier to free flow of communication. Also, sometimes
due to the stringent rules, the employees find it difficult to communicate with their peers too.
Cultural Barriers: People of different cultures are unable to understand each other’s customs,
resulting in inconveniences and difficulties. People sometimes make stereotypical assumptions
about others based on their cultural background, this leads to difference in opinions and can be
a major barrier to effective communication.
3) What are the ways to Overcome Barriers to Effective Communication?
• Use simple language
• Do not form assumptions on culture, religion or geography
• Try to communicate in person as much as possible
• Use visuals
• Take help of a translator to overcome differences in language
• Be respectful of other’s opinions

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 Session 6 Writing Skills — Parts of Speech
1) Define Capitalisation Rules.

2) What do you mean by punctuation? Explain any 2 punctuation marks.

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3) Define any 2 part of speech.

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 Session 7 Writing Skills — Sentences
1) Write two sentences of each type of sentence — statement, question, exclamatory and
order.

2) Explain parts of sentence.

Subject: Person or thing that performs an action.
Verb: Describes the action.
Object: Person or thing that receives the action.

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3) Explain Direct & Indirect objects.

4) Define Active & Passive Voice sentences.

Sentences where the subject does an action are known to be in the Active voice, whereas
sentences in which the subject receives an action are known to be in the Passive voice.

5) Define Paragraph.
Just as a group of words form a sentence, a group of sentences forms a paragraph.
However, to qualify as a paragraph, all the sentences within it must have a common
idea or theme.
For example, if you are writing about your best friend, the first paragraph can be of
sentences about the name, age, personality, friendship duration and other such
details. In the next paragraph you can use sentences to describe what qualities you
like about your best friend and how valuable your friendship is.

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Unit 2 Self-management Skills

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 Session 1 Stress Management
1) What are the skills you must master to succeed in life?
• Self-awareness • Responsibility • Time Management • Adaptability
2) What is stress?
Stress can be defined as our emotional, mental, physical and social reaction to any
perceived demands or threats. These demands or threats are called stressors. Stressors
are the reason for stress.
For example,
• you are too close to the exams but feel unprepared.
• you are experiencing a loss of someone close in the family.
• you are worried about what people would think of you if you don’t dress well or cannot
speak confidently.
• you are stressed due to lack of sleep.
3) Define ABC of stress management.
A: Adversity or the stressful event B: Beliefs or the way you respond to the event
C: Consequences or actions and outcomes of the event
4) Define benefits of stress management.
• have a joyful life. • focus and complete tasks on time.
• be a happy person as you are stress free.
• be more energetic and spend quality time with your friends and family.
5) Define any 2 stress management techniques.
• Time management • Physical exercise and fresh air • Healthy diet • Positivity
• Organising academic life; no delaying • Sleep • Holidays with family and friends
6) Define Ability to Work Independently.
1. becoming self-aware, self-monitoring and self-correcting.
2. knowing what you need to do.
3. taking the initiative rather than being told what to do.
4. recognising your mistakes and not blaming others.
5. having the ability and the will to learn continuously.
7) What are the steps to manage emotional intelligence?
• Understand your emotions • Rationalise • Practise
8) Define Emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as
the emotions of others. It is generally said to include at least three skills
• Emotional awareness • Harnessing emotions • Managing emotions

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 Session 2 Self-awareness — Strength and Weakness Analysis
1) Define term “ Knowing yourself”
Understanding who you are, what you like or dislike, what are your beliefs, what are your
opinions, what is your background, what you do well and what you do not do well is
important because only then can you actually measure your strengths and weaknesses.

2) What are the techniques to identify the strengths (or ability)?

• Think of anything that you are always successful at.
• Think about what others like in you.
• Take out time and think about what you do well.
3) What are the techniques to identify the weakness?
• Point out the areas where you struggle and the things you find difficult to do.
• Look at the feedback others usually give you.
• Be open to feedback and accept your weaknesses without feeling low about it. Take it as
an area of improvement
4) What is the difference between interest and ability?
Sr. Interest Ability
1 Things that you like to do in your free time An acquired or natural capacity
that make you happy.
2 Things you are curious about or would do Enable you to perform a particular
even if no one asked you to do it. job or task with considerable
proficiency.
3 Things you want to learn or would
like to do in the future.

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 Session 3 Self-Motivation
1) Define term “ Self-Motivation”
Self-motivation is simply the force within you that drives you to do things. Self-motivation
is what pushes us to achieve our goals, feel happy and improve our quality of life. In other
words, it is our ability to do the things that need to be done without someone or something
influencing us.
2) Explain types of motivation.
Internal Motivation: LOVE
We do things because they make us happy, healthy and feel good. For example, when you
perform on your annual day function and you learn something new, such as dancing,
singing, etc., you feel good.
External Motivation: REWARD
We do things because they give us respect, recognition and appreciation. For example,
Suresh participated in a 100m race and won a prize. This motivated him to go for practice
every morning.
3) What are the steps to build Self-Motivation?

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 Session 4 Self-regulation — Goal Setting
1) How to Set Goals?
Specific: A specific and clear goal answers six questions. Who is involved in the goal? What
do I want to do? Where do I start? When do I start and finish? Which means do I use? Why
am I doing this?
Measureable: A measureable goal answers the questions “How much?”, “How many?” and
“How do I know that I have achieved results?”
Achievable: Breaking down big goals into smaller parts will make the goal achievable.
Realistic : A realistic goal would be something that we want to achieve and can work
towards.
Time bound: A SMART goal should have a timeframe by when the goal needs to be achieved.
This encourages us to take actions to completely fulfill the goals.

Session 5 Self-regulation — Time Management

1) What are the steps for Effective Time Management?
Organise Pritortise Control Track
2) What are Tips for Practicing the Four Steps for Effective Time Management
• Avoid delay or postponing any planned activity
• Organise your room and school desk
• Develop a ‘NO DISTURBANCE ZONE’, where you can sit and complete important tasks
• Use waiting time productively
• Prepare a ‘To-do’ list
• Prioritise
• Replace useless activities with productive activities

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 Unit 3
Information and Communication Technology Skills

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 Session 1 Basic Computer Operations
1) What Basic Functions performed when a computer starts?
a computer automatically runs a basic program called BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
as soon as it is switched on or the power button is pushed on. The BIOS first does a self-
test. If the self-test shows that the system is fine, the BIOS will load the Operating System.
This means that the computer’s operating system, for example, Ubuntu, is now ready to
take user inputs.
2) Define the mouse functions.
• Roll Over or Hover
• Point and Click
• Drag and Drop
• Double-click
3) Define some keyboard keys.
(a) Control keys: Keys, such as Control (CTRL), SHIFT, SPACEBAR, ALT, CAPS LOCK etc.
(b) Enter key: The label on this key can be either ENTER or RETURN, depending on the
brand of computer that you are using. You use the ENTER or the RETURN key to move
the cursor to the beginning of a new line.
(c) Punctuation keys: Punctuation keys include keys for punctuation marks, such as colon
(:), semicolon (;), question mark (?), single quotation marks (‘ ’), and double quotation
marks (“ ”).
(d) Navigation keys: Keys, such as the arrow keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP, and PAGE DOWN
are navigation keys.
(e) Command keys: Keys, such as INSERT (INS), DELETE (DEL), and BACKSPACE are
command keys. When the INSERT key is turned ON, it helps you overwrite characters
to the right of the cursor.
(f) Windows key: Pressing this key opens the Start menu

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 Session 2 Performing Basic File Operations
1) What do you mean by File?
All information stored in a computer is kept in files. Different types of files store different
types of information. Each file is given a file name and has a file name extension that
identifies the file type. The file name and file name extension are separated by a period or a
‘dot’.
2) What are the steps to create a Folder?
• Right Click on the desktop empty area
• Click on new option and then Folder Option.

Session 3 Computer Care and Maintenance

1) Define some basic tips of taking care of devices.
• Keeping a Device Clean
• Prepare a Maintenance Schedule
• Backup Your Data
• Scanning and Cleaning Viruses
• Increasing Computer Performance
• Removing SPAM from your Computer

Session 4 Computer Security and Privacy

1) Define any 2 threats to computer.
(a) Theft: Physical, Identity, Software Piracy,
(b) Virus; Worms, Trojan Horse, Online Predator, Internet Scam.
2) What are the ways to protect your data?
(a) Use passwords to login to your computer
(b) Install Anti-virus and Firewall
(c) Encrypt Data
(d) Secure sites

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Unit 4 Entrepreneurial Skills

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 Session 1 Entrepreneurship and Society
1) What are the qualities of a successful entrepreneur?
• They are confident. They believe in themselves and their abilities.
• They keep trying new ideas in their business.
• They are patient.
• They are creative and think differently about business ideas.
• They take responsibility for their actions.
• They take decisions after thinking about them.
• They work hard.
• They do not give up when they face a difficulty.
2) Define Wage Employed and Self Employed.
Wage employed people are people who work for a person or an organization and get paid
for that work. Self-employed people are those who start businesses to satisfy the needs of
people. A self-employed person who is always trying to make his/her business better by
taking risks and trying new ideas is an entrepreneur.
3) How entrepreneurs help in growing the area and society they live in?
• Fulfil Customer Needs
• Use Local Materials
• Help Society
• Create Jobs
• Sharing of Wealth
• Lower Price of Products

Session 2 Qualities and Functions of an Entrepreneur

1) Define functions of an entrepreneur.

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 Session 3 Myths about Entrepreneurship
1) Define any 2 myths about entrepreneurship.
• The misconception is that every business idea needs to be unique or special.
• The misconception we have is that a person needs a lot of money to start a business.
• A misconception we have is that only a person having a big business is an entrepreneur.
• A misconception we have is that entrepreneurs are born, not made.

Session 4 Entrepreneurship as a Career Option

1) Define career process.

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Unit 5 Green Skills

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 Session 1 Sustainable Development
1) What is Sustainable Development?
Sustainable development is the development that satisfies the needs of the present
without compromising the capacity of future generations, guaranteeing the balance
between economic growth, care for the environment and social well-being.
• Eliminate Poverty
• Erase Hunger
• Establish Good Health and Well-Being
• Provide Quality Education
• Enforce Gender Equality
• Improve Clean Water and Sanitation
• Grow Affordable and Clean Energy
• Create Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Increase Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• Reduce Inequality
• Mobilize Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Influence Responsible Consumption and Production
• Organize Climate Action
• Develop Life Below Water
• Advance Life on Land
• Guarantee Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• Build Partnerships for the Goals

2) Explain 3 problems related to Sustainable Development.

(a) Food: The amount of rich, fertile land needed to grow crops, such as wheat, rice, etc., is
becoming less as we are using up more and more land for other purposes. Soil nutrients are
also getting depleted and lots of chemicals are spoiling the soil due to use of chemical
fertilisers.
(b) Water: We use fresh water from rivers and ponds for drinking and cleaning but dump
garbage into them. The rivers and ponds are getting polluted. This way after several years,
we will have no clean water for our use.
(c) Fuel: We are using a lot of wood from trees as fuels and for construction of homes and
furniture. As more and more trees are being cut, it is affecting the climate of the place.
Extreme weather conditions, such as floods, extreme cold or heat, are seen in many places,
which affect the people living there.

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3) What are the areas of Sustainable Development?
• reducing excessive use of resources and enhancing resource conservation;
• recycling and reuse of waste materials;
• scientific management of renewable resources, especially bio-resources;
• planting more trees;
• green grassy patches and trees to be interspersed between concrete buildings;
• using more environment friendly material or biodegradable material and
• use of technologies, which are environmentally friendly and based on efficient use of
resources.

4) Explain any sustainable development initiatives.

When plastics were banned by the municipal corporation of Mangalore, an innovator and
entrepreneur Mr Avasth Hedge found an eco-friendly alternative. He made a 100 per cent
bio-degradable bag which can dissolve in hot water and decompose in natural environment.
This is now being used in many countries and is going to help the environment. Another
innovative idea was to stop the use of plastics spoons, forks, etc. Narayana Peesapaty made
edible cutlery made out of a grain — these spoons can be eaten and even if they are not
eaten, they will easily decompose in the soil enriching it

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 Session 2 Our Role in Sustainable Development
1) What are our roles in Quality Education?
Education is the most important factors for sustainable development. Children who have
gone to school will be able to do jobs so that they can take care of themselves and their
families. Education helps us become aware of our role as a responsible citizen. We should
1. use the facilities present in our areas.
2. take our friends to school.
3. help friends’ study.
4. stop friends from dropping out of school.
2) What are our roles in Responsible Consumers and Producers?
We can become responsible about our own environment by
1. reusing paper, glass, plastic, water, etc.
2. taking cloth bags to market carrying fruits and vegetables.
3. donate things we do not use such as clothes, books, furniture, food, etc.
4. Buy and eat seasonal fruits and vegetables from local growers.
5. Repair leaking taps and pipes to avoid wasting water.
6. Sort and treat garbage before disposing.

Clean Water and Sanitation: We must make efforts to make India free of open defecation
by building toilets and creating awareness towards sanitation. Industrial pollution is
polluting our water resources, which in near future will cause scarcity of clean drinking
and usable water. We must take measurable steps by promoting awareness to keep water
sources clean.
Affordable and Clean Energy: Using solar power i.e., power generated using the sun does
not cause pollution as it does not require burning of non-renewable fuels, such as coal. We
are making efforts to increase the solar power generation so that our electricity needs are
met and at the same time we do not pollute the environment or use up natural resources.
Use of biogas is also an eco-friendly alternative to natural gas.
Reduced Inequalities: To reduce inequalities we can
1. be helpful to one another.
2. be friendly with everyone.
3. include everyone while working or playing.
4. help others by including everyone whether they are small or big, girl or boy, belong to
any class or caste.

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