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Observing your own performance

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Simon Sinek on How Reflection Informs Personal Growth

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Listen to the introductions and overview.
What skills does the interviewer have?

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Women in Retail, Woman's Hour - BBC Radio 4

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What do the high street's problems mean for female consumers, employees and entrepreneurs?

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Listen to the clip and how the interviewer expertly asks questions.

You will notice that the interviews do most of the talking with prompts!

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Why are more top employers offering the brightest and best school leavers a fast track career without the need to go to university? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Why are more top employers offering school leavers a fast track career without the need to go to university? Applicants for the top Degree Apprenticeships need to get good A level grades and pass a rigorous selection process. Their reward is the opportunity to earn a living while they gain a degree and qualify as a professional. Evan Davis discusses the pros and cons of such schemes with a high flying apprentice and two employers who are competing with universities for the brightest and best school leavers.

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BBC Radio 4 - The Bottom Line, Careers without College

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Why are top employers offering the school leavers a fast track career without university?

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The end point assessment discussion provides a comprehensive opportunity to assess your knowledge and understanding as well as your analytical thinking and critical thinking abilities.

It is important to remember that the professional discussion is not just a question and answer session and throughout this padlet we discussed the stages that you need to work through in order to be able to make your discussion a success.

The EPA professional discussion is a highly structured interview looking at it from the point of your Trainer and EPA assessor that are looking to meet specific criteria and themes within the activity.

From your viewpoint of the candidate, the discussion should feel open, fluid and productive. You should have the opportunity to provide your insights, knowledge that is not prompted by the assessor.

This mean you must be comfortable in leading the discussion.

You will have a plan in place

You will know the format of the discussion

You will have a list or points that you are going to cover

It will involve some standardised questions

It will be focused and professional

Your EPA assessor will try to make you feel as comfortable as possible

You may be asked to elaborate on certain points you are covering in the discussion

You should summarise your points at appropriate stages in the conversation

The discussion will be recorded in writing, audio or video

The discussion will be assessed and graded with a response of pass, merit, fail or distinction

Your employer will receive feedback

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The key to confidence is preparation!

1. Be clear! Ensure that you understand the overall aim of the discussion and its objectives, in case of a professional discussion with your Trainer or in the future this may be your EPA assessor. You can do this by being familiar with the skills, knowledge and behaviours that you are expected to demonstrate and be confident and comfortable with the subject matters discussed in the apprenticeship standards and the associated qualification if  the latter applies to your apprenticeship.

2. Practice! Professional discussion will feature in your apprenticeship assessment visits, use the ideas in this padlet, put these to use and reflect on the outcome with your Trainer. Implement any development points that you may have identified during those reflections and document this on your personal development plan. You can also use your discussion skills with work colleagues and asked for their feedback on your performance.

3. Warm up! Study or revisit the subject shortly before your discussion.

4. Create a good climate! Know the person or persons name that you will be meeting and understand why they are there. Arrange the room if you are able to be conducive to communication. Build an atmosphere of respect.

5. Consider responses! Consider how the the person that you are in discussion with may react or respond to the subject matter and what questions you may get asked. You can do this by thinking about what questions you would ask or by asking others what they responses would be. Try to cover all angles. The questions that you may be presented with can take different forms, such as:

Hypothetical - meaning questions based on scenarios that may not have occurred

Cause and effect questions, meaning questions based on statements that describe a situation and it's effect

Exploratory question, meaning questions that preset to explore a particular subject

Rationale question, meaning based a statement or logical explanation

A diagnostic question, this is an assessment of knowledge for example a math question assesses what a person knows

Questions can also be used to move a conversation forward.

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To ensure you are making a good first and lasting impression on the people that you meet it is important that you introduce yourself.
Your introduction should tell people who you are and make people want to engage with you, for this to happen you need to come across as confident.

Confidence puts people at ease!

When introducing yourself consider adding, other than your name:

Where you work and your job title

A description of the setting you work in and/or organisation you work for

The benefit your organisation or you can offer someone

How long your introduction is and how much detail you use is entirely pending on the situation that you are in. Do remember to:

Speak clearly

Smile

Seek and maintain eye contact with the person you are speaking to

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We have discussed what skills, knowledge and behaviours we need to demonstrate to be considered an effective communicator but we have not yet discussed the importance of being aware of one's own body language and the impact body language can have on others. Body language is a non verbal communication method but did you know that over 50% of human conversation relays on body language? How aware are you of the signal you give to others?

Being aware and understanding how body language influences the success of our communications or in this case a discussion is an essential life and work skill and also a skill that is depleting due to the use of online/social media communication mediums.

Watch the video below to build your awareness and try to practice these skills in everyday conversations, feedback to your Trainer, reflect and discuss how effective this strategy can be.

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As well as the video above please read the following article on the importance of body language.

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Not long ago, we talked about the different hand gestures used by Italians and Brazilians when they communicate. It's a well-known fact: many people from Italy, Brazil, France, even the United States and England use their hands during conversation. When we speak, our mouth is not the only body part we can use to help get our message across... Today we're going to explore this idea, the idea of another "language" we use to communicate: body language. Why is it so important, and how can you learn it?

Communicating with Your Body...

It's true! Everyone knows that words aren't humans' only means of communication. Gestures, facial expressions, body movements and posture, and intonation can all convey a message or add something to it. They are almost more important than verbal language! Albert Mehrabian even did a study on this subject; check it out!

Mehrabian and non-verbal communication

In the late 60s, Mehrabian conducted several experiments to find out just how important gestures and intonation are for conveying a message. So what were his results? Only 7 % of communication is verbal, 38 % is considered paraverbal (meaning tone and intonation) and 55% is non-verbal! As you can see, gestures, hand signals, and different body movements are extremely important to know how to use!

Okay, just between us, these numbers might be somewhat debatable... Mehrabian himself acknowledged that they were the result of a controlled experiment, and that they don't completely reflect a realistic situation. But the results did allow Mehrabian to make this point: words alone are not enough to fully understand the complete intention of someone's message. The takeaway: intonation and the way the message is sent also count for something.

Intonation

To give you a simple example, think about the word "thanks." A positive connotation is generally associated with this word. However, think about how you might understand it differently if the person saying it does so with a firm or curt tone of voice (or maybe while rolling their eyes). You may interpret it in a completely different way, and "thanks" in this context will likely seem much less positive. Intonation is just as important as the words themselves when it comes to conveying "feeling."

Intonation changes, just like facial expressions, don't vary too much from culture to culture. Disgust is easy to read on someone's face, whether they are French or Spanish. Similarly, intonations associated with happiness and sadness are generally easy to pick up on no matter where you are from. In addition to intonation, body language also includes physical gestures.

Hand gestures and movements

These telling gestures help convey subtleties of a message. They can even replace words in some situations. For example, if you are interested in what the other person is telling you, you probably won't cut them off and say, "Hey that's interesting! Go ahead, keep going." Instead, you may lean closer to them to let them know you are interested and curious about what they have to say, or you might nod your head in agreement. This is non-verbal communication.

Most of the gestures we use to help convey messages, we make with our hands. Lize et Mara translate some common Italian and Brazilian hand gestures for you in this fun video. Check it out below:

In the United States, we might say hello by waving. Sometimes we give a "thumbs-up" to let someone know that something is good. Or, we might show them our middle finger if we are very upset! We can even tell someone that we are getting impatient, just by using our hands. The use of hand gestures is universal: all cultures use them for non-verbal communication. But they don't always mean the same things!

Learning a foreign language is hard enough, and now you have to think about body language, too?! We've got your back. Take a look at the tips we have for you for learning this subtle "language"!

How to Learn Body Language?

You probably are familiar with most of the body language used by other Americans or Brits, although there might be some small regional differences, but you may not know much about the gestures or other non-verbal communication methods of other cultures. Did you know that waving your hand, a way to say "hello" in some cultures, can really offend people in Croatia? They believe it is too close to Hitler's Nazi salute. What an unfortunate person to be associated with, just for saying hi! We have a few tips for you if you'd like to complement your language learning with information about non-verbal cues.

How to learn another culture's non-verbal cues

A fun way to pick up on these cues is to observe the actors in your favorite movies and TV shows. Of course, you know that these are great resources for training your ear in a foreign language - for vocabulary, accents, pronunciation, and intonation. But they're also great resources in another respect: learning body language. The next time you settle in for a Russian movie night, pay attention to the actors' body movements, facial expressions, hand gestures, etc. Do you notice any behaviors that are similar to or different from those you use in your culture?

Although most actors try to make their characters as realistic as possible, nothing beats the real thing. Get an authentic body language experience by online chatting with a language partner. This is another method that we can't recommend enough in terms of improving your listening and speaking at the same time. It's also the best way to practice language without leaving home! Chatting via webcam with a native speaker allows you to watch their body language as they react to what you say. You'll learn expressions and "how to say them," honest facial expressions, gestures used to emphasize different emotions or scenarios, etc.

If you have a close relationship with your language partner and feel comfortable, you can even ask them which gestures you should not use. It could save you some trouble or embarrassment if you ever travel to their country!

Why is Body Language Worth Learning?

We've already seen a few instances in which body language can totally change how we interpret messages. Using the right or the wrong gestures can make or break your relationship with the people you meet during your travels. If you are ignorant to their customs, you might offend someone or be misunderstood. Perhaps even more unfortunate, you might misinterpret the messages of others. In learning the body language of another culture, you will gain respect and credibility, and have an easier time understanding the people you meet.

Video on the importance of body language in communication

For more info about cultural body language, check out the video below. You can just scroll down, or watch it on our YouTube channel. It's in English but there are subtitles in other languages, which you can turn on with the gear button in the bottom right corner of the video.

In conclusion, using the right gestures is almost as important as using the right words! So, the next time you watch a movie, binge on a series, or webcam chat with your conversation partner, pay close attention to the movements of the people you are watching. If you have other tips to share, leave them in the comments below!

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The Importance of Body Language for Non-Verbal Communication

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Not long ago, we talked about the different hand gestures used by Italians and Brazilians when they communicate. It's a well-known fact: many people from Italy, Brazil, France, even the United States and England use their hands during conversation. When we speak, our mouth is not the only body part we can use to help get our message across...

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Making a good first impression

Throughout your apprenticeship learning journey you will meet many 'new' people that relate to your work and/or learning, two such people are your Trainer and your End Point (EPA) Assessor.

Both, your Trainer and EPA assessor will be looking to assess your knowledge, skills and behaviour and therefore it is important to make a good first and lasting impression. There are many ways in which to achieve this and below you will find a great article and video as to how you can achieve this.

Please read the article by clicking on the picture below, watch the associated video clip and discuss your thoughts on this with your Trainer.
Are you able to practice these strategies on a new person that you are meeting? how did this go?
(please note you need to click on the link title not the picture as this image is a space holder only)

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Getting Off to a Good Start

It takes just a quick glance, maybe three seconds, for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed.

With every new encounter, you are evaluated and yet another person's impression of you is formed. These first impressions can be nearly impossible to reverse or undo, and they often set the tone for the relationship that follows.

Learn how to make a great first impression,
in this video.

So, it's essential that you know how to create a great first impression. This article provides some useful tips to help you do this.

How to Create a Good First Impression

1. Be on Time

Someone you are meeting for the first time will not be interested in your "good excuse" for running late. Plan to arrive a few minutes early, and allow flexibility for possible delays in traffic or taking a wrong turn. Arriving early is much better that arriving late, and is the first step toward creating a great first impression.

2. Present Yourself Appropriately

Of course physical appearance matters. The person you are meeting for the first time doesn't know you, so your appearance is usually the first clue he or she has to go on.

But, don't worry! This doesn't mean that you need to look like a model to create a strong and positive first impression. (Unless you are interviewing with your local model agency, of course!)

No. The key to a good impression is to present yourself appropriately.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and so the "picture" you first present needs to demonstrate who you are to the person you are meeting.

First, think about the way that you dress. What is the appropriate dress code for the meeting or occasion? In a business setting, what is the appropriate business attire? Suit, blazer, casual? And what will the person you'll be meeting be likely to wear? If your contact is in the creative arts or the music industry, a pinstripe business suit may not strike the right note!

For business and social meetings, appropriate dress also varies between countries and cultures, so it's something that you should pay particular attention to when in an unfamiliar setting or country. Make sure that you know the traditions and norms by reading up on the different cultural norms in our section on Managing Around the World.

3. Be Yourself

Yes, making a good first impression does mean you need to "fit in" to some degree. But it doesn't mean losing yourself or pretending to be someone you're not. The best way to create a good impression is by being your authentic self. Doing this will make you feel more confident, help you to build trust, and earn the respect and integrity from the people you meet.

4. Have a Winning Smile!

As the saying goes, "Smile and the world smiles too." So there's nothing like a smile to create a good first impression. A warm and confident smile will put both you and the other person at ease. So smiling is a winner when it comes to great first impressions. But don't go overboard with this - people who take this too far can seem insincere and smarmy.

5. Be Open and Confident

When it comes to making a good first impression, body language can often speak louder than words.

Use your body language to project appropriate confidence and self-assurance. Stand tall, smile (of course), make eye contact, greet with a firm handshake. All of this will help you to project confidence and encourage both you and the other person to feel more at ease.

Almost everyone gets a little nervous when meeting someone for the first time. But this can lead to unwanted side effects, such as nail biting, the "jitters" or sweaty palms. By being aware of your nervous habits, you can try to keep them in check. See our article on relaxation techniques for help with this.

6. Use Small Talk

Conversations are based on verbal give and take. It may help you to prepare questions some questions for the person you are meeting beforehand. Or, take a few minutes to learn something about him or her. For instance, does he play golf? Does he work with a local charitable foundation? Do you have anything in common with him? If so, this can be a great way to open the conversation and to keep it flowing.

7. Be Positive

Your attitude shines through in everything you do. So, project a positive attitude, even in the face of criticism or in the case of nervousness. Strive to learn from your meeting and to contribute appropriately. Finally, show that you are approachable by maintaining an upbeat manner and smiling!

8. Be Courteous and Attentive

It goes without saying that good manners and polite, attentive and courteous behavior help make a good first impression. In fact, anything less can ruin the one chance that you have at making that first impression. So be on your best behavior!

Set aside modern day distractions, for instance, by turning off your mobile phone so that you can give the person your full attention. And don't get sidetracked by other people. After all, what kind of first impression would you create if you are more interested in talking to someone else? Your new acquaintance deserves 100 percent of your attention. Anything less and you'll likely make them feel unimportant or even irritated.
Key Points
You have just a few seconds to make a good first impression and it's almost impossible to change it once it's happened. So it's worth giving each new encounter your best shot.

You can do this by following these eight strategies:

1. Be on time.

2. Present yourself appropriately.

3. Be yourself.

4. Have a winning smile.

5. Be open and confident.

6. Use small talk.

7. Be positive.

8. Be courteous and attentive.

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Making a Great First ImpressionGetting off to a Good Start

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Getting Off to a Good Start It takes just a quick glance, maybe three seconds, for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed.

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Active listening and how it can help you

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Active listening and how it can help you

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Whatever the conversation or discussion we all like to be heard but also we all like to be listened to!

Body language will convey if your are actively listening to someone and equally the person you are communicating with will pick subtle clues if you are not, therefore this skill can really support your personal and work relationships, helping you to get ahead!

Read the following article on active listening and as with all other skills discussed try to practice this and reflect and discuss the outcome of this practice with your Trainer.
(please note you need to click on the link title not the picture as this image is a space holder only)

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What Is Active Listening?

The way to improve your listening skills is to practice "active listening." This is where you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is saying but, more importantly, the complete message being communicated.

In order to do this, you must pay attention to the other person very carefully. You cannot allow yourself to become distracted by whatever else may be going on around you, or by forming counterarguments while the other person is still speaking. Nor can you allow yourself to get bored, and lose focus on what the other person is saying.

To enhance your listening skills, you need to let the other person know that you are listening to what they're saying.

To understand the importance of this, ask yourself if you've ever had a conversation when you wondered if the other person was listening to what you were saying. You wonder if your message is getting across, or if it's even worthwhile continuing to speak. It feels like talking to a brick wall and it's something you want to avoid.

Acknowledgment can be something as simple as a nod of the head or a simple "uh huh." You aren't necessarily agreeing with the person, you are simply indicating that you are listening. Using body language and other signs to acknowledge you are listening can also help you to pay attention.

Try to respond to the speaker in a way that will encourage them to continue speaking, so that you can get the information that you need. While nodding and "uh huhing" says you're interested, an occasional question or comment to recap what has been said also communicates that you are listening and understanding the message.

Top Tips for Active Listening

There are five key active listening techniques you can use to help you become a more effective listener:

1. Pay Attention

Give the speaker your undivided attention, and acknowledge the message. Recognize that non-verbal communication also "speaks" loudly.

Look at the speaker directly.

Put aside distracting thoughts.

Don't mentally prepare a rebuttal!

Avoid being distracted by environmental factors. For example, side conversations.

"Listen" to the speaker's body language.

2. Show That You're Listening

Use your own body language and gestures to show that you are engaged.

Nod occasionally.

Smile and use other facial expressions.

Make sure that your posture is open and interested.

Encourage the speaker to continue with small verbal comments like yes, and "uh huh."

3. Provide Feedback

Our personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs can distort what we hear. As a listener, your role is to understand what is being said. This may require you to reflect on what is being said and to ask questions.

Reflect on what has been said by paraphrasing. "What I'm hearing is... ," and "Sounds like you are saying... ," are great ways to reflect back.

Ask questions to clarify certain points. "What do you mean when you say... ." "Is this what you mean?"

Summarize the speaker's comments periodically.

4. Defer Judgment

Interrupting is a waste of time. It frustrates the speaker and limits full understanding of the message.

Allow the speaker to finish each point before asking questions.

Don't interrupt with counterarguments.

5. Respond Appropriately

Active listening is designed to encourage respect and understanding. You are gaining information and perspective. You add nothing by attacking the speaker or otherwise putting them down.

Be candid, open, and honest in your response.

Assert your opinions respectfully.

Treat the other person in a way that you think they would want to be treated.

Listening Skills Infographic

See Active Listening represented in our infographic: Listening Skills.

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Active Listening - Hear What People are Really Saying

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Research suggests we recall between 25-50 percent of what we hear. Learn active listening techniques to avoid misunderstandings and improve productivity.

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What is critical and analytical thinking?

Critical analytical thinking is a skill that you will work towards through the journey of your apprenticeship and you will develop over a period of time and with the teaching and support of your Trainer.

In simple terms this means 'looking at something very closely' and not just taking for granted what you see, read or hear.

Your Trainer will work with you to:

Evaluate if your responses are appropriate, and the information you know is up-to-date

To be critical of your sources and evidence

Evaluate how far the evidence or examples you are using really prove the points that you wish to make

To weigh up opinions, arguments or solutions against the agreed assessment criteria for a discussion

To think a line of reasoning through to its logical conclusion.

To check for hidden bias or hidden assumptions.

To check whether the evidence and argument really support the conclusions.

Watch the following video of 5 tips to improve your critical thinking, as before try to use these strategies when you are preparing for assessments with your Trainer that involve discussion as an assessment method. Reflect and act on the feedback that you receive to develop your skills.

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5 tips to improve your critical thinking - Samantha Agoos

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In this padlet we will explain:

Professional Discussions and Purpose

Preparing for Professional discussions

Hints and Tips for Apprentices

How to make a good first impression

How to introduce yourself

How to keep a conversation flowing

How to practice and build confidence

Listening skills

Critical thinking skills

How bodylanguage influences your communication

The End Point Assessment discussion and what this will look like

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It is true that some people are 'born' more confident than others however confidence is a skill that can be learnt. As discussed in the post above, preparation and practice are a good way to start, also ensuring your personal appearance matches the context and aim of the discussion can bring personal confidence.
There is another important factor when trying to achieve and portray confidence and this is:

Self Belief

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What is a discussion and what is its purpose?

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What is a discussion and what is its purpose?

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Discussion is defined as a process of talking about a subject in order to reach a decision or to change minds.

Discussion is also an assessment method that your Trainer and End Point Assessment (EPA) Assessor is going to use during and at the end of your apprenticeship. You may also be  completing your functional skills in English and this would also involve a speaking and listening assessment based on the concept of discussion.

The purpose of discussion is:

To share ideas/find out what others are thinking about the topic

Learn more or understand more about a topic

To think critically, meaning looking at things in detail

Improve our language skills and confidence

Change minds and persuade others of our point of view or to alter our own thinking

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Watch the following TED-ED video on practical tips to build confidence.

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3 tips to boost your confidence - TED-Ed

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Before looking into the skills you require to successfully lead a discussion and conversations in general you need to understand that discussions have an order or cycle of events.

An introduction, the communication of the subject matter or objective, a summary prior to moving to the next objective, the confirmation of the subject matter or your point of view with the audience and ...repeat using with the next point or objective of the discussion.

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Some Apprentices Will Fail at the last hurdle - PD

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Some Apprentices Will Fail at the last hurdle - PD

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In our experience, Some apprentices struggle to verbalise themselves, especially where records of learning are incomplete ( Sparse supporting evidence such as learning logs, notes, patchy PDPs) Apprentices who have truly developed over the course of their apprenticeship are able to discuss highs and lows with vigour and provide excellent examples. Some apprentices have commented that they do not think they were given the chance to practise this assessment method. This was particularly evident in the failed PD, the apprentice responded to questioning in a defensive and guarded manner - not fully understanding that this was his moment to shine!

Trainers are sometimes too quick to ask the next question or accept an answer that has not fully covered the criteria to sufficient depth

Trainers need to practise the art of 'silence' so that additional information can be offered. This is a very difficult skill to master as feels unnatural. Explain to apprentices that if there is a void - it means that they need to offer more detail.

Some apprentices who have been overly supported have not been able to engage fully in discussions. It is important that apprentices are active in all aspects of their learning journey.  This may mean honest conversations earlier on in their training programme to tackle issues.

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Exercises to help develop critical thinking skills 

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Exercises to help develop critical thinking skills 

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1. Provide scenarios and ask the apprentice to determine outcomes. This will support with cause/affect and looking at different options to resolve a problem.

2. Use open questions - this can take some practise so prepare your questions prior to the event.

3. Don't accept the first answer when an apprentice responds to a question, ask them further questions and build on your original  question.

4. Provide apprentices with a series of statements related to their job - some factual and some opinions.  Ask them to determine the 'truth' and explain why.

The video below explores questioning techniques.

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Professional Discussion for Apprentices

professional discussion is a structured discussion between you and your assessor. Your manager or employee representative will also be present to support (but not lead).
The purpose of the discussion is to revisit any parts of the standard not already fully covered in the previous assessment methods and to allow your assessor the opportunity to ask you structured questions about your projects, portfolio, development and day to day work.

Key facts:

● It will be the final assessment to take place

●  The PD will last for 40 minutes, including 10 minutes for the review of the recipe log

●  You will be sent an agenda for the professional discussion at least 5 days in advance, which will highlight the key areas of the discussion

●        Will aim to draw out your energy, enthusiasm, competence and excellence

●        Will be completed in a quiet, controlled environment

Tips to help you prepare for the discussion:

●  Make sure that supporting evidence, such as learning logs/journals are up to date and competed in full

●  Review the agenda with your line manager, identify key points you want to include in the discussion.

● Make notes that you can bring with you for prompt.

●  Ensure you understand all areas of the agenda, seek clarification for any aspects you do not.

●  Identify if there are any support materials such as a personal development plan that you wish to bring with you to illustrate points.

● Check you have a suitable quiet areas arranged for the discussion to take place. And if the discussion is being completed remotely that there is adequate internet signal.

● Provide as much detail as you can and don’t be afraid to “show off” the PD is an opportunity for you to put across your achievements, strengths, aspirations, passion and drive. It is also an opportunity for you to evaluate challenges, so again do not be afraid to discuss areas that have been weaknesses or a challenge, this is all part of the development.

Ideas of support documents you may wish to bring to the professional discussion

#Appraisals/performance review             #Personal Development Plans                   #Training records