The NEP-2020 has recommended fundamental changes in the structure of Certificate, Diploma and Degree courses in Agriculture and allied subjects. Several Central State, and Deemed Universities along with colleges and departments of traditional universities offer courses in agriculture. In this context ICAR has recommended skill enhancement training in the first year of the program. It has also recommended certain common courses for all the disciplines and “Communication Skills” has been listed as one of the common courses for undergraduate agriculture program. The primary objective of the course on “Communication Skills” is to impart oral, written and group communication skills and familiarize the students with functioning and use of mass media. The course can be divided into four components – basics of communication, interpersonal, group and mass communication .Starting with the meaning and significance of communication, the course covers elements, types, and models of communication. At the interpersonal level, listening, feedback and barriers to communication have been covered, followed by types and rules of group discussion. The course also covers topics related to public speaking and presentations. Radio and television production and writing for print media have been included in this course to give an understanding of features of mass media in communication. The “Lab Manual on Communication Skills” has practical exercises related to these topics. The exercises are easy to administer and require minimal facilities
Communication is fundamental to human existence. We are engaged in the process of communication throughout our lives – either overtly or covertly. However, our understanding of the process is very limited and people often equate it with good oratory. The scope of communication goes way beyond speaking effectively and encompasses situations ranging from speaking in front of a large gathering to musings when we are alone. In today’s world, effective communication skills are essential for success at workplace. Breakdown of interpersonal relationships, conflicts at workplace and dismal electoral performances all have one thing in common – communication failure. The New Education Policy-2020 has revamped the education system with the intention of making the country’s youth future ready. Keeping in line with the NEP – 2020, the ICAR has also restructured undergraduate education in agriculture and allied disciplines. Under the new structure, some courses will be offered to students of agriculture and allied disciplines as common courses. These common courses have been deemed important as they deal with skills vital for developing all round personality and success at work place.
Date: Objective: To get acquainted with classmates. Description: This is the first lab activity and has been designed to make the students feel comfortable in their new surroundings. The aim is also to help them get acquainted with their classmates as they are still new to each other. This short fun activity will help them mingle and set the tone for upcoming activities.
Date: Objective: To understand communication process and its elements. Description: Communication is the process by which a person shares knowledge, feelings, ideas, and information, etc. with another person(s) in such a way that each gains a common understanding about the meaning and intent of the message. Major functions of communication include sharing information, issuing instructions, persuasion and motivation. There are several elements in communication process. Anyone who takes the initiative and starts the communication process is called the source or communicator. The intended recipient of the communication content is called as the receiver. Any sign or symbol which has the same meaning for the source and the receiver is called is the message. Receiver is the intended recipient of the message and what the communicator hopes to accomplish is the objective of communication process.
Date: Objective: To understand the significance of non-verbal communication. Description: Non verbal communication refers to communication without the use of words. It can encompass a wide range of communication behaviour from body language to choice and use of architectural objects. It is used for repeating, substituting, complementing, regulating verbal messages and deceiving. Some of the common non verbal means of communication include: Gestures: Gestures are movement of body parts and kinesics refers to the study of body movement.
Date: Objective: To understand the importance of paralanguage in verbal communication. Description: Paralanguage is the variation in voice and includes vocal characteristics such as pitch, range, resonance, tempo, etc. Though it is an integral part of verbal communication, it is quite distinct from the actual signs and symbols that are used by the communicator.
Date: Objective: To practice giving appropriate feedback. Description: Communication is a cyclic process. The message originates from the source and is reaches the receiver. The receiver then decodes the message (i.e; makes sense)and sends a message back to the sender to convey his/her understanding or agreement with the message that has been received. Feedback not only completes the communication cycle, but also takes the process forward.
Date: Objective:To understand the concept of perception and its role in communication. Description: Human body receives stimuli through various sensory organs and the brain processes these stimuli and assigns meanings leading to a reaction. This process of organizing, identifying and interpreting of sensory stimuli leading to an understanding of the environment is called perception.
Date: Objective: To understand gap in communication process. Description: Communication is never 100 percent efficient. In other words, even an ideal situation does not lead to complete and full understanding between the sender and receiver. Often, the receiver may understand the message differently or receive only a part of the message. This happens as every individual has a different frame of reference. Frame of reference is the set of experiences, beliefs and values which influence a person’s behaviour and acts as a benchmark against which all new stimuli are interpreted. Based on the frame of reference, every individual develops a perception. Perception is the process of receiving and interpreting stimuli.
Date: Objective: To understand the characteristics and limitations of language. Description: Language is the structured system of symbols, which are called as words. Semantics refers to the study of the relationship between symbols and their meaning. All languages are arbitrary as the word symbol is not the thing it represents (i.e. if all of us agree, we can refer to a “cat” as “donkey”, without turning it into one!). Words can be both abstract (things that cannot be sensed directly) and concrete (things that can be experienced through sensory organs).
Date: Objective: To prepare a non-projected audio-visual aid (chart). Description: Audio visual aids are media that can make communication more effective through use of sound and visuals. They are of two types – projected and non-projected aids. Non projected aids are visual materials that are used as it is by the instructor and do not need any device or equipment. Examples include charts, posters, leaflets, flash cards, etc. They are easy to prepare, carry and use. They can be prepared as and when needed and multiplied at low cost.
Date: Objective: To prepare a non-projected audio-visual aid (folder). Description: Folder is a single thick sheet of paper, which is usually folded once or twice. Folder contains essential information about a place, event, etc. which is printed on a good quality paper. A folder is prepared as and when needed and is distributed free of cost.
Date: Objective: To prepare a non-projected audio visual aid (poster). Description: Poster is a placard displayed in a public place to raise awareness. A well-made poster must attract attention of passers-by and motivate them to take action. Here are a few tips for making effective posters: a) A good poster should rely on pictures rather than words. While there is no strict rule regarding the number of words, try to use no more than 10- 12 words. b) The font size should be big enough to read from a distance as posters are displayed at public places. If there is a variation in font size, increase the size as you move from top to bottom. In addition, while choosing colours, keep the background against which the poster will be displayed in mind.
Date: Objective: To prepare a projected audio-visual aid (power point presentation). Description: Audio-visual aids that are magnified and projected on to a screen are called as projected audio-visual aids. There are three methods of projection: a) Direct projection: In this case, light rays from the source of illumination pass through condenser lens, then hit the object and go through objective lens and fall on the screen. Slide projector is an example of direct projection.
Date: Objective: To practice group discussion and understand the do’s and don’ts of group discussion process. Overview: Group discussion is a form of discourse, which occurs when more than two people recognize a common problem, exchange and evaluate information and ideas. Their efforts may be directed towards a better understanding of the topic or solving a problem. Group discussion occurs in a face-to-face or co-acting situation. It is a democratic method in which equal opportunity is given to every participant to express his/ her opinion. In formal settings, group discussion takes place under the direction of leader. Group discussion is often used by academic institutions or employers to assess certain traits and skills of the participants. The number of participants usually is around eight, but there is no hard and fast rule. When being used as a method of assessment/ evaluation, the group is given a topic.
Date: Objective: To practice case-based group discussion. Overview: A case is a detailed description of anything that has happened in real life. In a case, real names are often changed to ensure confidentiality and protect the privacy, but it is not a fictitious account. A case presents a situation, or a problem and the learner is expected to suggest a solution based on the information given in the case. Case based group discussion is often used to test the analytical and reasoning ability of the participants. While participating in a case-based group discussion, the students should start by recognising and defining the problem. This is followed by listing as many solutions as possible with contributions from all the group members. In the next step, each solution is evaluated critically by the group members keeping in mind the information/ data/ facts given in the case. Finally, the best possible solution is put forth by the group. It is important to remember that there are no right or wrong solution as any option is often a trade-off.
Date: Objective: To practice group task. Overview: Teamwork and good interpersonal relationships are of great importance in professional life. Hence, organizations often use various methods to test qualities such as communication/influencing/leadership skills. One commonly used method is assigning group task to the candidates. Group task requires striking a balance between team goals and individual success. The team members are expected to contribute to the overall goals while furthering their individual objectives. Additionally, the evaluator can observe leadership skills, team spirit, communication skills, analytical and decision-making skills of the group members without being intrusive. One can also judge the role for which a particular member is best suited. The time assigned for a task-based group discussion/ group task can range from 10 to 60 minutes depending upon the complexity of the task.
Date: Objective: To make group presentation. Description: Group presentation refers to presentation of subject matter by few or a group of people. Group presentations are fairly common in professional life and hence, one should have a mastery over how to prepare and make group presentations. If handled properly, group presentations have several advantages over individual presentations. They are more attention grabbing and interesting as the mere presence of more than one individual introduces variety into the process. Work can be shared among the team members and knowledge and resources can be pooled for better outcome.
Date: Objective: To practice public speaking. Description: Public speaking refers to communication with a large number of audience in a face-to-face situation. Public speaking differs from most other types of communication as the roles of sender and receiver are distinct and different. Also, in case of public speaking, the onus of taking the interaction forward primarily lies with the speaker. Consequently, many people find it daunting and stressful and try to avoid public speaking situations.
Date: Objective: To practice giving an entertainment or special occasion speech. Overview: Entertainment and/ or special occasion speeches are short, simple and often meant to be humorous and entertaining. Special occasion speeches include welcome address, award presentation/ acceptance speech, after dinner speech, farewell speech, eulogy, etc. Entertainment or special occasion speech is often an impromptu speech i.e. they are usually given without any preparation.
Date: Objective: To write a radio script for infotainment program. Overview: Radio is an electronic audio medium that can broadcast messages to a large number of dispersed audience. Radio has several advantages as a medium of communication, especially in rural areas: a) Radio can be carried around. b) Low cost of production and ownership. c) Usage is not limited by literacy and technical know-how. d) It can be used by the listener while doing other tasks. e) Usage is not limited by power supply. f) Easy to operate.
Date: Objective: To understand basics of photography and practice taking good quality photographs. Overview: Photograph refers to any image which is created when light falls on a photosensitive surface. With the advent of mobile phones and decreasing cost of technology, many people are taking up photography as a hobby or profession. Photographs are very useful in communication, extension and education, as they arouse interest, simplify complex ideas/ things, can be used to convey messages to illiterate people, and enhance credibility of the information. Apart from technical expertise, it is important to know the basics of composition to take good photographs.
Date: Objective: To visit a video production facility to understand the process and set up. Overview: Video programs are often produced in a studio environment as it is convenient, easy to manage and there are very few disruptions. A typical video production facility comprises of two areas – control room and the studio floor. Director, assistant director, video and audio technicians sit in the control room. The control room has a series of monitors that display the final and camera outputs. It may also have “on air” and “preview” monitors which display images being broadcast and to check the image before recording, respectively. The control room also has a production console, which is used to select the video and audio output.
Date: Objective: To understand shot sizes in a video production. Overview: Shot, in video production refers to one continuous recording by the camera. It comprises of a series of frames (still images) and There are 24 frames in one second. A shot includes eeverything recorded between switching on and switching off the record button on the camera. It can contain movement of both camera and talent.
Date: Objective: To write a script for a short video production. Overview: A script is a written document that contains description of the setting, characters, dialogue, and stage directions for an audio-visual production. It is used to communicate information about actors, costumes, sets, and other aspects of production to those who will be involved in program production. While screenplay tells a story, a script (especially shooting script) mainly helps in production. Another difference between a screenplay and a script is that the former conveys what the audience will see on the screen, whereas the script guides the production team. A storyboard refers to pictorial representation of shots in a sequential order. It is very handy during shooting short videos like commercial or public service messages.
Date: Objective: To write an article for a farm publication. Description: Print media can be used at the receivers’ convenience and can be preserved for future reference. It can also be used to reach the readers at a relatively low cost and the information can be verified by the reader. Due to these advantages, print media is an important form of communication, especially for development purpose. The term “farm publication” is used to refer to any publication that is prepared by an extension agency/ development department and contains information related to improvement of farming practices. Farm publications can be of various types such as leaflet, folder, magazine, newsletter, etc. Farm publications are very useful for literate farmers and can also be used by illiterate farmers with the help of others.
Date: Objective: To visit a newspaper organization to understand its structure and functions. Description: A newspaper is a periodic publication containing written information about current events and other information that is of interest to the readers. A newspaper organization usually consists of the following departments: a) Editorial department: The editorial department collects, processes and finalizes all content and images that are published in the newspaper. News/ information collected by the journalist or contributed by various writers is made readable, presentable and attractive to the readers through editing and proof reading by the editorial team.
A Audio Visual Aids 17, 23, 36 C Chart 17, 18, 25, 36 Communication 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 17, 28, 31, 35, 39, 41, 49 F Farm Publication 49 Feedback 3, 9, 10, 13, 18, 22, 27, 28, 29, 33, 36, 37, 42, 50 Folder 19, 36, 49
