(02.1) Understand how to communicate in the workplace
1.1 Describe several communication techniques and explain their appropriate application
(Above: Icons Created with Illustrator)
However, emails are good for sending attachments. It’s a quick and convenient way of contact, especially for clients or colleagues who live quite a far distance away. Naturally when in the office we tend to get quite a few phone calls a day too. Sometimes the council post things directly to us. We use all these methods of communication. In this day and age we have all these techniques at our fingertips. It’s crazy to think of years ago when we had no choice but to write and post letters by hand, or walk to the top of our street to make a phone call!
Also thanks to technology of today, we can use things such as Skype to make video calls. Personally at DCAS we don’t really need to do this, but it is a good example of communication for say people who can’t make it to conferences.
1.2 Compare a range of techniques used for influencing and persuading others and their application
Sometimes in this industry, persuasion is needed to get creative ideas across. When pitching an idea or convincing a client, other people are not forced to see things the way you do. But there’s no use being stubborn, and the key is negotiation. When working on projects, imagery etc. We always give each other constructive criticism. Nothing we do is ready and perfect on the very first attempt.
Influence and persuasion also come in the form of support. At DCAS we all try to help and support each other as best we can.
Also these techniques are used largely in advertising/ marketing. From a sales point of view, it’s important for the customer to be wowed by a product. For example: The latest Apple product, or the best broadband offer.
1.3 Describe how to give and receive constructive feedback
Naturally by working on many creative projects, constructive feedback is a regular thing. It’s important that we know how to deliver it and also receive it with an understanding and not be offended.
We do a lot of things at DCAS that require feedback. Photoshop/ Illustrator editing, video editing, photography. We’re always kind with our feedback, even if something isn’t quite right. At the end of the day it can be fixed. And even when giving constructive criticism, we always point out the good feedback first. We don’t just say, “Oh, that doesn’t look right” and leave it at that. We try our best to make helpful suggestions of what could make the project better and fix the problem. Also on the final outcomes, we make sure everyone is happy with the final design, video etc.
When receiving feedback, none of us at DCAS get touchy or offended. This is because the feedback from the other person has been delivered in a calm and positive manner, even the criticism.
It’s a natural process. It’s very rare to get things 100% spot on the first time. Especially when using advanced pieces of software. It takes time, practice and determination. Art can’t be rushed.
1.4 Describe the methods used to communicate technical and specialist issues within and across teams
We use a lot of technical terms where we work. We all have different areas and levels of knowledge and we all take this into consideration when talking to each other. A couple of the employers have very strong technical knowledge which they share with us apprentices. As we are still learning, they always explain it more clearly to us so we get a better understanding. It also depends on what we are doing. For example we would be talking technical terms if working on an image or video edit, but we would communicate more relaxed and down-to-earth if working on a session with young people.
A lot of the time it depends on who exactly you are talking to and what their specialist area is. For example, my manager loves art and runs the art session. If I wanted to talk to someone about a creative idea I would go to her.
(02.2) Be able to present own ideas in different environments
2.1 Describe examples of effective presentation techniques/
2.2 Select and justify appropriate presentation techniques for a specific creative idea
There are a few different ways of presenting projects and ideas. The most obvious in my opinion would be something like a powerpoint presentation - a combination of talking to a group but also having a vision of the idea onscreen for them to see, gradually talking them through it and changing the slides.
Another effective technique I find would be a mood board, popular especially with designers and art lovers. I personally think this is a really nice way of presenting colours, fabrics and textures, so would be good in careers such as fashion and interior designers.
The presenting stage is very important and in each creative industry different techniques will have better effects, also depending on the company. Game designers would have designed a short demo. Writers would send their manuscripts to literary agencies, so their presentation is all in their writing which is generally sent by email now.
As I work on the art sessions, sometimes I have to come up with ideas for group workshops. When I have an idea I have a go at creating it to see how it will work. I then use the final outcome as the presentation itself to my manager and later on to the young people. I tell them how I did it, the bits that were slightly difficult where they might need help, the bits they’d find enjoyable etc.
2.3 Present own creative ideas on a one-to-one basis; in a small group; to a large group
One-to-one: As I often work in the media suite with my manager, it’s usually just us two in there generally. So to begin with I present my creative ideas directly to her.
Small group: As an example, for one of the ideas I came up with a book-making session, an idea based on something I did when I was at college and really enjoyed. After presenting the idea to my manager, I was asked to run the session. This was a small group and the session was successful.
Large group: Personally I haven’t had to do this yet, but to me, a large group suggests being in a large open space like a hall. This means things being more demanding when it comes to audio and vision. People at the back of the hall would have difficulty seeing a computer screen, so ideally it would be best to have a powerpoint presentation projected onto a screen. Also that the lighting is right for the screen to be visible. Audio is also important. Personally, I’m very quietly spoken so if ever in this situation I would have to really project my voice. Or at worst possible require a microphone.
2.4 Evaluate, with others, areas of strength and weakness, in relation to own presentation performance.
Creativity is my strongest point. My ideas and workshops have all had good feedback and the young people have really enjoyed them. After doing Art and Design at college I find it easy to create examples for the young people to work from. I love doing things like mood boards and working with different materials.
My weakness is that I’m really shy, so I get nervous when talking to large groups of people. So for example, if I had to do a large presentation for the people at Derbyshire County Council, or something like that, I would be absolutely terrified! I also tend to get quite ravelled up in my own words, with my own friends let alone in a presentation!
