Interpersonal skills

This section will focus on various techniques and skills, such as listening skills, interview skills and questioning techniques, for example. There are a variety of factors relating to the students and their specific personal situation, such as personal motivation or support of family and friends, which can be difficult to assess.

Following appropriate training using this resource, you can be increasingly aware of these factors and how to respond accordingly. To successfully engage with students and potential students, there has to be a two-way exchange of information. On the one hand, you have to be able to communicate with adult learners about your organisation and what’s available; and on the other, you have to be able to listen to what potential students already know, what they aspire to become, what they perceive as possible and desirable and what they feel they can sustain.

Many lack confidence, don’t recognise their aptitudes and abilities and place little value on their experience, and your approach must be tailored to their circumstances. Potential students are more likely to be persuaded to enter formal education by a positive experience facilitated by staff with the skills and empathy to meet their individual needs and concerns.

                        Interview skills and questioning techniques
                        Listening skills
                        Communication skills
                        Rapport-building skills
                        Advice and counselling skills
                        Management skills
                        Selling skills
                        Assessing barriers to formal education