UNIT II: WRITING SKILLS

Writing skills are tended to be inborn talents. But without putting up hard work, the innate
talents are of no use. Sustained motivation and hard work are the two secrets to a good write
up.
Importance and uses of good writing skills:
1. Good writing skills allow you to communicate with a larger audience
effectively with clarity and ease.
2. It enables you to meet the demands of life.
3. Good writing skills create impression and avoid negative reactions.
4. The errors in writing may force the loss of credibility.

Strategies to develop writing skills:

 Command over writing comes through practice.
 Grammatical errors are continuously checked
 Action words are concentrated upon
 Accuracy and coherence
 Re drafting
 Remember your audience and their requirement
 The medium and style of writing
 Gender neutral language

Different Types of Writing Skills

1. Letters, Formal and informal
2. Reports Project reports Memo reports and minutes of meetings
3. Résumé or Job Application

Free Writing & Structured Writing:

Free writing- Key points
 Focus on process, not product: The main goal is to get thoughts down on paper without
focusing on making them perfect.
 No concern for grammar or structure: Spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure are not
priorities.
 Overcoming writer's block: Useful for brainstorming and generating new ideas when stuck.
 Can be used as a pre-writing step: Free writing can be used before a more structured writing
piece to explore initial thoughts.
Structured Writing- Key points
 Clear organization: Information is presented in a logical sequence with defined sections or
headings.
 Specific purpose: Structured writing is often used for technical documentation, reports, or
academic papers where clarity and precision are important.
 Adherence to guidelines: Follows established formatting rules and style conventions.
 Audience consideration: Tailored to the specific needs and expectations of the reader.

Sample Cover Letter:You are a graduate in chemical engineering from the National Institute
of Technology, Trichy. You have three years of experience as an assistant project engineer
with a fertilizer company. Write a job application letter in response to an opening for the post
of Project Engineer in a well known petrochemical company. Also prepare a resume/CV for
the same.
Cover Letter

Teacher’s colony,
Chevella,
501503

6 February 2023
The manager
Petrochemical company
Hyderabad

Dear Sir,

Sub: Application for the post of project engineer

Reg: Your advertisement in Times of India dated 30 January 2023
In response to the advertisement in Times of India for the post of project engineer, I would
like to apply for the same.
I am a first class graduate in chemical engineering from the National Institute of
Technology, Trichy. I have three years of experience as an assistant project engineer with a
fertilizer company. I have enclosed my resume and photocopies of all testimonials for your
perusal.
I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my skills and this position. I look
forward to the possibility of personal interview at your earliest convenience.
Thank you
Yours faithfully,
B Kshithija.

Encl: 1.Curriculum vitae

2. Attested copies of testimonials

Report Writing Sample

a.The road near your house has been seeing an increase in traffic. Prepare a feasibility report
to be submitted to the local corporation office, showing how the traffic may be diverted
during peak hours to other roads.
Wing A, Flat 3,
Swathi Enclave,
Ameerpet Hyderabad
500015

December 4, 20123

The Corporator
GHMC
Hyderabad

Subject: Chaotic traffic in the area

Respected Sir,
 Feasibility of traffic diversions
 Location

Feasibility
This letter intends to bring to your kind attention the unimaginable harassment that people are facing
around my house, due to the growing instances of traffic jams. We know that the number of vehicles
on the roads is on the rise and that there is no proportional increase in the number of roads. So, traffic
jams are bound to happen.

Location
Our house is located in a lane just off the main road in Ameerpet junction. The Buses and autos on
this busy road show an appalling disregard for any kind of traffic law. Buses stopping here and there,
autos coming and going through and into every corner, drivers getting into an ugly argument on the
middle of the road etc., cause havoc for the daily commuter. Also, it's a school zone, so it is even
more dangerous for us students who walk in this area.

The most difficult hours during the day are in the morning, when we go to college, and in the
evening, when we are returning back home. There are a total of four schools in my area, and this
makes the traffic even worse. This is due to the private vehicles that are used to drop us and pick us
up from school.

Recommendations
I suggest that a diversion be created along the road, this would make the road a bit safer to walk on. I
also suggest that a traffic inspector is assigned to manage the traffic, as the absence of one creates a
complete chaos every day on the road.

Thanking you in anticipation,

Yours sincerely,
Vinay Bora
UNIT: III: ACTIVITIES ON PRESENTATION SKILLS
WHAT IS A CONVERSATION?
A conversation is a dynamic exchange of ideas, thoughts, or information between two or
more people, where each participant actively listens and responds to the other.
STARTING A CONVERSATION-RESPONDING APPROPRIATELY
Starting a conversation can feel tricky, but it’s all about being natural and showing interest in
the other person. Here are a few approaches with examples:
1. Ask about their day
 Abdia: Hey Sadia! How is your day going so far?
 Sadia: Hey Abdia! Not too bad, just a bit busy with assignments. How about yours?
 Abdia: Same here! What are you working on?

Using the Right Language

 Be Clear and Concise: Use simple and straightforward language to express your
thoughts. Avoid jargon unless you are sure the other person understands it.
 Maintain Eye Contact: Eye contact shows you are engaged and interested in the
conversation. It helps build trust and connection.
.Use Positive Facial Expressions: Smiling and nodding can convey openness and
friendliness, making the other person feel more comfortable.
 Adopt an Open Posture: Keep your arms uncrossed and your body oriented
toward the other person. This body language signals that you are approachable
and attentive.
 Stay Present: Avoid distractions, like checking your phone, as this can convey
disinterest. Being present in both language and body language fosters better
communication.
ROLE PLAY IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS
Role play is an interactive activity where individuals act out specific roles or scenarios
to practice skills, explore situations, or gain a deeper understanding of a topic.
1. Seeking Clarification
 Scenario: A student is confused about an assignment given by the teacher.
Student: Excuse me, can you explain what you mean by ‘analyse’ in the
assignment instructions?
Teacher: Sure! When I say ‘analyse,’ I mean you should break down the
information and discuss its components.
2. Making a Request
 Scenario: An employee is asking their manager for a day off.
 Employee: Hi, I wanted to see if I could take next Friday off for a family event. Is
that possible?
Manager: Let me check the schedule. It looks like that day is fine. Just make sure
to inform the team.
3. Asking for and Refusing Permission
 Scenario: A teenager wants to go out with friends, but their parent is hesitant.
Teen: Can I go to the movie with my friends this weekend?
Parent: I am not sure. What time will you be back?
Teen: I will be home by 10 PM, I promise!
Parent: I understand, but I do not feel comfortable with that. Maybe next time.
ORAL PRESENTATION (INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP)
Oral presentations are a form of communication where individuals or groups convey
information, ideas, or arguments to an audience through spoken words.
Key Elements of Oral Presentations
 1. Purpose: The main goal of an oral presentation is to inform, persuade, or entertain the
audience. The presenter should have a clear objective in mind.
2. Content: The presentation is typically based on a specific topic that requires research
and organization. The content should be relevant, well-structured, and tailored to the
audience's knowledge level and interests.
3. Structure:
i. Introduction: This section introduces the topic, presents the main thesis or
objective, and outlines what will be covered in the presentation.
ii. Body: The main part of the presentation where key points, arguments, and
evidence are discussed. This section may include data, examples, and visuals to
support the message.
iii. Conclusion: Summarizes the key points and reiterates the main message. It may
also include a call to action or suggestions for further thought.
4. Delivery: Effective delivery is crucial for engaging the audience. This includes:
i. Verbal Skills: Clear articulation, appropriate tone, and pacing.
ii. Non-Verbal Skills: Body language, eye contact, and gestures that enhance
communication and engagement.
iii. Use of Visual Aids: Slides, charts, videos, or props can be used to reinforce the
spoken message and make the presentation more engaging.
5. Audience Engagement: Good presentations encourage interaction and may involve
asking questions or facilitating discussions to keep the audience involved.
Importance of Oral Presentations
PRESENTATION THROUGH PPTS
1. Planning the Presentation
 Define the Objective: Clearly state the purpose of your presentation. What do you
want to achieve? Inform, persuade, or entertain?
 Know Your Audience: Understand who your audience is and tailor your content to
their interests and knowledge level.
2. Preparing the PPT
 Designing Slides: Create visually appealing slides that are easy to read. Use a
consistent colour scheme and font style.
 Include Visuals: Incorporate images, charts, and graphs to support your points and
make the presentation visually appealing.
 Structure the Content: Organize your slides logically, typically with:
3. Rehearsing the Presentation
 Practice Delivery: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to become comfortable
with the material and the flow of slides.
 Use Presenter Notes: If necessary, use speaker notes to guide your presentation
without relying too heavily on the slides.
 Seek Feedback: Present to a friend or family member and ask for constructive
feedback on your delivery and slide content.
4. Delivering the Presentation
 Start Strong: Capture the audience’s attention with a compelling opening statement,
question, or interesting fact.
 Engage the Audience: Maintain eye contact and use gestures to emphasize key
points. Encourage questions and interaction.
 Pacing and Clarity: Speak clearly and at a steady pace. Avoid rushing through slides;
give the audience time to absorb the information.
 Use Technology Effectively: Familiarize yourself with the presentation equipment
beforehand. Ensure your PPT works properly on the provided system.
 UNIT IV: GROUP DISCUSSION
Introduction
A group discussion (GD) is a type of interactive, oral communication which takes place when
a group of people get together to discuss something
Types of Group Discussion
o Factual Group Discussion
o Opinion-Based Group Discussion
o Case Study Group Discussion
o Abstract Group Discussion

Dynamics of GD
1. The opening of a GD should be attractive and direct the course of discussion.
2. Reasoning ability plays an important role.
3. Plan a strategy
4. The motivator or the leader of a group should roll the topic on, avoiding pauses.
5. The leader should see that bitter arguments and personal criticism are avoided
6. Understanding the topic from all possible angles
7. Summing up is very important for a good GD
8. Proper body language and eye contact makes a GD effective.
9. Use position, reason, example and position formula
 Voice modulation
The variation in pitch, volume, tone, speed, and pauses of your voice. You can use voice
modulation to convey your emotions, attitudes, and intentions, and to emphasize key
points.
 Body language
The visible actions you use to communicate, such as gestures, facial expressions, posture,
and how you sit and stand. You can use body language to reinforce your vocal changes and
to express your ideas, emotions, and intentions.
Here are some tips for using voice modulation and body language effectively:
 Match your tone and body language: Let your expressions match your tone of
voice
 Use gestures: Use hand gestures to emphasize certain words and to strengthen your
point.
 Make eye contact: Smiling and making eye contact can help you show interest,
enthusiasm, and friendliness.
 Practice: Practice your voice modulation and body language, and get feedback.
 Be aware of your habits: Notice any habits or tendencies that contribute to poor
posture.
 Prepare: Prepare yourself by writing a list of bullet points and practicing hitting each
one.
 Be authentic: Let your audience see and hear how you feel
  Fluency: Fluency in a group discussion (GD) is the ability to speak smoothly,
confidently, and without unnecessary pauses or hesitations

 Relevance and Organization of ideas

In a Group Discussion (GD), relevance and organization are important for maintaining focus
and adding interest to the conversation. Here are some tips for staying relevant and organized
in a GD:

 Choose relevant points: Focus on the main point and add interest to the discussion with
ideas that clearly support the topic.
 Add new information: Avoid restating what others have said, unless you're presenting a
summary.
 Join the conversation: Take every opportunity to share relevant ideas.

Do’s of a GD
 Listen to the speaker carefully
 Put your thoughts on paper
 Initiate the discussion if you are thorough with the subject.
 Support your point with some facts and figures.
 Give others a chance to speak and respect their contribution.
 Disagree politely.
 Do not forget to summarize, if you are the initiator.

Don’ts of a GD
 Sitting with crossed arms and legs.
 Throwing your body organs or limbs.
 Fidgeting
 Sitting stiff
 Scratching, pricking or rubbing
 Expressing anger or uncontrollable laughter
 Over speak or intervene without proper usage of vocabulary
 Argue or shout
 Erratic statistics
 Speak about intercultural or socio economic background of any participant.
 UNIT V: INTERVIEW SKILLS
Interview is an opportunity to meet the challenges of professional life on the one hand and to
get skilled personnel for the employer. It is an opportunity for both employee and employer.
Interview Preparation Techniques
 Research the company: Learn about the company's industry, leadership, business
operations, and news coverage.
 Research the interviewer: Learn about the interviewer's career path, responsibilities,
and key skills.
 Review the job description: Highlight important points and note relevant
experiences.
 Prepare answers: Prepare answers to commonly asked questions. You can use the
STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
 Prepare questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the
company, role, and team dynamics.
 Practice: Practice your answers with help.
 Dress appropriately: Dress in a way that is appropriate for the job.
 Practice good body language: Sit or stand up straight, maintain good posture, and
make eye contact.
 Follow up: Follow up after the interview

Types of Interview Questions

1. Behavioral questions
2. Situational questions
3. Technical questions
4. Competency questions
5. Analytical questions (case study questions)
6. Personal questions
7. Questions related to company culture
8. Background and experience questions
9. Brain teaser questions

Pre-Interview Preparation
1. Research the Company
Firstly, research the company and familiarize yourself with its mission, values, products or
services, and recent news.
2. Review the Job Description
Carefully go through the job description and make a list of the critical skills and
qualifications the employer is looking for.
3. Practice Interview Questions
Spend time practicing answers to common interview questions such as “Tell me about
yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why do you want to work here?”
Also, prepare for behavioral and situational questions related to the role.
4. Prepare Your Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview about the company or
the position.
5. Dress Professionally
 Plan your outfit, ensuring it’s clean, well-fitting, and suitable for the company’s dress code.
Looking polished and professional will make a positive impression and demonstrate your
attention to detail.
6. Bring Relevant Materials
Pack multiple copies of your resume, a list of references, and any other relevant materials
(e.g., a portfolio) to the interview.
7. Maintain Good Body Language
During the interview, maintain eye contact, sit straight, and avoid fidgeting. Your nonverbal
cues can convey confidence and professionalism, which can help make a strong impression.
8. Arrive Early
Aim to arrive at least 10–15 minutes before your interview. It will allow you to relax, gather
your thoughts, and make last-minute preparations.

Opening and Answering Strategies:

 Tell the truth. ...
 Listen carefully to the interviewer. ...
 Never slight a teacher, friend, employer, or your university. ...
 Watch your grammar. ...
 Be prepared for personal questions. ...
 Wait for the interviewer to mention salary and benefits. ...
 Don't expect a job offer at the first interview. ...
 Close on a positive, enthusiastic note.
 No interview is complete until you follow up with a thank-you note.

 Teleconferencing: You can use a phone system or other technology to connect with
others.
 Video conferencing: You can use video and audio to communicate in real time over
the internet.
Tips
 Prepare: Have your resume, notes, and questions ready.
 Be on time: Click on the meeting link a few minutes early.
 Have a strong internet connection: If you're using WiFi, switch to an Ethernet connection
to ensure you have enough bandwidth.
 Consider lighting: Sit facing a window or light source so your face is well-lit.
 Be aware of distractions: Turn off any distractions, like the TV or radio.
 Be a good listener: Let the interviewer finish their thought before you respond.
 Make small talk: Think of something unique to say to stand out.
Video conferencing can be beneficial for interviews because it can:
 Save time: There's no need to travel to the interview location.
 Improve engagement: Eye contact can help foster better engagement.
 Be more flexible: It's easier to coordinate interview schedules and improve attendance rates.
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