Margaret Ko Workplace Communication Skills May 2014 MKo Participants Version

The Better the Startthe Better the Future
Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

May 10, 2104 TESL Conference- Regina, SK
Interactive Workshop Objectives:
Immigrant Centre
Workplace Entry Program (WEP)

Workplace Communication Skills
Activity # 1- 5: Participation
Activity # 6: Explanation
Conclusion
Recommended Resources
Questions or Comments

OUR MISSION:
Delivering quality, innovative Immigration and
Settlement Services in Manitoba for 66 years!
OUR VISION:
Manitobas community leader in providing

Immigration and Settlement Services for Newcomers
to connect, integrate, and fully participate in
Canadian society.

NUMBER OF CLIENTS SERVED:
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
2013-2014
9,610 Client Services


OUR SERVICES
Intake and Referral Services
Settlement Services
Language Bank and Translation
Volunteer Services
Access English Centre(AEC)
*Workplace Entry Program(WEP)

*Computer Lending Library(CLL)
Employment Services
Nutrition Services
Citizenship Classes

DID YOU KNOW?

Tagalog is now the second most-spoken language in Winnipeg.
The Filipino community makes up a larger percentage of Winnipegs population
- 8% - than any other visible minority.
In 2012 - 13, 312 people immigrated to Manitoba compared with 15,962
the year before.
This statistical data represents 5.2% of Canadas total immigration.
We are proud to serve from April 1, 2013 March 31, 2014- 18,212 clients200% increase in 11 years!
By 2016, an estimate of 20,000 newcomers will be moving to Manitoba!

BACKGROUND STORY: WORKPLACE ENTRY PROGRAM(WEP)
The Workplace Entry Program (WEP) ran for 8 successful years at the Immigrant
Centre. The Workplace Entry Program was a pre-employability skills program funded
by Service Canada. The Workplace Entry Program was geared to High Beginner
Level of English with benchmark levels of 3-4 in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and
Writing skills.
The WEP students learned about being prepared for the Canadian workplace. This
specialized program has assisted immigrant youth facing the triple barriers to
employment by preparing them to enter the Canadian workforce or return to school:
- of being young and inexperienced in work culture
- a Newcomer(an immigrant)
- having low literacy skills in English
We have provided newcomers with low benchmarks and lower levels of education the
training and resources to assist in obtaining an entry level employment position. These
lifelong skills will help them to lead productive and successful new lives in Canada.

WORKPLACE ENTRY PROGRAM (WEP) HIGHLIGHTS:

Aimed at Newcomers aged: 18-30 years old
Paid 5-week program
Topics of interest included: Workplace Communication Skills, Health
and Safety Awareness, Interview Skills, Job Maintenance, Employer
Expectations, and Computer Training
Employment Services provided each WEP client with a resume and job
leads
Previously Partnered with Computer Lending Library (CLL)
MISI Project (Manitoba Immigrants Safety Initiative)

Workplace Entry Program

(WEP)
Each WEP student was assigned to an Employment Facilitator who provided the following
Employment Services:
Resume, reference list, and action plan
Basic Job Search techniques
Online Job Search Workshop
Each WEP student participated in a mock interview with a team member and was then given
feedback on their strengths and weaknesses. General feedback was given to the whole class
by the Employment Team later that day.


Successes:
In the last *fiscal year:2013 (April October), the Workplace Entry Program assisted
167 clients.
We had 36 WEP graduates in our 3 Workplace Entry Program classes. Our original
enrollment was 44.
19 out of 36 WEP Graduates found employment (last Employment Update: Nov. 2013)
Former WEP graduates continue to use the services of the Immigrant Centre
Former WEP graduates continue to keep in touch and share their good news of
successes.

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Inspirational feedback quoted from WEP students:
This is very helpful program for the newcomers. Thanks you to the Immigrant Centre for
giving us this program to allow for an easier adjustment to a new country. I give my
appreciation to Service Canada for allowing this program to giving immigrants the basic
knowledge of employment.
- Anonymous
I have 4 months in Canada. Thanks to all for help me and thanks Immigrant Centre for
this program. I learn very important thing on this program. Example- How to work in
Canada, How to look for a job and keep a job, How to work safely. This is very helpful
program for newcomer. My teacher Ms. Ko is very good and her method of teaching is very
good. She is very friendly. I give my all credit of Ms. Ko. I feel very confident after
attending this workshop. I learn how to send email application and I would recommend this
program to my friends. Thanks.
- Anonymous

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WEBSITES OF INTEREST:
1) Immigrant Centre Annual Report-2013:
http://icmanitoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Annual-Report-2013.pdf
2) I.C. Workplace Entry Program Graduation Website Feature-Sept. 30, 2013:

http://icmanitoba.com/workplace-entry-program-graduation-september-30-2013-2/
3) Press Release:May 24, 2013:

http://icmanitoba.com/hrsdc-skills-link-announcement-press-releasei-c-workplaceentry-program-may-24-2013/

12
MORE WEBSITES OF INTEREST:
4) Press Release - July 16, 2012:

http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=744879
5) Metro News Feature - June 2012:

http://metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/286214/program-hopes-to-help-youngimmigrants-find-and-keep-their-jobs

13
MORE WEBSITES OF INTEREST (continued) :
6) Immigrant Centre Newsletter- January 2012:

http://mb.eassociation.ca/cim/dbf/january_2012__kaleidescope_newsletter.pdf?im_id
=6462&si_id=51
7) Safe Workers of Tomorrow:

http://workersoftomorrow.com/book-a-session/agency-information/

14
What are workplace communication skills?

being able to share information with your co-workers
being a part of a team which may involve customer service, or conflict
management
to develop a common understanding in what was said and the message
that comes across is the same to all people involved
every interaction that takes place involves some form of communication:
by:
- verbal(sounds, language, and tone of voice)
- listening and hearing (aural)
- non-verbal (facial expressions, body language, and posture)
- written (reports, emails, and text messages)
- visuals (signs, symbols, and pictures)

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Why do you need effective

workplace communication skills?
enhance your connections to others (better networking skills)

improve teamwork, decision-making, and problem solving
enables you to communicate effectively to deliver negative or
difficult messages without creating conflict or causing mistrust
involves a set of skills including:
- non-verbal communication
- attentive listening
- the ability to manage stress in the moment
- the ability to see and understand your own emotions and
those of the person you are communicating with

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Non-verbal Communication Skills

What are non-verbal communication skills/ body
language?
communication via - our facial expressions,
gestures, eye contact, posture, and tone of
voice
help you connect with others
also help you express the context of your
speech, and build better relationships

17
Communication Skills Activities

During the WEP, we spent 5 weeks boosting the
self-confidence of young Newcomers. Many
activities focused on:
positive non-verbal communication skills
appropriate body language
good posture

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Activity #1:
Introducing Each Other(ex. Cold Calls, Interview, First Day of Work, etc.)
Time Duration: ~ 5 minutes
Write the following simple script on the whiteboard.
Go over the simple script:
Good morning/ good afternoon, my name is _________________.

Nice to meet you, my name is ____________________.
Nice to meet you, too.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Demonstrate first.
Have the participants stand-up and face each other.
Shake hands.
Say the simple script to each other.
Give positive or constructive feedback. (ex. Nice smile, firm handshake,
or smile more and look relaxed, shoulders back, dont slouch)
6. Do again, practise any positive feedback or suggestions.

19
Activity # 1 (continued):
Introducing Each
Time Duration: ~ 5 minutes
Go over the simple script:
Good morning/ good afternoon, my name is

_________________.
Nice to meet you, my name is _________________.
Nice to meet you, too.

20
Activity #2:
Name Game
Time Duration: 5 minutes
Have the participants talk about how they got their name.
Demonstrate.
Ex.#1: One of my former WEP students was named Lucky . Her mother
had difficulty conceiving but when she was born many years
later, her mother was so jubilant ! Her mother decided to call her
firstborn Lucky , and then her mother had 6 more children,
afterwards.
Ex. #2: I was named by a family friend. She suggested to my parents
to call me by her sisters name. -Margaret.

21
Activity # 3:
Self-Confidence Walk
Time Duration :10-15 minutes
Suggestion: Do this activity after a week of classes, not done on the first day
of classes.
Boosting ones self-confidence is the key to portray good body language
which aides in effective non-verbal communication.
1) Have each student walk in front of their peers.
2) Give feedback on their:
-posture
-facial expressions
-stance
-walk

22
Activity # 3(continued):
3) Pose questions to the rest of the class. Asking them for feedback.
4) Have the student walk again with suggested feedback.

5) Ex. Shoulders back, head up, smile, walk confidently, good
posture, relaxed look
6) Always give positive feedback!

23
Activity # 4: Compliments Activity

This activity builds your self-confidence, you learn how important your
facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, posture, tone of voice, and
overall attire can affect how you are perceived by others.(Are you
communicating to others in a positive manner?) People may think
differently of you which can help people realize that having a good selfimage of oneself can aid in our self-confidence.)
Give each student a piece of paper or sticky note and a pen/pencil.
1. Turn to the person beside you (either left or right).
2. Look at your partner.
3. Make a list of 3 compliments about your peer and write them on the
sticky note. Read the compliments to your partner.
4. Give the note to him or her.

24
Activity # 4: Compliments Activity(Continued)

Examples:
Nice smile
Friendly look
Pretty earrings
Great jacket
Cool shoes

25
Activity #5: News Talk/Small Talk

Students were encouraged to watch the local or global news
via TV or online, read the newspaper, pick-up and read a free
newspaper(ex. Metro News), or listen to the radio/ podcasts.
Every day we would spend 10 minutes talking about news.
Practising small talk. (conversational skills)
Ex. How was your weekend?/ How was your lunch?
Demonstrate.

26
Activity #6: Posing Questions

Time Duration: 10-15 minutes
Take an active role in asking questions during staff meetings,

every day interactions with co-workers. Go over the Wh
questions, etc.: who, whom, what, when, where, why, how, which,
and whose.
Encourage questioning especially regarding safety concerns.

27
Activity #6: Posing Questions(Continued)

Time Duration: 10-15 minutes
Display a WHMIS Hazard Symbols poster or give individual poster copies to
students.
Pose questions to students.
20134
Ex. Take a WHMIS poster or item with a hazard symbol and go over its
characteristics using the WH words. WHMIS is an acronym for
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System which is a system
that is used to identify the safe usage, handling, and storage of
chemicals. WHMIS is a national hazard standard in Canada. The hazard
symbols are cautionary pictures used to label containers of WHMIS
"controlled products and are found in safety data sheets (MSDSs) and
worker education and training programs.
Workers must be able to interpret the hazard symbols properly.

28
WH Questions examples:
1. Who would need to read the hazard symbols?
Answer: anyone using chemicals
2. With whom would you report a hazard?

Answer: your supervisor
3. What are the 8 hazard symbols? Answer: See diagram
4. When would it be safe to use a chemical which has
a corrosive hazard symbol? Answer: when you are wearing
the proper safety equipment: ex.: gloves
5. Where would you find the M.S.D.S.(Material Safety
Data Sheets)? Answer: in a place available for
everyone(all employees) to read and use
6. Why is it so important to read hazard symbols?
Answer: without reading or properly identifying
the hazard symbols, it can result in misuse, accidents, or
even death
Hazard Symbols images from:

http://en.copian.ca/library/learning/makconnc
/pg74.htm

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Conclusion:
Employers are looking for employees who can work effectively as good team
players which means being flexible and communicating well.
Today, we had an opportunity to participate in some activities that can build the
self-confidence in our Newcomer students or clients.
I hope you have learned some techniques of effective communication which will
help them learn that communication must be clearly delivered and understood by
the other person through:
- good eye contact
- voice quality
- handshake
- content

30
Recommended Resources:
Angst, K., C. Bertram, M.J. Davis, L. Johansson, and F. J. Bonkowski.

Canadian Snaphots-Linking to the Community, ditions du Renouveau
Pdagogique Inc., 2005.
Griffen, Jack. How to Say It at Work. Prentice Hall Press, 2008.
Molinsky, Stephen J. and Bill Bliss. Day by Day English for Employment
Communication, Prentice Hall Regents, 1994.

31
Recommended websites:
Immigrant Centre Manitoba Inc.:
http://icmanitoba.com/
How to Ace a Job Interview by Carol Kinsey Goman, author of The Nonverbal
Advantage 3:38
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlE0jL44qsc&feature=em-share_video_user
WH Question Words
http://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/wh-question-words.htm
http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-lesson-whquestions.php#.U2GMIvldU0o

32
Hazardous Materials WHMIS
http://en.copian.ca/library/learning/makconnc/pg74.htm
WHMIS Symbols
http://phm.utoronto.ca/~ddubins/MSDS/WHMIS_symbols.JPG
Environmental and Workplace Health: Do You Know these Vital Signs?
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/occup-travail/whmis-simdut/symbolssignaux-eng.php
MISI-Manitoba Immigrants Safety Initiative
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/partner/bpss/misi.asp

33
Manitoba Filipino Immigration News Feature:
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/06/09/filipinos-find-a-home-in-winnipegas-family-ties-drive-immigration-in-manitoba/
Manitoba Immigration Facts:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/immigration/pdf/manitoba_immigration_facts_re
port_2012.pdf
Manitoba's Immigration Dips in 2012: Report
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-s-immigration-dips-in2012-report-1.1381514

34
Thank you for your time.

Questions or Comments?
CONTACT:
Margaret Ko
Employment Facilitator
Employment Services
Immigrant Centre
100 Adelaide Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 0W2
Phone: (204) 943-9969 Ext. 244
mko@icmanitoba.com
www.icmanitoba.com

35
THANK YOU TO FUNDERS:

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
Citizenship and Immigration
Canada
(CIC)
PROVINCE OF MANITOBA
Manitoba Entrepreneurship
Training & Trade
CITY OF WINNIPEG
INVESTORS GROUP
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
SHARE OUR STRENGTH
UNITED WAY OF WINNIPEG
WINNIPEG FOUNDATION

36

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The Better the Startthe Better the Future

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Interactive Workshop Objectives:

Workplace Entry Program (WEP)

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Manitobas community leader in providing

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

NUMBER OF CLIENTS SERVED:

9,610 Client Services

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

*Workplace Entry Program(WEP)

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

DID YOU KNOW?

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

BACKGROUND STORY: WORKPLACE ENTRY PROGRAM(WEP)

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

WORKPLACE ENTRY PROGRAM (WEP) HIGHLIGHTS:

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Workplace Entry Program

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Workplace Entry Program

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Workplace Entry Program

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

2) I.C. Workplace Entry Program Graduation Website Feature-Sept. 30, 2013:

3) Press Release:May 24, 2013:

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

MORE WEBSITES OF INTEREST:

4) Press Release - July 16, 2012:

5) Metro News Feature - June 2012:

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

MORE WEBSITES OF INTEREST (continued) :

6) Immigrant Centre Newsletter- January 2012:

7) Safe Workers of Tomorrow:

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

What are workplace communication skills?

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Why do you need effective

enhance your connections to others (better networking skills)

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Non-verbal Communication Skills

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Communication Skills Activities

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Good morning/ good afternoon, my name is _________________.

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Good morning/ good afternoon, my name is

Nice to meet you, too.

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

4) Have the student walk again with suggested feedback.

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Activity # 4: Compliments Activity

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Activity # 4: Compliments Activity(Continued)

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Activity #5: News Talk/Small Talk

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Activity #6: Posing Questions

Take an active role in asking questions during staff meetings,

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko

Activity #6: Posing Questions(Continued)

Workplace Communication Skills Workshop:M.Ko