The often-used phrase, 'just the receptionist', completely misrepresents the role. An excellent receptionist is a most valuable resource for any organisation.
This programme has been designed specifically to deal with the essential skills necessary to represent the organisation to the best possible effect. It will also help you get the most out of your working day.
There are six key reasons to take part in this workshop. It will help you:
See your role in a new light
Develop your communication skills
Deal with different types of customer and situation
Boost your confidence
Cope in a pressurised environment
Get more satisfaction from your working day
1 Introduction
Workshop objectives and personal objectives
The challenges of 21st century communication
What makes an excellent point of Reception? And why is it so important?
Who and where are our customers?
As a customer, how do you like to be treated?
What makes people feel valued?
Objective and subjective aspects of customer service
'Micro moments' that shape the relationship
2 Communication on reception
Definition of communication
Barriers to good communication
The 'recipe' of verbal, vocal and visual aspects of communication
Differences between communicating face-to-face and on the telephone
Communication 'leaks'
The primitive human response
The impact of visual communication - body language, gesture and facial expression
Voice - tone, speed, volume, pitch, clarity, inflection, pacing
Words - positive words and phrases compared with negative terminology
Professional greetings face-to-face
Steering the conversation with effective questioning
3 Telephone excellence
How we use the telephone
Qualities of the telephone
Non-verbal communication on the telephone - what aspects can be 'seen' by the other person?
Professional telephone etiquette
Taking and leaving messages - key points that can help customers, colleagues and the organisation
Clarifying information
4 Listening skills for accuracy and relationship building
How accurate are your listening skills?
What are the challenges for accurate listening?
Active / empathetic listening
5 Creating a rapport by 'style flexing'
Understanding how different people communicate
Shaping our message to the other person so that they feel understood
How changing situations can alter communication needs
6 Confidence and assertiveness
Recognising different styles of behaviour - aggressive, passive and assertive
Qualities of assertive communication - verbal, vocal and visual
Assertive techniques - basic, persistence, negotiation / empathetic
Demonstrating confidence
7 Coping in a pressurised environment
Words - the most useful ones to use with stressed people and identifying the 'red rag' words
Challenging situations - what do you find difficult and how do you respond?
Dealing with outbursts of anger
Bringing non-stop talkers back from their tangent
Constructive ways to say 'no'
8 Pulling it all together
Action plans
Summary of key learning points