Communications Skills in the Conservation Sector - dates by arrangement

Many of the advertised jobs within the conservation sector require applicants to have excellent communication skills to enable them to lead guided walks, sell memberships, give talks and train volunteers. This does not come naturally to everyone and these skills are rarely taught in schools and universities. Providing excellent customer service is also something that will be expected of anyone working on a nature reserve or as a Countryside Ranger for example, and knowing how to provide this will help further your career prospects. Knowing how to handle difficult situations and people is vital in any public facing role and this not something many people starting out are adequately prepared for.

In this two day weekend course you will learn the following strategies: how to look confident when you feel anything but; a method for successful selling; how to be assertive; how to deal with difficult situations including managing conflict; how to devise an informative talk and how to predict people’s needs. The group will be kept small (6 max) so that there is time on the last day for a 1-1 session to discuss any further training or mentoring required or for advice on CV writing or interview skills. There will also be an informal Questions and Answers session with other professionals within the industry who can share some of their experiences with you.

Lifts can be provided from and to Dunblane or Perth train stations. There is also a bus service from Perth (direct) and Stirling (with a change in Crieff).