Effective communication is critical to the success of any volunteer program.

In this module, we will explore some essential communication skills that volunteers need to develop when working with a literary association.

Communicating effectively with the coordinator and program manager:

Volunteers need to communicate effectively with members of the organization to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals.

Effective communication involves:

• Clearly expressing ideas and thoughts
• Active listening to understand the perspectives of others
• Using appropriate language and tone
• Being open to feedback
• Respecting the opinions of others

Handling challenging situations:

Volunteers may encounter challenging situations when working with a literary association. Examples of challenging situations include dealing with difficult people, managing conflicts, and handling negative feedback.

To handle challenging situations effectively, volunteers should:

• Remain calm and composed
• Listen actively and try to understand the root cause of the problem
• Express empathy and understanding
• Propose solutions that are practical and reasonable
• Seek help from other volunteers or members of the organization, if necessary.

Active listening skills:

Active listening is a crucial communication skill that enables volunteers to understand the needs and perspectives of literary association members.

To be an active listener, volunteers should:

• Pay attention to the speaker and maintain eye contact if in person
• Avoid interrupting the speaker
• Clarify their understanding by asking questions
• Paraphrase what the speaker has said to confirm understanding
• Provide feedback to the speaker to show that they are engaged in the conversation

By developing effective communication skills, volunteers can establish positive relationships with members of the literary association and work collaboratively toward achieving the organization’s goals.