Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 5
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Salesmanship
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Communication Process: Meaning of communication, Means and Importance.
Topic: COMMUNICATION PROCESS
Subject Matter: Benefits of communication to salesmanship, Barriers to communication, Meaning of computer services

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define computer services.
State at least three benefits of communication to salesmanship.
List at least four barriers to effective communication.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of clear communication in sales.
Show interest in overcoming communication barriers.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify examples of communication benefits and barriers in a sales scenario.
Outline simple ways to improve communication in sales.

Participate in discussions about effective communication strategies.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Business Studies (Senior Secondary)
State Unified Scheme of Work for Salesmanship (SSS 1)
Any standard Salesmanship textbook for Senior Secondary Schools

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Computer
Charts showing communication processes
Posters illustrating benefits and barriers to communication

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how effective communication is important for successful sales interactions. It enables them to identify common problems that can hinder communication and introduces them to the basic idea of computer services, which are increasingly relevant in modern sales.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of what communication is and some general knowledge of buying and selling.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

COMMUNICATION PROCESS

Benefits of Communication to Salesmanship

Effective communication is important for salesmanship as it helps to build relationships, understand customer needs, and close sales successfully.

The following are benefits of communication to salesmanship:

It helps in understanding customer needs and preferences.
It allows for clear explanation of product features and benefits.
It builds trust and rapport between the salesperson and the customer.
It helps in handling customer objections and complaints effectively.
It enables the salesperson to persuade customers to make a purchase.
It facilitates feedback from customers, leading to improved products or services.

Barriers to Communication

Barriers to communication are obstacles that prevent clear and effective understanding between the sender and receiver of a message.

The following are common barriers to communication in sales:

Language Barrier: Different languages or use of complex jargon.
Physical Barrier: Noise, distance, poor lighting, or uncomfortable environment.
Psychological Barrier: Emotions, attitudes, prejudices, fear, or lack of attention.
Cultural Barrier: Differences in beliefs, values, and customs.
Semantic Barrier: Misinterpretation of words or symbols.
Information Overload: Too much information at once, making it hard to process.
Lack of Feedback: Absence of response to confirm understanding.

Meaning of Computer Services

Computer services refer to the provision of assistance, support, and solutions related to computer hardware, software, and networks. These services can include installation, maintenance, repair, data management, network setup, and technical support.

In sales, computer services are often used for managing customer databases, processing orders, online marketing, and communication.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to briefly define “communication” in their own words. The teacher then links their responses to the importance of communication in everyday life and introduces the topic: COMMUNICATION PROCESS.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge of communication and understand the relevance of the topic.

Step 2: Presentation of Benefits of Communication to Salesmanship

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the various benefits of effective communication in salesmanship, using practical examples from real-life sales scenarios. The teacher lists these points on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how good communication contributes to successful sales.

Step 3: Discussion on Barriers to Communication

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains different barriers that can hinder effective communication in sales. The teacher prompts pupils to give examples of such barriers they might have observed or experienced. The teacher writes the identified barriers on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, contribute examples, and note down the barriers discussed.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand common obstacles to effective communication.

Step 4: Explanation of Meaning of Computer Services

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Definition/Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines computer services and explains their relevance, particularly in modern sales and business operations. The teacher uses the classroom computer (if available) or charts to illustrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe, and ask questions about computer services.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what computer services are and their application.

Step 5: Class Activity/Discussion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Group Work/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and gives each group a short scenario related to a sales situation. Each group is asked to identify a communication barrier present in the scenario and suggest a way to overcome it.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss in groups and present their findings.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their understanding of communication barriers and solutions.

Step 6: Teacher Summarizes

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly recaps the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the benefits of communication, the various barriers, and the meaning of computer services.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and confirm their understanding.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their learning from the lesson.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define computer services.
State three benefits of effective communication in salesmanship.
Mention four barriers to communication.
How can a salesperson overcome a language barrier?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 0 minutes
Teaching Skill: Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gives pupils an assignment: “Research and write down two examples of how computer services are used in modern sales.” The teacher then dismisses the class.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils note down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils extend their learning beyond the classroom.

Lesson Keywords

Communication – The process of conveying information, ideas, or feelings from one person or group to another.
Salesmanship – The skill of selling products or services by persuading customers to buy.
Barriers to communication – Obstacles that prevent clear and effective understanding in communication.
Computer services – Assistance and solutions related to computer hardware, software, and networks.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to provide additional examples of communication barriers and solutions. For those who need more support, the teacher can provide simpler scenarios during the group activity and offer direct prompts or hints to guide their understanding.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure to use clear and relatable examples when explaining benefits and barriers to communication. Encourage active participation from pupils, especially during discussions on barriers, as this helps them to connect the concepts to their own experiences. The use of visual aids like charts and posters will greatly enhance understanding.