Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 4
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Salesmanship
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Advertising: Types of Advertising, Methods and.
Topic: COMMUNICATION PROCESS
Subject Matter: Meaning of communication, Means of communication, Importance of communication to salesman

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define communication.
Identify various means of communication.
State the importance of communication to a salesman.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the role of effective communication in sales.
Value clear and concise communication.

Psychomotor Domain:

List examples of different communication means.
Outline the steps involved in a simple communication process.

Interact effectively through various communication channels.
Collaborate with peers to discuss communication methods.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Education Curriculum for Salesmanship.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Salesmanship.
Olagbaju, A. O. (2018). Comprehensive Salesmanship for Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: University Press PLC.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A mobile phone (as an example of a communication device).
An email printout.
A chart illustrating the communication process.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding communication helps pupils grasp how information is shared effectively. This knowledge is important for daily interactions and especially for a salesman to connect with customers and achieve sales goals.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of business concepts and the general role of a salesman from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

COMMUNICATION PROCESS

Meaning of Communication

Communication is the process of sending and receiving information between two or more people. It involves the transfer of ideas, messages, or information from a sender to a receiver, who then understands it and provides feedback.

Means of Communication

Communication can take place through various channels or means. The common means of communication include:

Oral Communication: This involves speaking and listening. Examples include face-to-face conversations, phone calls, presentations, and radio broadcasts.
Written Communication: This involves writing and reading. Examples include letters, emails, reports, memos, text messages, and newspapers.
Non-verbal Communication: This involves conveying messages without words. Examples include body language, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and posture.
Visual Communication: This involves using images, symbols, and graphics to convey messages. Examples include charts, diagrams, pictures, videos, and road signs.

Importance of Communication to a Salesman

Effective communication is essential for a salesman to succeed in their role. The importance of communication to a salesman includes:

It helps the salesman to understand customer needs and preferences.
It enables the salesman to clearly explain product features and benefits.
It builds trust and rapport between the salesman and the customer.
It helps in resolving customer complaints and objections effectively.
It facilitates negotiation and closing sales deals.
It allows the salesman to receive feedback from customers, which can improve future sales strategies.
It aids in maintaining long-term relationships with customers.

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 reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then asks pupils how they share information with their friends and family, leading into the topic of communication.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and questions, sharing examples of how they communicate daily.
Learning Point: Pupils’ interest in the lesson is aroused, and a link to their prior knowledge is established.

Step 2: Meaning of Communication

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of communication, defining it as the process of sending and receiving information. The teacher uses simple examples to illustrate the concept.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarity, and attempt to define communication in their own words.
Learning Point: Pupils define communication and understand its basic concept.

Step 3: Means of Communication

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses and demonstrates various means of communication, using the instructional materials (phone for oral, email printout for written, gestures for non-verbal, chart for visual). The teacher encourages pupils to give more examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and list different means of communication, participating by giving examples.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and differentiate between oral, written, non-verbal, and visual communication.

Step 4: Importance of Communication to a Salesman

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains why effective communication is important for a salesman, linking it to understanding customer needs, explaining products, and building relationships. The teacher encourages pupils to contribute reasons.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, state reasons why communication is important for a salesman, and discuss its impact.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the value and benefits of good communication in salesmanship.

Step 5: Consolidation/Discussion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Facilitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the key points of the lesson and invites pupils to ask any lingering questions or contribute further insights.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils ask questions, offer contributions, and clarify any areas of confusion.
Learning Point: Pupils’ understanding is deepened through review and discussion.

Step 6: Class Activity/Assignment

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher assigns a short class activity: “In pairs, discuss how a salesman might use both oral and non-verbal communication when selling a product.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils engage in discussion with their partners, applying the concepts learned.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their knowledge of communication means in a practical context.

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 communication.
State three means of communication.
List four reasons why communication is important to a salesman.
Mention two challenges a salesman might face due to poor communication.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson and gives a take-home assignment: “Research and write down three barriers to effective communication.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: The lesson is brought to a close, and future learning is encouraged.

Lesson Keywords

Communication – The process of sending and receiving information.
Sender – The person who sends the message.
Receiver – The person who receives the message.
Message – The information being communicated.
Feedback – The response from the receiver to the sender.
Oral – Communication through speaking.
Written – Communication through writing.
Non-verbal – Communication without words, using body language.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to elaborate on the challenges of miscommunication in sales. For those needing more support, the teacher can provide simpler examples of communication means or allow them to draw pictures illustrating different types of communication.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure to use real-life examples relevant to the pupils’ experiences to make the concept of communication relatable. Encourage active participation and create a classroom environment where pupils feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their ideas.