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General transferable skills: communication

(Transcript of a section of the General transferable skills report, 1998)


Competence Statement A student is able to:
  • present written and oral arguments in a clear and cogent manner
  • respond to questions and situations appropriately
  • communicate both to those within the discipline and to those outside
  • use English and legal terminology accurately in complex argument
Basic Level Able to:
  • present largely expository material clearly and efficiently in a form
  • write clear, literate and relevant prose
  • formulate orally logical and consistent arguments
Advanced Level Able to:
  • structure a coherent and lengthy presentation dealing with complex issues
  • relate material to the concerns of an audience
  • engage effectively in debate with those knowledgeable in the field
  • present specialist material clearly and without distortion to a non specialist audience
  • sustain a coherent argument under questioning
Illustrations Of Activities At basic level:
  • oral: giving an oral presentation to a group in a structured setting and with a set topic having had long advanced warning (for example one week)
  • contributions in tutorials and seminars
  • writing essays and other formal exercises
     
    At advanced level:
  • advocacy and debating: present a legal argument to a knowledgeable group. Having had a short time to prepare. Show the ability to face challenges from that audience and respond.
  • role play exercises: participation in which students assess themselves and provide feedback on own work and that of other students. Communication to clients or non-lawyers in a roleplay.
  • dissertations: in-depth research project
Illustrations Of Evidence Oral communication:
  • introducing topic clearly
  • presenting information which is accurate, complete, appropriate to the situation, well structured, supported by relevant examples
  • effective and relevant conclusion
    Written communication:
  • write effectively and accurately in a variety of structured formats, for example:
    • essay writing
    • report writing
    • taking instructions
    • writing letters (of advice)
    • dissertation
       
      Literacy:
  • able to speak and write complex prose
  • use of English in accurate way
  • use of legal terminology appropriately

Last Modified: 4 June 2010