Communication
Communication in real life and in the workplace
- Duration
- 8 h
- Sessions
- 6
- Lessons
- 18
- Interactive activities
- 51
Read the transcript
SMILE · Module 1: Communication · introduction video (English)
This is Amira. It's her first shift in a hotel kitchen. The chef speaks fast, and one word is new. Amira has a choice: smile and guess, or ask.
"Sorry, could you show me once?" That small question changes her whole day. In a new country, moments like this happen every day.
Communication is part of almost every job. Over eight in ten adult workers in Europe work as part of a team, at least sometimes. And seventy-four percent deal with clients or customers.
This module has six sessions. One: Introduction and Foundations. Two: Understanding Communication Challenges. Three: Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Skills. Four: Interpersonal Skills and Inclusive Communication. Five: Practical Strategies for Workplace Communication. Six: Reflection and Action Planning.
You will chat with characters, practise a job interview, earn badges, and get a certificate at the end.
Ready to speak up? Let's start: Module one, Communication.
On screen: Source: Cedefop, European Skills and Jobs Survey (2021)
Narration: AI-generated voice (OpenAI)
Music: AI-generated (Google Lyria)
Animation: SMILE project, Smart Leap
Think of a fast instruction in a noisy kitchen, a message to your shift manager, a job interview by video call or a colleague's joke that hurts. Work is full of communication, often in a language you are still learning. This module helps you handle these moments clearly and confidently. You practise with role-plays, chat simulations and real cases, and you finish with your own action plan.
This module highlights communication skills as a key factor in the employment of young migrants and their successful integration into the workplace. By addressing common challenges related to language, cultural differences and professional norms, it helps participants express themselves clearly and confidently in work environments. Through practical examples, case studies, role-play activities and reflection exercises, participants develop strong verbal, non-verbal and interpersonal communication skills. The module also underlines the importance of respectful, inclusive and supportive communication in creating fair and positive working environments.
Duration in the curriculum. Total duration 8 hours: 4 hours of theoretical input and guided discussion, 4 hours of practical learning (case studies, role-play activities, reflection exercises).
How this module teaches
- Foundation and discussion. Short presentations introduce key concepts, while group discussions deepen understanding and allow participants to share their experiences.
- Realistic practice. Case studies and role-play activities simulate real workplace interactions, so participants can practise verbal, non-verbal and interpersonal communication.
- Self-awareness (reflection). Reflection exercises help participants assess their own communication style and identify areas for improvement.
- Safe and inclusive environment. By combining theory with hands-on practice, the module gives young migrants a supportive space to build confidence in their communication abilities.
Key references of the curriculum
- Ager, A., & Strang, A. (2008). Understanding integration: A conceptual framework. Journal of Refugee Studies, 21(2), 166-191.
- Council of Europe. (2018). Reference framework of competences for democratic culture. Council of Europe Publishing.
- European Commission. (2016). A new skills agenda for Europe. European Union.
- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. Bantam Books.
- Gudykunst, W. B. (2004). Bridging differences: Effective intergroup communication. Sage Publications.
- International Labour Organization. (2021). Integrating migrants into labour markets: Policies and practices. ILO.
- OECD. (2015). Skills for social progress: The power of social and emotional skills. OECD Publishing.
Suggested balance
- Theory and guided discussion 4 h
- Practice: cases, role-play, reflection 4 h
As set in the SMILE curriculum for this module (total 8 h).
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module you will be able to:
- Explain the role of communication skills in employment and workplace integration.
- Identify common communication challenges related to language, culture and professional norms (expectations).
- Understand the impact of effective communication on building inclusive and respectful work environments.
- Apply practical strategies for clear and confident communication in work-related settings.
- Demonstrate verbal, non-verbal and interpersonal communication skills (in practice) through role-play and real-life scenarios.
- Reflect on their own communication strengths and areas for development in the workplace context (carry out a self-assessment).
Who is it for
- Young migrants and refugees (18-30) who are looking for work, starting a job or want to feel more confident at work
- Apprentices, interns and students preparing for their first job in a new country
- Youth workers, trainers and mentors who support young newcomers
- Employers and team leaders who want to understand communication in diverse teams
What you need
- Basic English (A2-B1). Short sentences are used and key words are explained.
- A phone, tablet or computer with internet
- No work experience needed
Module challenge: Communication challenge
Finish all required activities of this module with a good result, including the job interview simulation, and pass the knowledge check. You win the module badge and 100 extra XP.
Curriculum
Sessions, order and timing as in the SMILE curriculum.
Session 1Introduction and Foundations
1 h- Welcome and setting objectives 15 min 2 activities Free preview
- The importance of communication in workplace integration 25 min 3 activities
- Icebreaker activity: "My Communication Story" 20 min 3 activities
Session 2Understanding Communication Challenges
1 h 30 min- Language barriers and cultural differences 35 min 3 activities
- Professional norms and expectations 30 min 3 activities
- Group discussion: Common challenges faced by young migrants 25 min 3 activities
Session 3Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Skills
1 h 30 min- Elements of effective verbal communication 30 min 4 activities
- Non-verbal cues and body language 30 min 4 activities
- Role-play: Practising workplace conversations 30 min 3 activities
Session 4Interpersonal Skills and Inclusive Communication
1 h- Building respectful and supportive interactions 20 min 3 activities
- Active listening techniques 20 min 2 activities
- Case study analysis 20 min 2 activities
Session 5Practical Strategies for Workplace Communication
1 h 30 min- Feedback (criticism/appreciation) and conflict management 35 min 4 activities
- Communication in diverse teams 25 min 3 activities
- Simulation exercises 30 min 3 activities Free preview
Session 6Reflection and Action Planning
1 h 30 min- Self-assessment: Strengths and areas for development in communication 25 min 2 activities
- Creating a personal action plan for workplace communication 30 min 2 activities
- Closing discussion and feedback 15 min 2 activities
- Knowledge check: Communication 20 min Knowledge check
Presentation and materials
Questions about this module
Do I need good English to follow this module?
No. The lessons use plain English at about B1 level, with short sentences and key words explained. Many activities give you sentences you can use straight away. The skills work in any language, also in German, Dutch, Italian, Greek or Turkish.
How long does it take?
About 8 hours in total: 18 lessons of 15 to 35 minutes and a 20-minute knowledge check. You can learn at your own pace, stop at any time and continue later.
Who can see my written answers?
Your reflections and plans are saved in your account, so you can come back to them. Other learners cannot see them. Do not write personal data, such as the name of your employer or document numbers.
Can I practise a job interview here?
Yes. Session 5 has a job interview simulation by video call with typical questions: telling about yourself, a gap in your CV, a foreign diploma, your language level and your availability. You can repeat it as often as you like and try different answers.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. Finish all lessons and pass the knowledge check with at least 60%. Your certificate has a code that an employer can check online.
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