Communications

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{{Merit Badge header|Collections|Composite Materials||lesson video links,}}
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{{Otheruses|{{ThisMB}}{{WABearn|Communicator}}{{CSASearn|Communicating}}}}
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|name= Communications
|name= Communications
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|caption= Communications
|caption= Communications
|subject= Communications
|subject= Communications
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|status= '''Eagle-Required'''
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|status= '''Eagle-required'''
|created= 1965
|created= 1965
|discontinued= N/A
|discontinued= N/A
|requirements revision= 2004
|requirements revision= 2004
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|pamphlet revision= 2008
|field= Personal Development
|field= Personal Development
|id= 005
|id= 005
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|quote=This clear and concise definition comes from the U.S. Department of Education: "Communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. The field of communication promotes the effective and ethical practice of human communication.
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{{Otheruses|''This is the '''Boy Scout Communications Merit Badge'''.<br>Webelos Scouts can earn the Webelos [[Communicator]] Activity Badge.<br>Cub Scouts & Webelos Scouts can earn the [[Cub Scout Communicating]] Belt Loop & Pin.''}}
 
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== Notes ==
== Notes ==
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#The Communications merit badge is on the [[Eagle Scout]] required list (requirement 3.e.).
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== Requirement resources ==
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*The [[Troop Program Features#Communications|Troop Communications Monthly Theme]] includes meeting and activity materials.
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'''1'''. How we communicate: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communication Communications] - [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecommunication#Modern_operation Telecommunications] <br>
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'''1a'''. A communications log is in the [[Media:Communications.pdf|Communications Workbook]].<br>
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'''1b'''. A listening journal is in the [[Media:Communications.pdf|Communications Workbook]].<br>
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'''1c'''. See below: #4 for interviewing resources, #5 for active listening and taking notes.<br>
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'''2a'''. [[Scout Songs]] - [[Scout Skits]] - Also see [[Art]] Merit Badge<br>
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* [http://mistupid.com/tutorials/powerpoint/index.htm Microsoft PowerPoint] - Great Microsoft PowerPoint tutorials.
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'''2b'''. How to sell [[Popcorn]] - with sample scripts, sales plans, and even a video. Also see [[Salesmanship]] #3. <br>
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'''3'''. Presentation resources:
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{{Public Speaking Links}}
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* Speeches & presentations: [http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Topic-for-an-Informative-Speech How to Choose a topic] - [http://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Informative-Speech How to Write a Speech] - [http://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-and-Give-a-Speech How to Give a Speech] - [http://www.ehow.com/how_4799985_give-speech-stress.html Ideas from eHow]<br>
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The [[Citizenship in the Community]] #8 ''public presentation...of your community'' <br>
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could be given as a [[Communications]] #3 ''five-minute speech'' <br>
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using the techniques from [[Photography]] #4b to ''produce a picture story'' <br>
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and [[Art]] #1 to ''tell a story with...pictures'' <br>
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which could be developed into the [[Computers]] #6e ''short presentation''.<br>
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: Also see [[Public Speaking]] #1. "Give a three- to five-minute introduction of yourself".<br>
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'''4'''. '''Lesson Video''': [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/22557_write-news-new-style.htm How a reporter interviews someone] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/3193_conduct-interview.htm How to Conduct an Interview (Job)]. <br>
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'''5'''. [[Communications]] #5 "Attend a public meeting…" is similar to [[Journalism]] #4 " Attend a public event…"
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*Active Listening skills: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_listening Wikipedia] - [http://www.ehow.com/how_2057868_be-active-listener.html How to be an active listener]
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* How to remember what is said: [http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/guides/?article=HomeworkMemoryTricks Memory Tricks] - [http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Features/Columns/?article=12MemoryTricks 12 Memory Tricks]
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* [http://www.wikihow.com/Take-Lecture-Notes How to Take Notes] - [http://www.wikihow.com/Take-Better-Notes Take Better Notes] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/video/145862_take-research-notes.htm Lesson Video: How to take notes]
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'''6'''. Some ideas for skills or topics you could teach:
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* [[Knots]] - pick a basic knot or knots to teach (animated instructions and handouts.
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* [[Scout Songs]] & [[Scout Skits]] for great campfire programs
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* How to present a [[Flag Ceremony]]
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* [[Essentials for the Outdoors]] - what you need for a hike, campout, or summer camp, etc.
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* What is [[Order of the Arrow]]? Great topic if you are in OA.
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* [[First Aid]] Merit Badge Requirement 7 is to teach a first aid skill - resources and videos are there.
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* [[Camping]] - possible topics include packing a backpack, cold or warm weather clothing, [[Leave No Trace]], etc.
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*'''Lesson Videos''' (If you want to use PowerPoint): [http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/powerpoint-beginners.htm PowerPoint Presentation Basics] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/powerpoint-tips.htm PowerPoint Tips] - [http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/powerpoint-presentation.htm More PowerPoint]
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'''7a'''. : [http://mistupid.com/technical/outlook/index.htm '''Microsoft Outlook] great email tutorials. - '''Lesson Videos''': [http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/2196_microsoft-outlook-tips.htm Outlook Email]
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* [http://mistupid.com/tutorials/word/index.htm Microsoft Word] - Great Microsoft Word tutorials.
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'''7b'''. [[Communications]] #7b "Create a Web page…" is very similar to [[Computers]] #7d "Design a webpage…"<br>
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'''7c'''. [http://mistupid.com/tutorials/word/index.htm Microsoft Word] - Great Microsoft Word tutorials teach desktop publishing and more.<br>
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* See [[Photography]] for help with your photo.
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'''8'''. See [[Court of Honor]] for ideas and a sample script and program in the Word {{DOC}} format that you can customize.<br>
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'''9'''. Communications Careers resources from: [http://career.berkeley.edu/communications/Communications.stm Berkley], [http://njca.rutgers.edu/careers_comm.htm Rutgers], and [http://www.temple.edu/sct/comm-major/careers.html Temple University] <br>
== Related awards ==
== Related awards ==
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'''2b'''. This is very similar to [[Salesmanship]] #3.<br>
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'''3'''. The [[Citizenship in the Community]] #8 ''public presentation...of your community'' <br>
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could be given as a [[Communications]] #3 ''five-minute speech'' <br>
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using the techniques from [[Photography]] #4b to ''produce a picture story'' <br>
 +
and [[Art]] #1 to ''tell a story with...pictures'' <br>
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which could be developed into the [[Computers]] #6e ''short presentation''.<br>
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* Also see [[Public Speaking]] #1. "Give a three- to five-minute introduction of yourself".<br>
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'''5'''. [[Communications]] #5 "Attend a public meeting…" is similar to [[Journalism]] #4 " Attend a public event…"<br>
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'''7b'''. [[Communications]] #7b "Create a Web page…" is very similar to [[Computers]] #7d "Design a webpage…".<br>
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*[http://www.scouting.org/webmasters/units.html Advice for personal and unit Web sites] from the BSA
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*[http://www.scouting.org/webmasters/units.html Advice for personal and unit Web sites] &mdash; ''Official'' BSA web site
*[http://www.kumc.edu/SAH/OTEd/jradel/effective.html Effective Presentations]
*[http://www.kumc.edu/SAH/OTEd/jradel/effective.html Effective Presentations]
*[http://www.roxbury.net/images/pdfs/cps6chapb.pdf Confidence in Public Speaking - First Speech]
*[http://www.roxbury.net/images/pdfs/cps6chapb.pdf Confidence in Public Speaking - First Speech]
*[http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/cartocom/cartocom_f.html Cartographic Communication]
*[http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/cartocom/cartocom_f.html Cartographic Communication]
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Revision as of 21:57, October 22, 2012

Resources include the Communications merit badge worksheet Adobe Acrobat PDF, links, and cross-references to related badges and awards.  ◀Prev  -  Next ▶ 

This is the Communications merit badge for Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers.
Webelos Scouts can earn the Communicator activity badge.
Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts can earn the Cub Scout Communicating belt loop and pin.
Communications merit badge is required for the Eagle Scout rank.
Communications requires prior counselor approval for requirement(s) #5, 6, & 7b.


Communications merit badge
Image:Communications.jpg
Status: Eagle-required
Created: 1965
Discontinued: no
BSA Advancement ID: 005
Requirements revision: 2004
Latest pamphlet revision: 2008

Contents

“ This clear and concise definition comes from the U.S. Department of Education: "Communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. The field of communication promotes the effective and ethical practice of human communication. ”



Communications merit badge requirements

  1. Do ONE of the following:
    a. For one day, keep a log in which you describe your communication activities. Keep track of the time and different ways you spend communicating, such as talking person-to-person, listening to teachers or the radio, watching television, reading books and other print media, and using any electronic communication device. Discuss with your counselor what your log reveals about the importance of communication in your life. Think of ways to improve your communications skills.
    b. For three days, keep a journal of your listening experiences. Identify one example of each of the following, and discuss with your counselor when you have listened to:
    1. Obtain information
    2. A persuasive argument
    3. Appreciate or enjoy something
    4. Understand someone's feelings
    c. In a small-group setting, meet with other scouts or with friends. Have them share personal stories about significant events in their lives that affected them in some way. Take note of how each scout participates in the group discussion and how effectively he communicates his story. Report what you have learned to your counselor about the differences you observed in effective communication.
    d. List as many ways as you can think of to communicate with others (face-to-face, by telephone, letter, e-mail, text messages, and so on). For each type of communication discuss with your counselor an instance when that method might not be appropriate or effective.
  2. Do ONE of the following:
    a. Think of a creative way to describe yourself, using, for example, a collage, short story or autobiography, drawing or series of photographs, or a song or skit. Using the aid you created, make a presentation to your counselor about yourself.
    b. Choose a concept, product, or service in which you have great confidence. Build a sales plan based on its good points. Try to persuade the counselor to agree with, use, or buy your concept, product or service. After your sales talk, discuss with your counselor how persuasive you were.
  3. Write a five-minute speech. Give it at a meeting of a group.
  4. Interview someone you know fairly well, like, or respect because of his or her position, talent, career or life experiences. Listen actively to learn as much as you can about the person. Then prepare and deliver to your counselor an introduction of the person as though this person were to be a guest speaker, and include reasons why the audience would want to hear this person speak. Show how you would call to invite this person to speak.
  5. Attend a public meeting (city council, school board, debate) approved by your counselor where several points of view are given on a single issue. Practice active listening skills and take careful notes of each point of view. Present an objective report that includes all points of view that were expressed, and share this with your counselor.
  6. With your counselor's approval, develop a plan to teach a skill or inform someone about something. Prepare teaching aids for your plan. Carry out your plan. With your counselor, determine whether the person has learned what you intended.
  7. Do ONE of the following:
    a. Write to the editor of a magazine or your local newspaper to express your opinion or share information on any subject you choose. Send your message by fax, email or regular mail.
    b. Create a web page or blog of special interest to you (for instance, your troop or crew, a hobby, or a sport).. Include at least three articles or entries and one photograph or illustration, and one link to some other Web page or blog that would be helpful to someone who visits the Web page or blog you have created. It is not necessary to post your Web page or blog to the Internet, but if you decide to do so, you must first share it with your parents and counselor and get their permission.
    c. Use desktop publishing to produce a newsletter, brochure, flier or other printed material for your scout troop, class at school, or other group. Include at least one article and one photograph or illustration.
  8. Plan a troop court of honor, campfire program, or an interfaith worship service. Have the patrol leaders' council approve it, then write the script and prepare the program. Serve as master of ceremonies.
  9. Find out about three career opportunities in the field of communication. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.


The official source for the information shown in this article or section is:
Boy Scout Requirements, 2012 Edition (BSA Supply No. 34765)

The text of these requirements is locked and can only be edited by an administrator.
Please note any errors found in the above requirements on this article's Talk Page.


Notes

Worksheet A FREE workbook for Communications is available here! Adobe Acrobat PDF
with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need!
Or click here to print just the Communications requirements. 		meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of
Boy Scout merit badge workbooks,
Webelos workbooks, and Cub Scout workbooks.
  1. Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff.org.
  2. "Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.
  3. The BSA Communications Troop Program Feature offers meeting and activity plans to include Communications as one of your monthly themes.
  4. Communications is a popular merit badge.


Requirement resources

1. How we communicate: Communications - Telecommunications
1a. A communications log is in the Communications Workbook.
1b. A listening journal is in the Communications Workbook.
1c. See below: #4 for interviewing resources, #5 for active listening and taking notes.
2a. Scout Songs - Scout Skits - Also see Art Merit Badge

2b. How to sell Popcorn - with sample scripts, sales plans, and even a video. Also see Salesmanship #3.
3. Presentation resources:

The Citizenship in the Community #8 public presentation...of your community
could be given as a Communications #3 five-minute speech
using the techniques from Photography #4b to produce a picture story
and Art #1 to tell a story with...pictures
which could be developed into the Computers #6e short presentation.

Also see Public Speaking #1. "Give a three- to five-minute introduction of yourself".

4. Lesson Video: How a reporter interviews someone - How to Conduct an Interview (Job).
5. Communications #5 "Attend a public meeting…" is similar to Journalism #4 " Attend a public event…"

6. Some ideas for skills or topics you could teach:

7a. : Microsoft Outlook great email tutorials. - Lesson Videos: Outlook Email

7b. Communications #7b "Create a Web page…" is very similar to Computers #7d "Design a webpage…"
7c. Microsoft Word - Great Microsoft Word tutorials teach desktop publishing and more.

8. See Court of Honor for ideas and a sample script and program in the Word Microsoft Word DOC document format that you can customize.
9. Communications Careers resources from: Berkley, Rutgers, and Temple University

Related awards

2b. This is very similar to Salesmanship #3.
3. The Citizenship in the Community #8 public presentation...of your community
could be given as a Communications #3 five-minute speech
using the techniques from Photography #4b to produce a picture story
and Art #1 to tell a story with...pictures
which could be developed into the Computers #6e short presentation.

  • Also see Public Speaking #1. "Give a three- to five-minute introduction of yourself".

5. Communications #5 "Attend a public meeting…" is similar to Journalism #4 " Attend a public event…"
7b. Communications #7b "Create a Web page…" is very similar to Computers #7d "Design a webpage…".
Personal development-related awards


See also

Boy Scout portal
Varsity Scout portal
Venturing portal

Merit Badge information


External links


Merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank
Image:EagleMedal.jpg
First Aid  •  Citizenship in the Community  •  Citizenship in the Nation  •  Citizenship in the World
Camping  •  Communications  •  Family Life  •  Personal Fitness  •  Personal Management
Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving  •  Environmental Science (OR Sustainability, starting July 2013)
Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling  •  Cooking (starting Jan 1, 2014)
Image:EagleMedal.jpg


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