Communications
Merit Badge


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Mr. R.
"The basic building block of good communications is the feeling that 
every human being is unique and of value."
- Anonymous 

 

Eagle Required
Mr. R's Communications Passport© (a 4"x5" pocket guide) is available in PDF format to print out for non-profit use (requires free Adobe Acrobat© Reader).  Passports are copyrighted, but scouts and troops may use them free of charge if they create only one per scout.  BSA councils must first contact Mr. R. before creating large quantities for scout camps, merit badge fairs, etc. (a small nominal fee will be charged).

 
Req#
1
 Develop a plan to teach a skill. Have your merit badge counselor approve the plan. Make teaching aids. Carry out your plan. With your counselor, check to see if you have successfully taught the skill. 
 
 

 
Req#
2
 Choose a product or service. Build a sales plan based on its good points. Try to "sell" your merit badge counselor on buying it from you. Talk with the counselor about how well you did in telling about the product or service and convincing the counselor to buy it.
1. Name a feature of your product or service. The feature represents important information about your product or service: the fact that a product is compact or portable, etc.
2. Paint a vivid, word picture of the benefits that feature provides. The benefit highlights what the feature will do for the prospect and appeals to one or a combination of the prospects buying motives: Desire for Gain, Fear of Loss, Comfort and Convenience, Security and Protection, Pride of Ownership, and Satisfaction of Emotion. 
3. Ask a reaction question tied to that benefit. The reaction question draws out the response the prospect will base his/her buying decision on.
http://www.maxsacks.com/articles/psbj241.html
 

 
Req#
3
 Do the following: 
a. Show how you would make a telephone call inviting an expert in the field of your choice to give a demonstration to your unit on that person's area of expertise. 
b. Show how to create an effective recorded message and how to leave a voice-mail message.
 

 
Req#
4
 Do the following: 
a. Write a 5-minute speech. Give it at a meeting of a group. 
b. Show how to introduce a guest speaker.
Say what you're going to say — say it — then say what's you've said.
  
 

 
Req#
5		 Attend a town meeting where two or three points of view are being given. Listen and take notes. Make a report from your notes. Tell your troop or patrol what you think you heard.
  • Official City Sites  Select your country, then your state, and finally your city.  Most cities list their meeting place and times so you can attend.
  • Ogden City Government  Links to Mayor, City Council, etc.

 
Req#
6
 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). Or, write to an individual or organization to request information (on any subject). Send your message by fax or electronic mail, if possible. Otherwise, mail a traditional paper letter. 
b. Create a page on the World Wide Web for yourself or to give information about your unit, school, or other organization. Include at least one article and one photograph or illustration. 
c.  Use desktop publishing to produce a newsletter, brochure, flier, or other printed material for your unit, school, chartered organization, or other group. Include at least one article and one photograph or illustration. 
  • Geocities  Offers free web pages but they will place advertising on your page.
  • Tripod  Offers free web space subject to their advertising.
  • Your troop charter organization or a local business may offer to pay for web space on a local Internet Service Provider (ISP).  This will allow for more web space and is usually advertisement free.
  • Most word processors have Wizards to help you create web pages, a newsletter, brochure, or flier.  Click on file, then new and you'll be offered a choice of Wizards or Templates.  Also check programs available on your school's or library's computers.

 
Req#
7
 Prepare an autobiographical resume that you would use in applying for a job.
  • Most word processors have Wizards to help you create a resume.  Click on file, then new and you'll be offered a choice of Wizards or Templates.  Also check programs available on your school's or library's computers.
  • Your school counselors can direct you to someone who can help you create a good resume.

 
Req#
8
 Check careers in the field of communications. Choose one career and discuss with your counselor the qualifications and preparation needed for it.
 

 

BSA Advancement ID#: 5
Pamphlet Revision Date: 1997
Requirements last revised in 1999
 


 

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Webpage updated December 2003
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