Communications Merit Badge Exam

Communications Merit Badge Communications Badge 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 the counselor, check to see if the learner has learned.

01.	The skill I plan to teach is [ Make One Selection Only ]

How to make a chart.	How to tie up or take a boat from water.
How to report a crime.	How to care for and clean optical lenses.
How to keep a journal.	How to heave, coil, and fake down a line.
How to train for sports.	How to properly give first aid for a dog bite.
How to draw a diagram.	How to store a bow, bowstring, and arrows.
How to identify minerals.	How to carry a snowboard easily and safely.
How to tie a square knot.	How to rescue a person touching a live wire.
How to draw a floor plan.	How to use the library card file or computer.
How to clean a rifle safely.	How to care for, clean, and maintain a bugle.
How to properly clean coins.	How to properly use and care for binoculars.
How to recognize child abuse.	How to mount stamps with or without hinges.
How to sharpen a pocket knife.	How to recognize and confirm cardiac arrest.
How to detect counterfeit coins.	How to recognize points of interest on a map.
How to care for and pitch a tent.	How to create an effective recorded message.
How to best display a collection.	How to use a signal mirror to attract attention.
How to introduce a guest speaker.	How to load and secure equipment in a canoe.
How to clean and adjust a bicycle.	How to check the fluid levels of an automobile.
How to read an aeronautical chart.	How to avoid the use of drugs and drug abuse.
How to tan, cure, and finish leather.	How to read a schematic diagram of a project.
How to leave a voice-mail message.	How to use a topographical map and compass.
How to dispose of chemicals safely.	How to put on an emergency safety dog muzzle.
How to extinguish a grease pan fire.	How to take blood pressure and pulse readings.
How to adjust lap and shoulder belts.	How to coil and throw a 40-foot, 1/4-inch rope.
How to do a crime prevention survey.	How to report an emergency in your community.
How to take a clear set of finger prints.	How to handle and store CDs, tapes, or records.
How to layout a typical patrol campsite.	How to bicycle safely along a row of parked cars.
How to make a mock archaeological dig.	How to summon emergency aid to a climbing area.
How to set up and put out a cooking fire.	How to properly use a tooth brush and dental floss.
How to use five important plumber's tools.	How to attract and communicate with rescue planes.
How to repair a plug on an appliance cord.	How to calculate the weight a boat may safely carry.
How to take and follow a compass bearing.	How to examine a rope for signs of wear or damage.

How to scout and read a river while afloat and ashore.
How to pass another skater or pedestrian from behind.
How to stop a bicycle safely with foot and hand brakes.
How to safely outfit and use an inflatable boat in whitewater.
How to protect people from crime in several different places.
How to protect yourself against insects, reptiles, rodents, and bears.
How to use a contact insecticide, a stomach poison, and a fungicide.
How to protect food from bad weather, animals, and contamination.
How to propagate plants by seed, roots, cuttings, tubers, buds, and grafts.
How to protect people and property from accidents, fire, theft, robbery, and assault.
How to use effectively a pack frame and hip strap to distribute the weight on your body.
How to prepare properly for and deal with inclement weather while on a backpacking trek.
Other, explain:

02.	The plan development includes [ Mark All That Apply ]

a.	Number of learners to be trained.
b.	The skills my learners already have.
c.	The types and number of training aids.
d.	The best presentation order of major points.
e.	What I expect my learners to know after training.
f.	Information needed as a review with my learners.
g.	The critical skill steps or major points of the training.
h.	Ways to find out how much the learners have learned.
i.	Type of presentation methods such as lecture, demonstration, practice sessions, and training aids.
j.	Other, explain:

03.	My merit badge counselor has approved my plan. True False

04.	I have made the following type teaching aids to carry out my plan [ Mark all that apply ]

a.	Slides
b.	Posters
c.	Handouts
d.	Flip Charts
e.	Visual Aids
f.	Chalkboard
g.	Video or Film
h.	Working Models
i.	Overhead Projections
j.	Electronic Presentation
k.	Live, Full Scale Demonstrations

05.	To check and see if learners have learned, I plan to use the following methods [ Mark all that Apply ]

a.	Explanation
b.	Written Test
c.	Demonstration
d.	All of the above

06.	My counselor has reviewed with me the results of my learner checking methods. True False

07.	My counselor and I believe the learners have learned. True False

Communications Merit Badge Communications Badge Req. 2

Choose a product or service. Build a sales plan based on its good points. Try to "sell" the 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.

08.	I have chosen a for my sales plan.

09.	The name of my product or service is .

10.	The benefits of my product or service help sell it better than its features. True False

11.	My sales plan good points include: [ List as many as Possible ]

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

12.	After my sales presentation, my counselor wanted to buy my product or use my service. True False

13.	My counselor and I discussed my presentation and the results. True False

Communications Merit Badge Communications Badge 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.

14.	I used the following telephone techniques while inviting a field expert to give a troop demonstration:

a.	Followed a script.
b.	Practiced a script.
c.	Presented the invitation.
d.	Used a smile while talking.
e.	Used a smile while listening.
f.	Stayed focused upon subject.
g.	Spoke in a non-rapid manner.
h.	Asked for the person by name.
i.	Explained my reason for the call.
j.	Waited for my turn before talking.
k.	Used my normal tone and rhythm.
l.	Allowed phone to ring up to nine times.
m.	Called during an appropriate time of day.
n.	Used my memory to present the invitation.
o.	Introduced myself at the beginning of the call.
p.	Had nothing but my tongue in my mouth while talking.
q.	Held the phone mouth piece about one inch from my mouth.
r.	Made sure the call was neither inconvenient nor an interruption.

15.	When creating an effective recorded message I would:

a.	Clearly state my information.
b.	Check daily for incoming messages.
c.	Keep the information brief but complete.
d.	Attempt to return all calls within a day's time.
e.	Listen to the message to insure it is satisfactory.
f.	Use tone and words that encourage callers to leave their messages.
g.	Items a, c, d, and f only.

16.	When leaving a voice-mail message I would mention:

a.	Who I am.
b.	Why I called.
c.	My telephone number.
d.	When I am available to answer a return call.
e.	Listen to recorded greeting and follow any special directions.
f.	Items a, b, c, and d only.

Communications Merit Badge Communications Badge Req. 4

Do the following:

(a) Write a five-minute speech. Give it at a meeting of a group.

(b) Show how to introduce a guest speaker.

17.	People speak at about words per minute. Thus a five-minute speech requires words.

18.	While writing my five-minute speech, I incorporated: [ Mark all that Apply ]

a.	Stories
b.	Questions
c.	Unusual ideas
d.	A strong ending
e.	Presentation aids
f.	Practice and training
g.	Outlining strong ideas
h.	An attention getting opening
i.	Selecting strong ideas for my presentation
j.	The interest of both myself and my audience
k.	Results I wanted my presentation to accomplish
l.	Dividing my original topic into several smaller ideas
m.	Choosing a main idea and recording everything that goes with it

19.	While presenting my five-minute speech, I incorporated: [ Mark all that Apply ]

a.	Clear speech
b.	Deep breathing
c.	Friendly mannerisms
d.	Looking at my listeners
e.	Brief pauses for emphasis
f.	Use of effective body language
g.	Other, explain:

20.	For introducing a guest speaker, I would use: [ Mark all that Apply ]

a.	One or two minutes of time.
b.	Special qualifications of the speaker.
c.	The speaker's name at least a couple of times.
d.	Giving the speaker the last introduction line cue.
e.	The correct pronunciation of the speaker's name.
f.	A special story or anecdote about the speaker's personal interest in the subject.
g.	Careful listening to the speaker's opening remarks and responding appropriately.
h.	Announcement of the speaker's name to the audience, then turning to the speaker with a smile.

Communications Merit Badge Communications Badge Req. 5

Attend a town meeting where two or three points of view are given. Listen and take notes. Make a report from your notes. Tell your troop or patrol what you heard.

21.	Asking questions helps you clearly understand what someone is trying to communicate. True False

22.	I should balance my listening with my note taking to make sure I understand the main points. True False

23.	Your meeting notes and report should include you personal opinions about what the people said. True False

24.	A "Town Meeting" could be any kind of meeting. I choose the type checked below: [ Make One Selection Only ]

Elks	Humane Society
Lions	Heritage Society
Union	American Legion
Rotary	Audubon Society
Moose	Weight Watchers
Civitan	Political Campaign
Alumni	Civic Organization
Jaycees	Board of Directors
Shriners	Habitat for Humanity
Business	Knights of Columbus
Optimist	Campus Organization
Kawanis	Neighborhood Watch
Red Cross	Religious Organization
Committee	Shareholders Meeting
Big Brothers	Alcoholics Anonymous
Commission	Chamber of Commerce
City Council	Environmental Protection
Odd Fellows	Fraternal Order of Eagles
Toastmasters	American Cancer Society
School Board	Veterans of Foreign Wars
Order of Owls	Home Owner's Association
Public Hearing	American Heart Association
Women's Club	Disabled American Veterans
Amateur Radio	American Diabetes Association
Civic Air Patrol	Parent Teachers Association [ PTA ]
Zoning Hearing	American Association of Retired People [ AARP ]
Salvation Army	American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [ASPCA ]

Other, explain:

25.	I found my "Town Meeting" schedule for date and time of meeting through: [ Make One Selection Only ]

a.	Flier
b.	Radio
c.	Friend
d.	Parents
e.	Internet
f.	Neighbor
g.	Television
h.	Newspaper
i.	Bulletin Board
j.	Word of Mouth
k.	Other, explain:

26.	I attended a "Town Meeting" where two or three points of view were expressed. True False

27.	During the meeting, I listened and took notes of what I heard. True False

28.	I made a report from my notes and told my about what I had heard. True False

Communications Badge 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 Scout troop, 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 Scout troop, school, chartered organization, or other group. Include at least one article and one photograph or illustration.

29.	I choose requirement 6 for my task completion.

30.	If 6a was completed, the completed message was transmitted by the method.

31.	If 6b was completed, the Page can be reviewed at .

32.	If 6b or 6c were completed, they included article(s) and photograph(s) .

33.	A serif can be defined as a:

a.	law enforcement employee.
b.	tail or little marks at the ends of a letter's main strokes.
c.	short lines stemming from and at an angle to the upper and lower ends of the strokes of a letter.
d.	a schedule of duties imposed by a government on imported or in some countries exported goods.

34.	The email address @ character stands for the . character is pronounced .

35.	A web page can be checked for clear communication before it is published on the Internet. True False

36.	For a well designed desktop publication I should include: [ Mark all that Apply ]

a.	close consideration for content.
b.	text with capital and small letters.
c.	one space between one sentence and the next.
d.	typeset rather than typewriter-style characters.
e.	proofreading before reproducing and distribution.
f.	break up large blocks of text with white space, pictures, frames, and etc.
g.	limited typefaces such as a serifed typeface for text and a sans serif typeface for headlines.

38.	I have a paper copy of my requirement 6 completion document(s) to show to my counselor. True False

Communications Badge Req. 7

Prepare an autobiographical résumé that you would use in applying for a job.

39.	I have prepared an autobiographical résumé that could be used while applying for a job. True False

40.	The word résumé means .

41.	The components or parts of my résumé include: [ Mark all that Apply ]

a.	Skills
b.	Honors
c.	Heading
d.	Licenses
e.	Activities
f.	Education
g.	Experience
h.	Certifications
i.	Career Objective
j.	Other, explain:

42.	I was able to design a nice looking and clearly communicating page résumé. True False

43.	My résumé was .

Communications Badge Req. 8

Find out about careers in the field of communications. Choose one career and discuss with your counselor the qualifications and preparation needed for it.

44.	The career communications field I want to discuss is that of a (an): [ Make One Selection Only ]

Rabbi	Disk Jockey
Actor	Screenwriter
Artist	Psychologist
Priest	Photographer
Editor	Events Manager
Writer	Family Therapist
Singer	Speech Therapist
Dancer	Graphic Designer
Teacher	Cinematographer
Minister	Video Production
Attorney	Personnel Manager
Librarian	Printer/Lithographer
Musician	Marketing Specialist
Journalist	Sales Representative
Publisher	Publications Manager
Politician	Audio Visual Specialist
Dispatcher	Advertising Copywriter
Entertainer	Media Relations Specialist
Playwright	Communications Engineer
Announcer	Public Relations Specialist
Webmaster	Professional Speaker/Trainer
Sign Painter	Marketing Research Specialist
Broadcaster	Strategic Communications Planner
Other, explain:

45.	I have researched the qualifications and preparation needed for my communications career field. True False

46.	I am prepared to discuss the career qualifications and preparation needed with my counselor. True False

Scout's Name: Troop Number: Today's Date:

If answered on-line, be sure to print your exam for submission to your local counselor then,

Created: 28 July 2,000 - Last Edit: 29 December 2005
Courtesy of ARCO, LAUSD, USPS, & The Robert Havlicek Family