Module 3 - Tour Guiding Techniques

Question 1

List any five points a tourist guide should note when using the microphone on a coach.

P.L.A.T.S

Answer 1

1. P - Position the microphone correctly at an ideal distance from your mouth to avoid distortion or muffled sound.
2. L - Limit usage and allow breaks between announcements to maintain a pleasant atmosphere for passengers.
3. A - Adjust the volume to a comfortable level for all passengers.
4. T - Turn off the microphone when not in use.
5. S - Speak clearly and slowly with a well-articulated voice.

Question 2

List seven pieces of information a tourist guide should mention to tour group members before getting off a coach for a walking tour.

Answer 2

1. Weather and Clothing Advice
   Ensuring everyone is prepared before leaving the bus.
2. Safety Guidelines
   Staying with the group, watching for hazards, and following instructions.
3. Route Overview
   Offer a brief description of the tour, including the route, highlights, and approximate duration.
4. Facilities Information
   Restroom locations, water availability, and other relevant facilities along the route.
5. Local Rules and Etiquette
   Such as rules for taking photos or behavior in sacred areas.
6. Meeting Point and Time
   Clearly state where and when the group will meet after the tour to avoid confusion.
7. Emergency Contact Details
   Conclude with emergency contact details in case someone needs assistance or becomes separated from the group.

Question 3

List any six techniques a tourist guide should use when giving tour commentary outdoors.

Answer 3

1. Clear and Audible Voice: Speak loudly and clearly.
2. Engaging Storytelling: Ask questions and involve the group.
3. Be Descriptive: Use vivid and concise language to bring stories to life.
4. Positioning and Movement: Adjust your position to suit the weather, noise level, or group movement
5. Maintain Eye Contact to establish a connection with the group.
6. Use of Visual Aids and Gestures: Point out landmarks, use maps, or show pictures

Question 4

Phrasing or choice of words is one of the language skills essential to delivering tour commentary. List any six major points to note in phrasing or choice of words.

Answer 4

1. Clarity and Simplicity: Ensuring the audience easily understand the message.
2. Respectful and Inclusive Language: Using language that respects all individuals and includes everyone.
3. Relevance: Tailoring content to the group’s interest and needs.
4. Conciseness: Keeping language brief and to the point.
5. Avoid Jargon or Technical Terms: Using accessible language.
6. Positivity and Enthusiasm: A positive tone energizes the audience and fosters interest.

Clair and simple/respectful and inclusive/relevant/concise/accessible/positive

Question 5

Tourist guides are advised to adopt the ‘5W1H-skill’ to enhance their presentation skills when giving tour commentary. Explain what 5W and 1H stand for.

Answer 5

For example: Statue Square in Hong Kong :

1. Where: Specify the location, surroundings, and geographical context. (On HK Island, Center of CBD, between DeVoex Road Central and Connaught Road Central, surrounded by HSBC, Bank of China, Court of Final Appeal and the Prince’s Building)
2. What: Highlight the purpose, significance, or unique features of the site or object. (Statues of Victoria, Albert, George V, Sir Thomas Jackson)
3. Why: Explain the significance or reason behind the site’s importance (originally place of statue for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887)
4. Who: Identify the key individuals, cultural groups, or historical figures associated with the site. (Sir Thomas Jackson, manager of HSBC from 1876 -1902)
5. When: Provide the historical timeline, including periods, dates, or relevant events. (Former shoreline, square built end of 19th century on reclaimed land, HSBC rebuilt 4 times).
6. How: Detail the process, construction, or events leading to its creation or current state.

Question 6

When delivering tour commentary on a coach or at a tourist spot, apart from paying attention to the content and choice of words, body language also plays an important part. Suggest any three ways for a tourist guide to use ‘eye contact’ to achieve effective communication with tour group members.

Answer 6

1. Build Connection: Scan the group naturally, maintaining eye contact long enough to show attentiveness without making anyone uncomfortabel.
2. Read the Audience: Observe reactions and body language to gauge engagement and adjust your delivery as needed.
3. Highlight Key Points: Use focused eye contact to emphasize important information or deliver impactful messages.

Question 7

A professional tourist guide should understand the needs of different types of travellers. State any four aspects a tour guide should observe when caring for pregnant women.

Answer 7

1. Comfort and Accessibility
2. Health and Safety
3. Pace of the Tour
4. Hydration and Nutrition

Think about hiking up Huangshan Mountain with a pregnant woman: 1.) You want her to feel comfortable and able to access the top of the mountain. It is very steep and the path is narrow: 2.) you are concerned about her health and safety. 3.) Keep the pace of the tour low, so she can make is up. 4.) Make sure she is hydrated and eats at regular intervals