| March 8, 2012 |
Recommended Skills and Approaches for Geopark Guides
The simulated practical session for the first qualifying examination for Accredited Geopark Guides (A2G) was completed on 5 and 6 March. After having interviewed the participants, the assessment panel would like to take this opportunity to suggest a list of recommendations for all geopark guides to enhance their future guide work.
- Image and Role of Geopark Guides
- Keep smiling. Present a cheerful, positive image in order to provide a pleasant travel experience for your tour group.
- Help your tour group to explore geological knowledge, but avoid giving information in the style of classroom teaching.
- Preparation before the Guided Tour
- While we do not encourage too much technical interpretation during the guided tour, make sure you have a thorough understanding of geological concepts. Otherwise, it would be impossible to interpret the relevant knowledge in layman’s language.
- No matter how familiar you are with a particular geosite, always set simple, concise objectives and decide the key message you wish to impart before beginning your guided tour.
- Analyse your group makeup to be sure you avoid using terms or language which may be unclear, confusing or offensive to them.
- Explanation of Geological Concepts
- Support the geo-conservation message appropriately with relevant scientific knowledge.
- Make sure the scientific information you present is clear, concise and accurate. Do not mention uncertain scientific information.
- Avoid using technical terms. For example, consider using “cracks” instead of “joints”.
- Interpretation Style
- Do not spend all your time talking. Your group will be much more likely to remember the information if they are given time to digest it.
- When you use question-and-answer format to explain things, avoid asking difficult questions because they may embarrass the visitors and lead to a sense of frustration.
- Do not include too many key messages in a short interpretation or the visitors may not be able to digest the contents.
5. Presentation Skills
- Work on strengthening your speaking and presentation skills. For example, focus on the main points when explaining a geological phenomenon. Avoid mentioning the fine details or points which are not directly related to the phenomenon. This helps to highlight the theme and makes it easier for your audience to remember your main points.
- Highlight the uniqueness of the geological phenomenon or attraction to arouse the interest of the audience before explaining the details.
- Focus your interpretation on the immediate scene. Mentioning too many things which the audience cannot actually see will limit their understanding.
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March 1, 2012
The interviews for the 4th batch of the Recommended Geopark Guide (R2G) applications were held on 27th and 28th February. There were a total of 47 applications, from which 26 eligible candidates were interviewed. Ten candidates, or 38 per cent, passed the assessment, becoming provisional R2Gs. Individual candidates will soon be notified of the assessment results by email.
To allow the applicants have a better understanding of the assessment criteria in order to better prepare for the interview, the assessment panel has consolidated the following recommendations based on the performance of the candidates:
1 As representatives of Hong Kong Global Geopark of China, R2Gs must present a cheerful and positive image in order to provide a pleasant travel experience for visitors.
2 The candidates generally had a good understanding of geo-conservation. However, they should deepen their understanding of the significance of geoparks in science popularization. While unnecessary technical terms should be avoided, the accuracy of the scientific information must not be compromised in the guided tours.
3 The assessment panel encourages the use of creative interpretation skills. However, the continuity of the entire interpretation should be taken into account to ensure the message does not become fragmented.
4 One of the important requirements of R2Gs is the ability to conduct geotours in a language other than Cantonese (e.g. Putonghua and English). In addition to proficiency in the language, they must pay particular attention to the proper pronunciation of technical terms. This is important to help visitors understand the relevant geological knowledge.
5 The panel found that the candidates generally tended to overtalk during the interpretation and did not give their audience sufficient opportunity to digest the information. It is recommended that the guides should set a simple and concise objective before beginning their interpretation.
6 There are often different views and explanations for various geological attractions and ecological information, but the panel recommends that the candidates understand and verify the information first. Hearsay should never be used in guided tours.
January 30, 2012
Interviews for new recruits of Recommended Geopark Guide are scheduled on 27, 28 February. Secretariat has reached the candidates individually. You may direct any enquiry to the email address secretarial@hkr2g.net for further information.
September 18 , 2011
We receive a good news from Norway that the application to enlist to Global Geopark Network by Hong Kong Geopark has been approved. We would like to celebrate the honour and joy with the new title Hong Kong Global Geopark of China to all of you.
September 5 , 2011
Secretariat would accept applications to become R2Gs now. The details of application and interview schedule will be published here soon.
If the number of applications is enormous, Secretariat will draw lot to select candidates for interview. Those who are not selected for
interview will be regarded as the applicants for the next round of application and they do not have to re-submit their application.
June 23, 2011
The result of provisional R2Gs passing probation is summarized.
[ Please click here for information ]
June 7, 2011
Geo Tours conducted in Cantonese, Putonghua and English are open now. Please join us to experience the
glamourous landscapes and views. [ Please click here for information ]
February 24 , 2011
Public Seminars on Geoheritage and Ecology" were successfully conducted at Hong Kong Space Museum and
speakers shared their experience to enhance the public understanding on the geological features, local participation
and marine ecology in Hong Kong National Geopark.
January 15, 2011
The Northeast Sedimentay Rock Region boat tours by R2Gs of Hong Kong National Geopark are ended happily and successfully.
November 19, 2010
The 3rd round interview of Recommended Geopark Guide was conducted on 1.11.2010. Result will be announced to individual applicant later.
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