PV206 Communication and soft skills FAQ


Q: What should I write in the course application?

We are interested in your motivation. Tell us why you want to study soft skills and your personal
opinion on what part of the course will be useful to you.


Q: What language is used in the class?

A: Seminar groups 02 and 03 are taught in Czech. Group 01 runs in English, and all students who
don't understand Czech must sign up there. For others, we recommend joining this group only if you
really want to study soft skills in English. And don't worry! We certainly won't judge you based on
your English skills, and we'll help if needed. If no international students register for the
course, this seminar group could also run in Czech. If the participants of Czech groups want to use
English, they all have to agree on it. The seminar tutors can handle both languages but recommend
using Czech. The concepts they introduce can sometimes be hard to digest, and it is usually easier
for students to hear this topic in their native language. In the end, the main aim of the course is
to train soft skills, not practice English conversation.


Q: Is there any difference between the seminar groups (besides the language)?

The length and essential topics covered are the same for all groups. The only special group is
Security (only in the autumn term). Students focusing on IT security are expected to ask permission
to join the group at the beginning of the enrolment period. This group contains additional
activities to cover situations that may occur in your life as a security specialist. We also invite
guests who have worked in IT security for years to share their experiences with students and
provide tips and tricks. You are welcome if you do not focus on IT security but cannot handle
another seminar group or are simply interested in IT security. However, capacity is reserved for
students with a focus on IT security.


Q: Do I have to attend all seminars?

Since soft skills are needed to learn by doing, attending all seminars is mandatory. In serious
cases, you can leave sooner or skip the class. However, due to the nature of the course, let your
seminar tutors know about your non-attendance in advance. If it is for health reasons, send a
confirmation from your doctor to the Office for studies as usual. Otherwise, compensate for the
classes you missed: by default, in other seminar groups. For example, if you must leave 2 hours
sooner every Thursday (that's 6 hours in total), then pay an extra visit to another seminar group
on Friday. Always write to the seminar tutors of the respective group in advance as soon as
possible, and ask if they are willing to take you. If yes, write a short review (at most 1 page A4)
afterwards about your experiences in another group and send it to your seminar tutors within 7 days
of your visit. If not, ask your seminar tutors for another solution (typically a reading/writing
assignment).


Q: Each tutorial session is about 5 to 8 hours long. I’m afraid that I cannot handle it/be​
​conscious​ ​all​ ​the​ ​time.
A: Don't worry! There'll be breaks and activities to boost energy. It's not only sitting all the
time.


Q: What do I need to do to pass the course?

A: The basic requirements are: attendance (the first meeting is absolutely vital, and missing it
means failing the course), active participation in the class, regularly submitting
feedback/reaction sheets on the course, and preparing a team moderation. More details will be
discussed in the class. There is no test or examination.


Q: Are soft skills some kind of black magic/voodoo manipulation/motivational bullshit?

A: Soft skills have been a popular topic for the past few decades, giving rise to self-help
coaches, books, and seminars. Unfortunately, most of this is, well... bullshit. We don't promise
any life-changing miracles. We offer you several methods backed by research and professional
experience (we'll gladly provide our resources). You can try them on your own, and if they suit
you, they'll help you when dealing with other people in your workplace or personal setting. If it
doesn't work for you, it's okay. There is no universal way: everyone is different. Hey, at least
you'll try something new!