David Cameron’s recent three C’s warning aimed at claimants whose lack of English communication skills stand in their way of securing a job is not to be taken light-heartedly.

Under the Government’s regime to shake-up and streamline today’s welfare system, Jobcentre advisers will be empowered with new rules to command claimants to improve their English communication skills. And if they fail to do so? The answer speaks for itself – no English, no employment, and no entitlement.

However, with the Government’s cuts in education, the provision of English training for overseas speakers has been radically reduced. Therefore, how can a claimant confronted by Cameron’s three C’s warning comply with conditions which may appear impossible?

In today’s world of technology, there is a plethora of free information, online chat rooms and learning resources to help develop confidence in communication. A free template to write a professional CV is readily available at the press of a button with its completion as a simple cloze test. By joining an online chat room, not only will verbal skills be developed, but also important listening and sub-listening skills. These are important training tools to have at hand when placed in a challenging position and, although will be of immense benefit to the claimant, may not compensate entirely for any weaknesses in face-to-face verbal communication, cultural awareness and presentation acumen. For a claimant’s job is now to convince a Jobcentre adviser that not only what is verbally communicated in English is passable, but that it is supported by a far reaching range of non-verbal skills which enhance and enrich the ability to communicate effectively in English. Eye contact is an essential quality to master when communicating in English for it exudes confidence and entices the listener to place trust and reliance in their speaker. Developing eye contact for some cultures may be a difficult obstacle to overcome, but the obstacle is not insurmountable. A mirror in any claimant’s armoury is an important weapon in the fight. Thorough preparation in the form of daily rehearsal in presenting yourself from your CV in front of a mirror is essential. Practise eye contact, develop expression and facial gesture and most importantly pay careful attention to the pitch, pause and pace - the three P’s - of the delivery of your spoken English. If you have a strong accent, learn how to reduce it so that it does not interfere with the clarity of your speech. Pause after the delivery of important information, and allow your listener to contemplate upon the words you have said. If your delivery is too quick - slow down. Slow speech is convincing and persuasive and an important characteristic of spoken English as it will allow you time to apply intonation, stress and rhythm to what you have to say. And, for that finishing touch, do not forget to smile to add to the radiance of your performance.

Remember, when confronted by the three C’s challenge, apply the three P’s principle - ‘Pitch, Pause and Pace’ to Communicate with Confidence Claimants!