Guiding and Interpretive Services

Guiding and Interpretive Services

• Guiding services aim to provide information and knowledge, meaningfully interpret the environment, and keep guests safe.
• Methods used to make the environment accessible and provide interpretation include game drives, nature walks, activities, and other methods.
• An ideal guide should enjoy people, have a sense of humour, be patient and tolerant, be informative and interesting (entertaining), always willing to learn, possess a pleasant voice, clearly heard, well-prepared and confident, prepared for the unexpected, use initiatives when confronted with problems, be punctual, assertive but not aggressive, enthusiastic, take pride in their work, admit to not knowing everything, and be both an entertainer and a teacher.
• The guide represents the organization, and the impression on visitors impacts their view of the organization.
• Communication is crucial in guiding and interpretive services, encompassing verbal words, body language, and knowledge of the audience.
• Guiding principles include projecting a clear voice, speaking clearly, ensuring audibility, and employing appropriate tone.
• Commentary should be welcoming, interesting, flexible (for repeat guests), focused on surroundings, and factual, accurate, balanced, and objective.
• Simple words and correct terminology should be used. Discussions about sensitive subjects like politics, religion, and personal issues should be avoided.
• Guides do not need to talk all the time, and guests should be allowed to experience sights, sounds, and smells.
• If a guide does not know the answer to a question, they should tell the guests they will find out the answer, and get back to them, avoiding lying.
• Eye contact and relaxed posture are important communication tools, and guides should try to learn as much as possible about their audience and point out more than just common animals.
• Indemnity forms are to be completed and submitted before engaging in activities, including night drives, day walks, etc.
• Risks involved in the activities will be acknowledged and proper safety measures will be in place..

Vehicle Check for Game Drives

• Check the vehicle for fuel, oil, water, break fluid, and battery water.
• Check tyre treads, wheel nuts, steering, and external fittings.
• Check brakes and other leaks.
• Check if all lights are working.
• Check if spare tyre, jack, and wheel spanner are available and functional.
• Check if the radio is operational, and fill in the log book, and check medical kit. Collect the weapon.

Game Drive Procedure Before Night Drive

• Ensure vehicle is checked for water, oil, spares, and cleanliness.
• Log the route depending on the camp emergency procedures.
• Check equipment (spotlights)
• Fill out the logbook and checklists.

Meeting Visitors and Documentation

• Always be punctual.
• Collect a list of guests and ensure that they have made the required payments.
• Ensure indemnity forms are correctly filled out.
• Note special medical needs, allergies, and necessary medicine.
• Establish language preferences and special interests.

Briefing for Visitors

• Properly introduce yourself to the group.
• Explain the do's and don'ts. (No smoking in certain areas, reasonable drinking limits, Keep arms and legs in the vehicle, etc).
• Explain the use of spotlights.
• Mention emergency procedures, and to remain seated throughout the activity.
• State no littering is required, and stargazing breaks will be available.

During the Drive

• Count heads before departing.
• Do not exceed speed limits (20-25km/hr) if spotlights are used.
• Emphasize that the drive includes more than just animals, and to help guests appreciate sounds and the landscape (sundowner).
• Position the vehicle optimally for all to view.

Termination of the Drive

• Complete evaluation forms.
• Offer thanks and farewell.
• Secure the truck, blankets, and spotlights.

Fire Arms Safety

• Make safety a habit.
• Ensure the weapon is in good order, oiled and clean.
• Inspect the ammunition to ensure it's dry, clean, and of the correct size.
• Handle all rifles as loaded and ready to shoot.
• Think before pulling the trigger, and keep finger off the trigger until ready.
• Be barrel conscious (knowing where it's pointed).
• Check for obstructions in the barrel.
• The handler is responsible for rifle safety.
• Rifles must be locked away when not in use.
• Alcohol and firearms do not mix.
• Never allow anyone else to handle your rifle.

Emergency Procedures

• Procedures are specific to each camp.
• Assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
• Radio or call the relevant section ranger or camp manager.
• Know the channels used on the radio and report your exact position.

Nature Walks

• Research and know the area.
• Be friendly, firm, confident, enthusiastic, and genuine.

Before Nature Walk Starts

• Make eye contact with each guest.
• Ask each guest about their expectations and fears.
• Determine any medical issues.
• Ensure appropriate clothing and shoes are worn.
• Include water.

Brief Visitors About Walk

• Briefly discuss the walk's length, breaks, and toilet facilities.

On the Walk

• Make time for discussions using appropriate "T's (talking, touching, thinking).
• Involve the guests by taking a lets find out approach rather than acting like an expert.
• Do not be afraid to state that you don't know the answer to a question.
• Focus on eliciting interest from the guests by incorporating marvel and mystery into the interpretation.
• Encourage activities.
• Focus on particular objects or actions and their ecological roles.
• Use resources for exploration.

Working with Children

• Use resources such as identification guides, magnifying glasses, clear jars, paper, and crayons.
• Choose a theme based on the group's interests, objectives of the walk, the season, and prominent objects found.

Working with Difficult Children

• Introduce yourself and ask about their interests and background.
• Lay down rules from the beginning.
• Be polite, friendly, and control your own temper.
• Respond firmly.
• Enlist more dominant children to help control others when necessary.
• Tell children that they are special.
• Reward good behavior.
• Vary activities as needed.
• Be prepared to have a flexible program.

Working with the Disabled

• Concentrate on other working senses.
• Allow more time for activities.
• Keep distances shorter.
• Keep groups smaller.
• Know the area and walk through it (with the group's accessibility needs in mind).
• Be flexible with the program.

Trails for the Blind

• Trail starts must be easily found (near a hut or shop).
• Ensure adequate parking for vehicles.
• Circular routes are preferred.
• Paths should be cleared of rocks, roots, and overhanging branches.
• Steps should be avoided.
• Use guide rails (rope, rod, or perimeter fence) with soft textured ropes at least 10mm in diameter.
• Indicate information boards / displays/ exhibits on the same side of the path and at no more than 1 meter from it.
• Display boards should be the appropriate height (no higher than 1.5m).
• Small groups can hold hands, or walk in a line, guided by the person in front.
• All written materials must be in Braille.
• Use materials appropriate for tactile access (brass, alu, steel, etc), place them in shade, and position signs correctly (orientation).

Discovery Areas

• Focus on other senses (touch, smell, hearing, taste) to encourage exploration of skulls, horns, bird nests, animals, specimens, tree bark, thorns, etc
• Use smell approach (smell flowers in the area) , hearing (Listen to birds use pre recordings), taste and touch.

How to Cater for the Deaf

• Use an interpreter on trails, in meetings, and any group.
• Have clear signage in place.
• Face deaf people, speak clearly and slowly, to encourage lip reading
• Avoid noise in the background.

Working with the Mentally Handicapped

• KISS (keep it short and simple) — talks no more than 3-10 minutes.
• Use simple language and short sentences.
• Use small groups.
• Use more mobile/active activities.
• Be prepared for unexpected behavior.
• Be understanding — their actions may stem from lack of understanding of consequences.

Additional Considerations (accessibility)

• Include disabilities such as mobility impairments, hearing impairments, visual impairments, mental impairments, elderly, and situational disabilities.
• Evaluate your facilities in terms of needed accessibility for all.
• Consider visitor demographics and accessibility needs (people with physical challenges, and elderly people).

This quiz explores the essential skills and qualities of effective guides in interpretive services. It covers various methods for engaging guests and ensuring their safety while providing insightful experiences in the environment. Understand the role of communication and its impact on visitor perceptions of organizations.