What qualities must a tour guide have?

What makes a good or outstanding guide? What qualities must they have?

Of course every guide is different and every group is different. However, there are a few common traits a good guide must have before being considered a good or outstanding guide.

Basic skills of a professional guide are knowledge, communication skill, humour and adaptability.

Knowledge - you definitely want to learn something new and hopefully interesting.

Communication skills - you must hear and understand the guide.

Humour - you'd probably enjoy the tour more if the guide has good humour.

Adaptability - you'd probably appreciate a guide who can adapt to unforeseen events.

Stefan Guide in Iceland