Organizational Communications Application Paper 969783

Organizational Communications Application Paperlength Paper 5 6 D

Prepare and submit through Turnitin, a 5 – 6 page paper that identifies and discusses how you will apply organizational communication strategies and practices studied during COMU 410 by discussing three (3) insights gained into being an effective communicator, your assessment of how the application of each can enhance your success professionally and/or academically, and your action plan to apply each insight. The paper should be specific; your grade will be determined by how well you demonstrate understanding of effective organizational communication.

While the paper focuses on your personal learning and application, it must be based on course concepts and supported by 3 or more academic sources. You are to reflect and respond to the following:

• Insights Gained: What were the three most valuable insights gained into effective organizational communication practices during COMU 410? Using your textbook and/or other expert sources, define, describe, and connect each insight to effective organizational communication.
• Insight Assessment: Why are the three insights valuable in enhancing your professional and/or academic success? How has your behavior and/or thinking changed to incorporate your learning?
• Action Plan: What specific actions will you take to apply each insight to improve your professional and/or academic effectiveness? How does each action connect to the insight, and what is the desired outcome?

Paper For Above instruction

Effective communication within organizations is fundamental to achieving efficient operations, fostering positive relationships, and driving organizational success. Throughout the COMU 410 course, I gained valuable insights into the dynamics of organizational communication that are vital for my professional and academic growth. This paper discusses three significant insights I acquired, assesses their importance, and outlines specific action plans to implement them in real-world contexts.

Insight 1: The Role of Active Listening

One of the most impactful insights from the course was understanding the importance of active listening as a core component of effective communication. Active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said, rather than passively hearing words. According to Adler, Elmhorst, and Lucas (2018), active listening enhances comprehension, reduces misunderstandings, and fosters trust within organizational settings. This insight highlights that effective communicators do not merely transmit information but engage attentively with their interlocutors to ensure clarity and mutual understanding.

In organizational contexts, active listening has been shown to improve teamwork and conflict resolution because it allows individuals to acknowledge different perspectives and address concerns appropriately (Brownell, 2012). Recognizing its value, I now appreciate that active listening is not simply waiting for my turn to speak but involves genuine engagement, asking clarifying questions, and providing feedback to confirm understanding.

This insight has profoundly changed my approach during meetings and interactions. I now consciously minimize distractions, maintain eye contact, and avoid interrupting, which fosters respect and openness. This behavioral change aims to build stronger relationships and reduce miscommunications, ultimately enhancing my effectiveness in collaborative environments.

Insight 2: The Impact of Nonverbal Communication

The second valuable insight was recognizing the significance of nonverbal communication—such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice—in conveying messages effectively. Mehrabian's (1971) research indicates that 55% of communication is through facial expressions, 38% through tone of voice, and only 7% through spoken words, emphasizing the importance of nonverbal cues. In organizational settings, nonverbal signals can reinforce, contradict, or substitute verbal messages, affecting perceptions and interactions.

Understanding this, I have become more attentive to my own nonverbal behaviors, ensuring they align with my verbal messages to convey confidence, openness, and professionalism. Additionally, I interpret colleagues' nonverbal cues to better understand their true feelings or attitudes, which can be crucial in conflict resolution or negotiations (Guerrero, Hannawa, & Babin, 2011).

This insight has prompted me to modulate my body language consciously, such as maintaining appropriate eye contact and open posture, to present a positive organizational image. Consequently, my nonverbal awareness enhances communication clarity, credibility, and relationship-building, contributing to overall organizational effectiveness.

Insight 3: The Power of Clear and Concise Messaging

The third insight involves the necessity of delivering messages that are straightforward, precise, and tailored to the audience. Clarity reduces confusion, ensures understanding, and expedites decision-making—a key in busy organizational environments (Roberts & O’Neill, 2009). Vague or overly complex communication can lead to errors, delays, and frustration.

Applying this insight, I have learned to organize my thoughts beforehand, use simple language, and focus on core messages. I have also adopted the use of visual aids and summaries to reinforce key points (Munter, 2014). In academic settings, clear communication improves the effectiveness of presentations and written assignments, thereby enhancing my academic success.

This change has resulted in more impactful communication during group projects and professional interactions. My ability to articulate ideas succinctly has increased my credibility and influence, facilitating better collaboration and achievement of shared goals.

Valuation and Changed Behaviors

The accumulated insights into active listening, nonverbal communication, and clarity have shifted my communication mindset from merely transmitting information to engaging more meaningfully with others. Professionally, I now prioritize understanding before responding, which reduces misinterpretations and fosters trust. Academically, applying these principles improves the quality of my presentations and written work.

My behavior now reflects a proactive stance—listening attentively, observing nonverbal cues, and articulating messages clearly. These changes are aligned with the goal of becoming an effective communicator, capable of influencing and collaborating effectively within organizational contexts.

Action Plan for Implementation

• Active Listening: I will dedicate effort to practicing active listening in all meetings by focusing solely on the speaker, avoiding interruptions, and providing reflective feedback. The targeted outcome is increased understanding and stronger relationships, leading to better teamwork and conflict resolution.
• Nonverbal Communication Awareness: I will consciously monitor and adjust my body language during interactions to match my verbal messages. For example, maintaining eye contact and open posture will project confidence. The goal is to enhance the credibility and interpretive accuracy during communication.
• Clear and Concise Messaging: I will prepare and organize my thoughts before engaging in discussions or writing tasks, aiming to limit unnecessary information and emphasize key points. Using visual aids when appropriate will also be incorporated. This will result in more persuasive and understandable communication, benefitting both academic and professional pursuits.

In conclusion, the insights gained from COMU 410 have significantly enhanced my understanding of effective organizational communication. By actively listening, being aware of nonverbal cues, and delivering clear messages, I am better equipped to succeed in my academic and professional endeavors. Implementing these strategies through specific actions ensures continuous growth as an effective communicator.

References

• Adler, R. B., Elmhorst, J. M., & Lucas, K. (2018). Communicating at Work: Strategies for Success. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Brownell, J. (2012). Listening: Attitudes, Principles, and Skills. Pearson Higher Ed.
• Guerrero, L. K., Hannawa, A. F., & Babin, E. A. (2011). The Communicative Power of Nonverbal Messages. Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 25(4), 410-439.
• Munter, M. (2014). Guide to Business Communication. Pearson.
• Mehrabian, A. (1971). Silent Messages. Belmont, CA: Wadworth Publishing Company.
• Roberts, P. S., & O’Neill, R. M. (2009). Improving Business Communication. Harvard Business Review.
• Hynes, G. E. (2017). Communication Research: Asking Questions, Finding Answers. Routledge.
• Trenholm, S. (2018). Thinking Through Communication: An Introduction to the Study of Human Communication. Oxford University Press.
• Floyd, K., & Craig, R. T. (2019). Understanding Human Communication. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Keyton, J. (2017). Communication & Organizational Culture: A Key to Understanding Work Experience. Sage Publications.