Reflective Self-Assessment On Communication Skills Developme

Reflective Self-Assessment on Communication Skills Development

At the beginning of this course, I faced numerous communication challenges that hindered my ability to express myself clearly and confidently in various settings. One of the most prominent difficulties was my tendency to become anxious during interpersonal interactions, which often resulted in rushed or unclear messages. Additionally, I struggled with active listening, sometimes waiting for my turn to speak rather than genuinely engaging with others’ perspectives. In small group settings, I found it challenging to contribute meaningfully and navigate differing opinions without feeling overwhelmed or hesitant. These initial hurdles reflected a broader need to enhance my verbal articulation, listening skills, and overall confidence in communicative exchanges.

Throughout the course, I have observed significant progress in my interpersonal communication abilities. Specifically, I have become more aware of the importance of clarity and active listening. For example, I learned to pause and organize my thoughts before responding, which has led to more coherent and confident exchanges. Moreover, engaging in peer interactions and receiving constructive feedback allowed me to identify and overcome some of my anxieties. I now approach conversations with a more open mindset, which has improved rapport and mutual understanding. I have also practiced asking clarifying questions, which has deepened my engagement and demonstrated genuine interest in others’ viewpoints.

Despite these improvements, I recognize that ongoing development is necessary, particularly in refining my ability to assert myself respectfully in group discussions. I aim to work on managing my hesitation in high-stakes or emotionally charged conversations, ensuring my contributions are both timely and impactful. Furthermore, I want to strengthen my active listening skills further, especially in recognizing subtle cues and deeper undercurrents of meaning during interactions. My progress in small group communication has been encouraging; I’ve learned to share ideas more confidently and listen more attentively. However, I still seek to become more adept at mediating conflicts and encouraging quieter group members to participate, which I believe will enhance group cohesion and productivity.

Regarding nonverbal communication, I have gained a more nuanced understanding of how body language, facial expressions, and gestures complement verbal messages. Initially, I was unaware of how my own nonverbal cues might contradict or reinforce my spoken words. Now, I am more mindful of maintaining eye contact, using open gestures, and aligning my facial expressions with my message to foster trust and clarity. I have also become better at decoding the nonverbal signals of others, such as recognizing discomfort through crossed arms or lack of eye contact, which helps in adjusting my responses accordingly. This awareness has made my interactions more empathetic and effective.

My understanding of the impact of diversity on communication has deepened considerably. I have learned that factors such as gender, ethnicity, and cultural background influence communication styles, expectations, and interpretations. For instance, I became more conscious of how some cultures value indirect communication or place high importance on respectful silence, which can be misunderstood if not culturally competent. Recognizing these differences has improved my sensitivity and adaptability when communicating with diverse individuals. It has also highlighted the importance of avoiding stereotypes and approaching each conversation with openness and humility.

During the interview exercises, I discovered the importance of preparation, active listening, and establishing rapport. I found that structuring my questions logically and maintaining eye contact contributed to more engaging and insightful interviews. However, I wish to improve my ability to follow-up with probing questions that elicit richer responses and to manage my nerves better in high-pressure interview situations. My interview skills have become more confident over time, yet I recognize that developing a more natural conversational flow remains an ongoing goal.

In regard to speech organization, I believe my presentations have generally been well-structured, with clear introductions, comprehensive bodies, and concise conclusions. For example, in one formal presentation, I started with an engaging opening that posed a thought-provoking question related to my topic, developed my points logically with supporting evidence, and wrapped up with a summary requiring a call to action. Nonetheless, I acknowledge that some transitions between points could be smoother to improve overall flow. My messages were usually easy to follow, but I can enhance clarity by emphasizing key points more distinctly and avoiding tangential information.

My use of language, tone, and body language significantly contributed to my communication effectiveness. I aimed to speak with clarity and appropriate pacing, modulate my voice to maintain interest, and use gestures to emphasize key ideas. For instance, during a speech on teamwork, I used hand gestures to illustrate concepts of collaboration, which helped engage my audience. At times, however, I noticed that nervous habits like fidgeting distract from my message, illustrating the need for greater self-awareness. Overall, my verbal and nonverbal delivery largely supported my content, enhancing the credibility and persuasiveness of my messages.

The most effective aspects of my communication have been my ability to organize my ideas logically and present them with confidence—particularly my use of clear examples and stories to illustrate key points. These strategies have made my messages memorable and compelling. Additionally, my efforts to improve eye contact and body language have fostered stronger connections with my audience. As I continue to develop, I aim to refine my vocal variety further and incorporate more dynamic movements to sustain audience engagement and reinforce my key messages.

References

• Berko, R. M. (2014). Fundamentals of Human Communication. Routledge.
• DeVito, J. A. (2019). The Interpersonal Communication Book. Pearson.
• Guerrero, L. K., & Floyd, K. (2017). Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction. Routledge.
• Burgoon, J. K., Guerrero, L. K., & Floyd, K. (2016). The Nonverbal Communication reader. Routledge.
• Gamble, T. K., & Gamble, M. (2017). A beginner’s guide to communication studies. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Knapp, M. L., & Hall, J. A. (2018). Nonverbal Communication. Walter de Gruyter.
• Kim, H. S., & Lee, S. M. (2019). "Cultural influences on nonverbal communication." International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 71, 65-76.
• Mandell, A., & Yukl, G. (2018). Effective Communication in Organizations. Routledge.
• Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2017). Experiencing intercultural communication. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Schulz von Thun, F. (2014). Miteinander reden 1: Störungen und Klarheiten. Rowohlt Verlag.