Identifying Strengths

After reflecting on the various ways to be a more competent communicator and reviewing the course work I think I have some communication skills that are strengths and some that are areas for improvement. Such strengths would be my use and understanding of both verbal and nonverbal communication. For my career, I spend most of my day communicating with school faculty, parents, students, and my employees. I pride myself in speaking well and using the appropriate tones, language, and timing when speaking to various individuals. I also try and focus on nonverbal communication, not just that of my own, but of others that are having conversations with me. According to Bevan and Sole (2014), verbal and nonverbal messages are intrinsically intertwined, and either complement or contradict …show more content…
After reflecting and reviewing the course work, an area that I know I can improve on is listening. According to Bevan and Sole (2014), listening is one of the most neglected interpersonal communication skills (Section 7.2, para. 12). I am very stubborn when it comes to debating and communicating my opinions with someone who has different views then me. I tend to not be open-minded, get distracted easily, interrupt others and interject, and often times forget to respond or respond appropriately. All of these things and more are part of what Bevan and Sole (2014) identity as the six distinct components of effective listening. In order to be a more competent communicator, I will need to focus on improving my listening skills for growth in both my personal and professional lives. Listening effectively will allow me to better understand others, hear and interpret what they are saying and why they are saying it, and I will be able to hold more meaningful conversations with others. These things will all help in my becoming a more caring and attentive brother, uncle, son, and a more effective boss and