Communication Skill Assessment
Mia A. Rapier
BUS 600: Management Communication with Technology Tools
Instructor Cheryl Moore
July 6, 2014
I consider my personal communication skills to be effective; I always make eye contact when speaking to others, I always offer a firm handshake, I speak clearly and enunciate, and when using written communication I always re-read what I’ve written to check for errors and to ensure clarity. Even with this foundation of good communication I know that I can be better therefore I strive for ways in which to improve. Effective message transmission is at the root of all good communication; Baack (2012) explains this by stating:
Four important approaches help transmit important messages effectively…First, transmit important messages through more than one channel. Second, match the medium to the message. Third, maintain an effective management information system. Fourth, complete regular communication audits to identify and address any problems within the system. (p. 4.4)
It is the intent of this paper to describe not just my current communication style but to assess it against many of the proven effective communication techniques. I measured my personal communication against the verbal and nonverbal management communication techniques and written channels designated in the text Management Communication (2012). The text highlights the importance of nonverbal communication – handshakes, raised eyebrows, eye contact, folding or crossing your arms, and even foot tapping. “In interpersonal communication, the tone, the actual words, and the nonverbal cues complement and complete every message, which means nonverbal cues deserve careful attention” (Baack, 2012). As mentioned earlier, I make a conscious effort to make eye contact with persons I am speaking to, to offer a firm handshake, even nodding my head in agreement when appropriate, all in an effort to express nonverbally that I am attentive and engaged. My use of verbal communication techniques mirror those of Hanes (2013) in her article about verbal communication. The author maintains that “verbal communication refers to the use of sounds and language to relay a message. It serves as a vehicle for expressing desires, ideas and concepts and is vital to the processes of learning and teaching” (Hanes, 2013). Possessing a baseline understanding of the purpose of a given communication is essential. Are you speaking one-on-one or to a group of people to inform, inquire, argue or discuss a specific topic helps you to gauge your communication style and overall interaction. Being aware of considerations when communicating is another important aspect; “everyone has a unique style of communicating and perceiving messages. Although verbal communication is a primary means of expression, nonverbal actions such as body language can greatly affect the way a message is perceived” ccc Communication gaps are another aspect of communication that must be understood in an effort to recognize them and hopefully prevent them. At their core communication gaps are misinterpretations; “when communication gaps arise between employees, the results are often confusion, unclear motives, misaligned priorities and indecisive actions” (Capozzi, 2014). Communication gaps arise for a variety of reasons – technology (the necessity of computer upgrades) and personality or generational differences (Baby Boomers vs. Generation Y) are quite common. As a member of Generation Y I am very reliant on technology for much of my day-to-day communication with others, this includes social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram), text messaging and emails. I am aware that persons of older generations can utilize these same modes of communication, but for many they can cause a disconnect, a communication gap thereby requiring alternate forms of communication. I do not have any specific communication training scheduled personally but I am always
