Communication Self-Assesment

Communication Self-Evaluation

Michael R Gutermuth

Dr. Laura Howard

Communications 101

01/09/2018

Summary of Self-Evaluated Communication

Prior to taking the communication quiz, I perceived myself to be an adequate communicator. I felt I could communicate with others better than the average person and best when it came to personal matters because I could really listen and try to empathize with the individual in a one-on-one environment. When it came to group communication, that is where I felt I may have struggled the most. After finishing the communication quiz and receiving my results, I was made aware I am a ‘capable communicator, but sometimes I experience communication problems’. The quiz told me I need improvement in preparing my message and creating a clear, well-crafted message. Some of the points of communication that the quiz stated I am more effective in was choosing the right channel, receiving and interpreting a message as well as feedback.

Lessons Learned.

There is a lot I can personally apply to myself for more effective communication from these results. I’d like to start the two (2) steps of the communication process in which I struggle with and identify what would help myself improve as a communicator. Starting with the ‘Source’ step, I realize that I do exactly what it advises not to. When I plan my message, I must only plan the information in which I am trying to communicate and leave out the unnecessary information. I did this in hopes to alleviate any questions people may have had afterwards, and now realize they were only getting confused with what the real message was to begin with. The next step, ‘Encoding’, initially was a little more difficult for me to realize I wasn’t doing it as effectively.  After further research I believe it is a bit further in depth where I don’t utilize ‘Encoding’ efficiently. I should be utilizing more charts and graphs when presenting data and much less jargon when communicating.

Characteristics of an Effective Communicator

There are many traits that can be attributed to developing an effective communicator and all equally as important as the other. To summarize each trait into a broad characteristic, there are three (3) characteristics I would attribute to be an effective communicator. These characteristics include; accuracy, attention to detail and clarity. Accuracy in the message being communicated, attention to detail in the words, context, tone and body language being used throughout the message and clarity in which the message is being delivered and received.

Self-Improvement.

Everyone can use improvement in their communication. Two (2) ways I could improve my communication would be mentally planning my message with only the details needed to convey the message and seeking feedback of the way I communicated via verbal or non-verbal means.