My Personal Communication Skills

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     Communication skills begin to develop at birth. From the first cry, an infant learns about cause and effect, and how best to perfect the effect part. In learning to create varying cries, an infant and its people develop a code. Most new mothers claim to be able to differentiate between cries for a wet diaper, an empty belly, or simply the need for a cuddle. Soon, babies learn to manipulate those skills, and their true advancement of communication skills begins.

     I grew up in a very hostile environment. My birth father was very abusive, with his fists and with his words. My mother was passive-aggressive and sarcastic. This served me well in several ways. It led me to seek the affection and approval of teachers from Kindergarten on, which inspired me to do well in school. Furthermore, I realized that the better I spoke, the use of proper grammar and lofty vocabulary allowed me to create a persona with which I could distance myself from my awful home life. I even took elocution lessons to help eliminate my blue-collar “bridge and tunnel” accent.

      “Spoken symbolic interaction is the process by which people use words to create meaning and affect one another” (Trenholm, p.7 of 57, 2011).  I learned early the weight and power of words, and I was inspired to use my words to uplift others rather than perpetuate the hurt that was inflicted on me.

     According to authors Baxter and Rawlins, “The expressive-protective dialectic involves finding a balance between the need to share personal information and the need to maintain privacy” (Trenholm, p.8 of 50, 2011). I have found that as I have aged I have honed my ability to strike a much better balance. When I was younger I thought that divulging all of myself right away would make someone like me faster. I oft times regretted it but it took me a very long time to understand the dynamic. It was what left me vulnerable and ripe for the picking where predators were concerned. Now I am much more guarded up front. I always thought being guarded was the same as being cold but it is possible to be friendly and still keep parts of me to myself.

     

     My organizational communication skills are quite strong. My work-content skills are such that I would be able to use them in any type of technical writing, speech writing, public relations or community development position, any of which I would like to pursue with my degree. Examples of my work-content skills include the following: I am skilled in the creation and direction of print and television advertising. I am able to identify a target audience and design an ad or commercial to meet my clients’ needs. I am experienced in hiring and directing a production crew. I am skilled in the development and implementation of marketing strategies. I am able to take ideas and run with them independently from the creation process to fruition. I am skilled in the development of fundraising opportunities. I am able to create fundraising for non-profits via direct marketing or planning full-blown special events. 

     Examples of my personal attributes include strong written and oral communication skills, common sense, self-management skills, enthusiasm and tenacity. Examples of my technology skills include proficiency in both Mac and Windows environments, skills in Internet research, and versatility using social media.

      My major in Communication Studies has illuminated the differences between interpersonal communications, group communications, and organizational communications, and the importance of each. I believe I have demonstrated my own development in these areas based on my studies. Furthermore, I have learned to evaluate my skills, and to identify the areas in which I can improve. “The fundamentals of excellent communication are to know the right questions to ask and when to ask them, listen with empathy, and when it's your turn to talk, articulate your ideas and your advice with conviction in a way that's all about your prospects and clients” (Bachrach, B., 2011). I think this is an excellent statement not just for business communication but also for all interpersonal communication. My daughter inspires me to be better communicator everyday. She is an old soul, and an excellent communicator. At age five she asked me, “If you don’t speak up for yourself, how do you expect to get anywhere in life?” How indeed?

References

Bachrach, B. (2011, May). The Fundamentals of Effective Communication. Advisor Today, 106(3), 61.  Retrieved August 15, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 2363088951).

Lewis, Tom D., & Graham, Gerard H.. (1988). SIX WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS. The Internal Auditor, 45(1), 24.  Retrieved August 15, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 495358).

Pettit, John D., Jr., Vaught, Bobby C., & Trewatha, Robert L.. (1990, April). Interpersonal Skill Training: A Prerequisite for Success. Business, 40(2), 8.  Retrieved August 15, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 126541).

Trenholm, Sarah (2011). Thinking Through Communication: An Introduction to the Study of Human Communication. (6th ed.). [VitalSource Bookshelf 1.3.1] Boston, MA. Pearson - Allyn & Bacon

Intimacy in Personal Relationships. (2006). In Cambridge Handbook of Personal Relationships. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (2009, December 8). Retrieved August 15, 2011, from Credo Reference.

Social development. (2005). In Cambridge Encyclopedia of Child Development. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (2007, September 20). Retrieved August 15, 2011, from Credo Reference.

Teaching communication skills. (2007). In Cambridge Handbook of Psychology, Health and Medicine. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (2009, December 4). Retrieved August 15, 2011, from Credo Reference.