Reflection

My first impression of communication focused on how tiring it is to communicate effectively and how I worked about such a chore. Slowly I began to learn that communication is a skill and it is something that binds every one together. Yet it is an underrated skill. People often comment on how communication is an given talent. Either you have it or you do not. This course propose that effective communication is a skill that can be improved. And I strongly believe in that now.

By observing the common conflicts around me, I noticed a similar pattern. There exist a lack of communication between both parties. Much of the trouble and heartache can be avoided if both parties actually tried to listen actively and converse properly. Therein lies the value of communication. It saves us alot of time and effort. By understanding the value of effective communication, it reinforces the fact that I am responsible for my communication skill. It might be easier to push the blame of a conflict to another person by saying he/she isn’t listening. But am I communicating correctly? Am I communicating in a way he/she can understand? It would really save me alot of time, energy and effort.

Before I took this course, I didn’t have a clue on how to improve my skill as a communicator even though I am aware of the importance. This course highlighted many tangible areas that I could work on. Besides just being able to talk to people, I noticed how I am more confident in talking to people. There is a greater assurance that I can bring out my thoughts in a way people can understand. Hopefully my thoughts would come across clearer than a jumble before I took this course.