Diagnose and Reflection

Discuss about the Reflective Practices for Diagnose and Reflection.

Communication is a process by which one can exchange their emotions, ideas, express thought, feeling and share experiences etc (Moon, 2013). The role of communication is very important in day to day life because it is a way sharing information in both verbal and nonverbal form. Effective communication is more above than just exchanging information, as it also includes perceptive the feeling and intentions behind the information (Hopkinson, 2014). The current report is all about thoughtful practices on my communication skills; consequently, I identified areas of improvement which is lacking in me for the effective communication, therefore, I used various diagnostic tools and feedback.  Moreover, this report also concludes the results of various self-diagnostic tests and analyses of key communication issues which I went through during my professional interactions in past 12 months. Lastly, an action created including some of the key actions and tricks for coming next 6 months to get hold of the knowledge, skills in mybehaviours while interacting with people.

Communication skills play a very crucial role in transforming students into professionals. As a student, in my classroom session, I used to give presentations, take part in extempore and surely in that effective communication gives me the different level of confidence. Self-analysis is important to know individuals teamwork qualities, listening abilities and how good I am at convincing people (Hill, et.al, 2016).

Based on my personal skill analysis, I came to know that I am weak at communication when it comes to talking in a classroom. Self-analysis on the basis of just taking feedback from the co-students can limit the area of improvement. So for the better result, I took the help of various self-diagnostic exercises which support me in improving interpersonal skills communication.  In the series of self-diagnosis exercise I performed a self-analysis test, for that I analyzed my communication skills while interacting with new people or new groups. By this, I found that my verbal communication and effective speaking skills are below average.

When I introduced myself to a new group I felt I am interested in knowing new people, but contrary sometimes, I also feel stressed and hesitation. It is a mixed kind of emotions.  Also, through this, I analyzed my verbal communication and speaking skills and I found that I failed to express my idea and do not speak frequently in the group of new people. I noticed that I may get panic or tense while interacting in a group because my confidence level is average.  For that, I am actually ready to help people and offer them my help and advice. But, generally, when the thing is about interacting with unknown ones I found myself nervous and less confident.  So I have to put my lots of efforts in making people understand my views and opinion to make the communication effective otherwise it is very difficult for somebody to understand what I am trying to say.

Communication style questionnaire

Assertiveness Questionnaires (emotional balance)

1 – Best

 2 – Better

3 – Good

4 – Worst

 For the self-diagnosis test, I prepared a questionnaire that helps in identifying my emotional control, thoughts, and understanding of people sentiments and emotions. With that self-analysis, I realized that I am good at understanding the view of different opinions. I usually avoid tough conversation and confrontation but I find myself good at making people understand my views.   I am a kind of person who is good at convincing people. But yes Sometimes, I find difficulties in dealing with new people and get easily irritated but the somehow I used to maintain balance upon my emotions and try that my feelings do not affect my behaviour. This skill of me helps me to avoid the situation of egoism and conflicts with others. 

1 − very much

2 − slightly

3 − reasonably

4 – not at all

Before analyzing the session I was in a view that my listening skills are below average but after performing the task I found my skills to be average.  I actually do not nod my head or acknowledge showing gestures and facial expressions to the speaker to reflect my interest in communication. I often sit in a wrong posture like folded arms and hands which shows my lack of interest in a conversation.  So by all these, I found myself, the average listener.

From the analysis, I came up with the conclusion that I should enhance the intensity of expressive intellect so that I can make a good interaction with the people during social contacts, to be more satisfied and successful in my career and relationships. Secondly, in the self-diagnostic exercise, I took the help of my classroom sessions. In that, I have gone through inter-group communications, listening skills, verbal communication & effective speaking and communication in groups. Although I am confident with my existing skills, there are few movements when I feel that I should work on my skills over and over so that I can interact more efficiently and I am willing to learn new skills and competencies. I am frequently self-critical of myself and always try to learn from my mistakes.

While my classroom sessions, I was having doubts in the topic that was taught by my lecturer. As I lift up my hand to get any doubts cleared I found that I was not confident enough to speak it up clearly and loudly. That was my first experience of going on one to one with a lecturer. In that, I felt I was very timid and really need to put a lot of efforts in order to improve my communication skills.

Johari window

While back in my college seminar, I was trying to interact with the professor but because of thelanguage issue, I could not interact with him properly and efficiently.  In the seminar, I was having a presentation too.  I was having a good sense of knowledge of the topic on which I gave my presentation. As I done with my presentation my lecturer asked certain questions which were exactly related to my topics but I was not able to answer correctly what he was asking and adding to that I was not able to communicate with the audience as well, though because of the language issue.  I was retting and was ashamed at I gave a good presentation and know the answer but just because of the short of words I am not able to express what I am trying to say. After that incident, I learned that I really need to work over my vocabularies and have to make a good command over my English.

Interpersonalbehaviour a positive approach in which person tries to make an effective relationship more strong with other people whom they are working or dealing with their personal and professional life (Olsen, 2015). The interpersonal skill involves everything from exchanging information that is speaking and listening skills to approach and behaviour. Good interpersonal skills are a must for every role and in every level of work in an organization to work effectively and delivering our thoughts and ideas. There are various types of interpersonal behaviourAggressive, Assertive and like. Aggressive behaviour is that in which a person put their emotions, views or thoughts in such a way that the others feel dominated and humiliated.  It is like a one-sided attack on the people rather than a healthy communication.  While assertive behaviour is that type in which a put justifiable rights, views, and emotions in just a way that others rights are not get violated. In fact, assertive behaviour is a very honest and healthy approach to put views, feelings, and ideas in front of others. Interpersonal Communication is an essence in to make a healthy relationship in personal and professional lifestyle (Jenever, 2007). Communication is a two-way process in which the listener and speaker get the equal chance of delivering their thoughts in an effective manner. Influencing others is all about having the confidence which results in an effective communication and marks good impression on the other person. For this purpose, both verbal and non-verbal communication should be valuable enough to leave the impact on others.In addition to that listening skills are denoted as an ability to correctly receive and interpret messages during a communication process. As per the views of Shenton (2007) listening skills are required in an individual so that he/ she can become an effective communicator. In lack of an effective listening, the process of communication can effect in a negative way.

Assertiveness Questionnaires (emotional balance)

There have been various theories, models, and methods related to interpersonal behaviour and communication that could be helpful in improving skills of an individual and helps him or her in career development.  Two main types of theories are structural and functional theories, even behavioural theories are also included in the task. The social structural theories give significant focus on social structures, whereas, behavioural theories give a significant attention to the psychology of people (Jones, 2014). The models are discussed in the following sections that are quite helpful in improving interpersonal skills and overcoming communication. On the basis of here-discussed models and theories, the style of communication is identified so that individuals can be offered with a better treatment.

The Johari window model is simple in terms is the most authentic, useful and feasible psychological tool to improve one’s personal skill of communication. It is the perfect way to get to know about self-awareness and interpersonal relationships. It is very feasible as it can be applied in any kind of situation and environment (Halpern, 2009). There are four different areas in the Johari window and each area has its own importance of presenting. With the help of this model, I test my intragroup communication skills and I found that I am flexible with other people and can cooperate with others when it comes to group task, but I cannot speak much in the group. The reason behind my short of words is might be because I do not know much about the behaviour of individuals. Although, with the help Johari window model, I developed better understanding skills and I am now able to assess thebehaviour of my group members, which results in an effective communication between us.

Another model that is specifically concerned with interpersonal communication is SMCR model. The model is strictly designed while considering the basis model of communication designed by Shannon and Weaver in 1948. The term SMCR includes four major sections such as Source, Message, Channel and Receiver (Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication, 2016). This model is significantly designed for the development of an effective communication between the receiver and the sender of a message. The model is the simplest model that is specifically applied to different communication theories; Furthermore, it specifically focuses on individual or person-to-person communication; however, a less focus is given to group communication.

As per the model designed herewith, it can be said that gender plays a significant role, however, receiver, on the other hand, plays the secondary role. The model significantly assumes that communication is not a one-way process; however, it is a two-way process.  Nonetheless, identification of noise and barriers is going to be helpful in resolving significant issues in communication. From the analysis of my existing skills, I came to know that I need to invest time in interpersonal skills which will further enhance and fruitful in my professional and personal healthy relations(Olsen, 2015).  Although, I used slang and impressive words in my talks so that I can develop the interest of the listener. But I never use difficult slang or words while interacting with others just to show my intelligence. My close ones, my family, and friends tell me I am very much talkative.

On the basis of above action plan, I explained the areas in which I need improvements in my existing skills. The communication and interpersonal skills are the most significant areas where I need improvements. The action plan is designed to improve skill and explains that I can take part in the short term courses or advanced post-graduate communication courses offered by my university, as well as I can enrol myself in other’s institutions.

Conclusion

The above report reflects on my personal skills and explains the areas where I need improvements. I identified various areas in which I can improve my personal capability to increase communication effectiveness through an effective use of various diagnostic tools and feedbacks. The application of self-diagnostic tests made me aware that I am an average listener and communicator and need to work in significant areas.  I can improve my skill and knowledge by taking part in normal courses or advanced communication courses offered by my university.

References

Halpern, H., 2009. Supervision and the Johari window: a framework for asking questions. Education for Primary Care, 20(1), pp.10-14.

Hill, K., Wittkowski, A., Hodgkinson, E., Bell, R. & Hare, D.J., 2016. Using the repertory grid technique to examine trainee clinical psychologists’ construal of their personal and professional development. Clinical psychology &psychotherapy, 23(5), pp.425-437.

Hopkinson, C., 2014. Personal and professional development. Becoming a Nurse: A Textbook for Professional Practice, p.383.

Jenever, A.M., 2007. Reflection in Learning & Professional Development. Theory &Practce.

Jones, G., 2014. A communication model for dementia. Care-Giving in Dementia: Volume 1: Research and Applications, p.77.

Moon, J.A., 2013. Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice. Routledge.

Olsen, B., 2015. Teaching what they learn, learning what they live: How teachers’ personal histories shape their professional development. Routledge.

Shannon &Weaver Model of Communication 2016, Retrieved on 1^st October 2017, from https://communicationtheory.org/shannon-and-weaver-model-of-communication/

Shenton, A.K., 2007. Viewing information needs through a Johari Window. Reference Services Review, 35(3), pp.487-496.