how the communication we use affects our professional appearance
Talon Baldwin
RE: Final Discussion
During this course I learned several important of concepts of communication. Many of these concepts I had already been aware of, but had not fully understood or appreciated their impact in everyday life. While I have always felt that I was a good communicator, I had never considered that I was a poor listener. When we reviewed how important listening skills were to the communication process I became aware of a critical piece I had not considered before in the communication cycle. I learned that I had more than 1 bad listening habit which was surprising to me. Knowing that I have a habit of Pseudo Listening allows me to focus on something to improve.
I also became aware of the value of the how the communication we use affects our professional appearance. Its more than being able to communicate effectively, because the perception of others based on our communication leaves an impression on others that we are in contact with and may not go away. As the saying goes, you only get one chance to leave a first impression.
It is hard to point out the two most valuable lessons in business writing because the impact in business is so large. While I did know the importance of proof reading my communications before I sent them out, I was able to learn new techniques for proof reading. Reading what you wrote in reverse order is an interesting way to review it with a different perspective. I was also very interested in learning the conflict management styles. Conflict in the work place is inevitable and will occur to everyone at some point, but the management styles are also helpful in persuasive conversations as well. A healthy debate while making a presentation has many of the same circumstances. These management styles can actually help in your persuasive presentation to progress the conversation or learn a new perspective that you previously did not understand before.
All of these principles can and will help me in my present and future communications and in all future directions. In my business and professional directions that demonstrate my expertise and professionalism, like requesting a raise based on experience. In my communications to make sure I am coming across in a civil or appropriate manner, like begging for forgiveness to a police officer writing me a ticket. Additionally it will help in my personal life with my wife and daughter as I try to articulate my intentions and actions to them in the most comprehensive way possible.
It does occur to me that this class may have helped with my communication with my first wife, but then I dismiss the idea completely. The only thing that could have helped that marriage was explosives and I had none. Nothing says “we need to break up”, like a lit stick of dynamite.
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