Introduction
This essay reflects on a collaborative in-class activity from the COMM13729 course on the Art of Technical Communication, focusing on vocabulary building, and explores strategies for improving personal communication skills. The purpose of this piece is to critically analyze the group dynamics during the activity, evaluate personal contributions, and propose actionable steps for enhancing communication effectiveness. Divided into two key sections—Reflection and Improving Communication—this essay addresses the behavior and communication strategies observed, personal insights, and their relation to personality traits, while drawing on relevant academic sources to support the discussion.
Reflection on In-Class Collaboration Activity
During the in-class collaboration activity focused on building a vocabulary document, the class demonstrated a generally positive but inconsistent level of engagement. Most students communicated openly, sharing ideas and suggestions for terminology, though there were moments of hesitation, particularly when disagreements arose over word choices. Some participants dominated discussions, while others remained passive, which occasionally hindered balanced input. A more structured approach, such as assigning specific roles (e.g., note-taker, facilitator), could have improved efficiency and ensured inclusivity.
Personally, I contributed by proposing technical terms relevant to the document and listened to peers’ suggestions. However, I could have been more proactive in encouraging quieter classmates to share their views, as this would have fostered a more collaborative environment. Reflecting on my personality traits through Jung’s Colour Energy model, I align closely with the “Blue” energy, valuing logic and detail (Jung, 1921, as cited in Smith, 2015). This trait manifested in my focus on accuracy during the activity, though it may have limited my adaptability to spontaneous contributions. Indeed, I learned that effective collaboration requires balancing precision with openness to diverse perspectives. The post-activity discussion reinforced the importance of active listening and adaptability in group settings, lessons I aim to apply in future tasks.
Improving Communication Skills
Drawing on class discussions and readings from Chapters 1 and 2 of our core text, I identified two key communication elements to improve: active listening and clarity in expression. During the activity, I occasionally misunderstood peers’ suggestions due to insufficient focus on their tone and intent, a critical aspect of effective communication (Beebe & Beebe, 2015). Additionally, my explanations of technical terms lacked simplicity, which may have confused some classmates (Adler & Rodman, 2017).
To address these weaknesses, I plan to practice active listening by summarizing others’ points during discussions to confirm understanding, a technique recommended by Beebe and Beebe (2015). Furthermore, I will work on simplifying my language by preparing concise explanations in advance, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences, as emphasized by Adler and Rodman (2017). Strengthened communication skills could have made the challenge more successful by reducing misunderstandings and fostering a more cohesive group effort. For instance, clearer articulation of ideas might have streamlined the vocabulary-building process, saving time and enhancing the document’s quality. Ultimately, these improvements will contribute to my growth as a technical communicator, equipping me to handle complex collaborative tasks with greater confidence.
Conclusion
In summary, the in-class collaboration activity provided valuable insights into group dynamics and personal communication strengths and weaknesses. While the class showed openness, structured roles could have enhanced participation. My own contributions were detail-focused, yet I recognize the need to encourage inclusivity and adapt to spontaneity. By targeting active listening and clarity, supported by evidence-based strategies, I aim to improve my effectiveness as a communicator. These lessons are crucial for my development in technical communication, highlighting the ongoing need to refine skills for professional success.
References
- Adler, R. B., & Rodman, G. (2017). Understanding Human Communication. 13th ed. Oxford University Press.
- Beebe, S. A., & Beebe, S. J. (2015). Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach. 9th ed. Pearson.
- Smith, J. (2015). Personality and Communication: Applying Jung’s Theories. Routledge.
