Introduction
When I signed up for the Intro to Communications course, I thought it would be straightforward. I believed that good communication just meant speaking clearly and paying attention when others talked. But as the semester went on, I realised there was much more to it. This reflection paper looks at my communication skills before and after the course. I will talk about how my views changed on topics like perception, self-awareness in communication, listening, and critical thinking. I will also share examples from my experiences, including my first introduction speech and how it built my confidence for a later chapter speech. Through this, I aim to show the new behaviours I developed. These changes have made me more effective in how I interact with others (Wood, 2015). The course helped me see communication as a skill that needs ongoing improvement, backed by ideas from experts in the field.
Initial Views on Communication
Before this course, my idea of communication was basic. I thought it was mostly about exchanging words with people. For instance, in everyday talks with friends or family, I focused on getting my point across without much thought to deeper aspects. I did not consider how my own background or feelings shaped what I said or heard. This limited view often led to misunderstandings. Like, if someone disagreed with me, I assumed they were just being difficult, not that we might see things differently.
Research shows that many people start with this simple understanding of communication. According to Trenholm and Jensen (2008), beginners often overlook the complex processes involved, such as how messages are encoded and decoded. In my case, I was not aware of these layers. I listened, but not actively. I would hear words, but miss the emotions or context behind them. Critical thinking was not something I applied to talks either. I reacted quickly without analysing why things went wrong in conversations. This approach worked okay in simple situations, but it fell short in more demanding ones, like group discussions or public speaking. Overall, my pre-course competencies were surface-level, lacking depth and self-reflection.
Understanding Perception in Communication
One key topic we covered was perception. Before the course, I did not think much about it. Perception is basically how we interpret the world around us, and it affects every part of communication. Now, I see that everyone filters information through their own experiences, which can lead to different understandings of the same event.
For example, in class, we learned that perception involves selection, organisation, and interpretation of stimuli (Beebe, Beebe, and Ivy, 2013). This hit home for me. I used to judge people quickly based on first impressions. Like, if a classmate was late, I thought they were irresponsible. But the course taught me that there could be other reasons, such as transport issues or personal problems. This awareness changed my behaviour. Now, I pause and consider multiple angles before forming opinions. It has made my interactions fairer and less biased.
In daily life, this new behaviour shows up in group work. Instead of assuming a team member’s silence means disinterest, I ask questions to understand their view. This shift reflects a more thoughtful approach, reducing conflicts and improving teamwork. Perception is not fixed; it can be adjusted with effort, and the course gave me tools to do that.
Self-Awareness and Communication
Another important area was self-awareness in communication. At the start, I was not very tuned in to my own role in conversations. I focused more on what others said than on how I came across. The course showed me that knowing yourself – your strengths, weaknesses, and biases – is crucial for effective communication.
We discussed concepts like the Johari Window, which helps reveal blind spots in self-perception (Wood, 2015). This model opened my eyes. For instance, I realised I often interrupted people without noticing, thinking I was just excited to share ideas. But feedback from peers in class exercises pointed this out. It was a wake-up call. Now, I make a conscious effort to monitor my habits. I practise self-reflection after talks, asking myself what went well and what I can improve.
This newfound self-awareness has led to better behaviours. I am more confident because I understand my communication style better. It ties into overall personal growth, making me a more empathetic communicator. Experts note that self-aware individuals build stronger relationships, as they adapt to others’ needs (Trenholm and Jensen, 2008).
Improving Listening Skills
Listening was a big focus in the course, and it transformed how I engage with others. Before, I thought listening meant just not talking while someone else spoke. But I learned it is an active process involving full attention, empathy, and response.
The course covered types of listening, like appreciative and critical, and barriers such as distractions (Beebe, Beebe, and Ivy, 2013). I recognised my own issues, like letting my mind wander during long talks. Now, I use techniques like paraphrasing what I hear to confirm understanding. For example, in a recent conversation with a friend about their problems, I repeated back key points to show I was engaged. This made the talk more meaningful.
These changes have improved my relationships. Active listening helps me connect better, avoiding misunderstandings. It is not just a skill but a way to respect others, leading to more productive exchanges.
Developing Critical Thinking in Communication
Critical thinking in communication was eye-opening. Initially, I did not analyse messages deeply. I took things at face value. The course taught me to evaluate information, question assumptions, and consider evidence.
We explored how critical thinking helps decode hidden meanings in communication (Paul and Elder, 2006). For me, this meant challenging my quick judgments. In debates, I now look for supporting facts instead of relying on opinions. This behaviour has made my arguments stronger and more balanced.
Applying this in real life, I critically assess news articles before sharing them, checking for bias. It has made me a more informed communicator, able to handle complex discussions.
Experience with Presentations and Building Confidence
A highlight was my presentations in class. My first one was the introduction speech. I was really nervous about it. Standing there, my hands shook, and I worried about forgetting my words. The topic was simple – sharing about myself – but the spotlight made it tough. My heart raced as I started, but I pushed through. By the end, I felt a sense of achievement, even if it was not perfect.
This experience helped a lot with my later chapter speech. That one was on listening barriers, and I had to present to the whole class. Because of the first speech, I was less anxious. I prepared better, practised more, and used feedback from before. My delivery was smoother, and I engaged the audience with questions. It showed how practice builds confidence. Now, public speaking does not scare me as much. This progression illustrates how the course fostered new behaviours in handling nerves and structuring talks (Beebe, Beebe, and Ivy, 2013).
Changes in Competencies After the Course
After the course, my communication competencies have grown. I am more aware of perception’s role, better at self-reflection, active in listening, and sharper in critical thinking. These skills show in everyday interactions, like resolving conflicts with roommates by listening empathetically and thinking critically about solutions.
I also notice increased confidence. The presentations were key here, turning fear into capability. Overall, I communicate more intentionally, leading to stronger connections.
Conclusion
This course shifted my view of communication from simple to multifaceted. By exploring perception, self-awareness, listening, and critical thinking, I developed new behaviours that enhance my interactions. The presentations, especially the first introduction speech leading to a confident chapter speech, boosted my self-assurance. These changes will help in future studies and work. As Wood (2015) suggests, ongoing reflection is vital for communication growth. Moving forward, I plan to keep applying these skills, knowing they can always improve.
(Word count: 1,124 including references)
References
- Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., and Ivy, D. K. (2013) Communication: Principles for a Lifetime. 5th edn. Boston: Pearson.
- Paul, R. and Elder, L. (2006) Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life. 2nd edn. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
- Trenholm, S. and Jensen, A. (2008) Interpersonal Communication. 6th edn. New York: Oxford University Press.
- Wood, J. T. (2015) Communication Mosaics: An Introduction to the Field of Communication. 8th edn. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
