McKenzie Kearl

Comm 1010

Myself as a Communicator

How am I at articulating my needs, opinions, views or concerns?

Considering myself within each of the above categories as a whole I would rate myself as

intermediate. I feel that there are times where I am more likely to articulate my view or opinions,

yet in other situations I find myself having a difficult time expressing my needs and concerns. In

a public setting, such as being around friends, I tend to be a little more reserved in voicing my

needs or concerns in fear that others will disagree and/or judge my point of view. In a more

personal setting I have realized I am more open about my views and more willing to mention my

opinions. Although, in personal settings I have also found that I have a difficult time articulating

my needs and concerns for reasons I am not completely sure about.

Overall, This is an area I would consider needing improvement. I realize that although

some situations I find expressing my needs, opinions, etc. easier, I know there are times where I

struggle. In order to be effective in communicating this is an area that needs some attention.

How am I as a listener?

This category was not much of a shock to me. I scored in the intermediate range as an

overall well listener. I feel that most times I listen as well as the next person. Although there is

always room for improvement, I feel that my score is accurate. There are times where I have

noticed myself falling short while a friend is talking with me and giving into physical

distractions. Times I have been distracted by background noise.

In these moments I am aware of the improvements that can be made, yet overall I feel

that this is one of the categories I am stronger in. I enjoy listening to those around me. It is
something I find pride in knowing my friends are comfortable coming to me when they are in

need of someone to talk to.

What aspects of my nonverbal behavior are effective? What can be improved?

This is a difficult category for me as this is not something I generally pay too much

attention to. I do know that my facial expressions play a major role in my nonverbal language. In

moments that I am having a difficult time expressing myself verbally, my facial expressions are

most likely speaking for me. I have been told that I have an intimidating first impression and I

believe that has a lot to do with my nonverbal behaviors.

I do not find this to be a very effective way of communication, but it can be telling of the

way an individual is feeling in that particular moment even if they are not expressing it verbally.

This is not something that I feel needs too much attention, but I do feel that it is something I

should pay more attention to.

What are my communication strengths?

Based on the assessments, I scored highest in empathy, self awareness and listening.

Overall, I feel that is an accurate interpretation. Empathy is something I naturally possess and I

am proud of. This enables me to be emotionally involved with those communicating around me

and more likely to speak out when I feel that something is not right. As for self awareness, I am

able to notice if and when I am happy or upset. I am able to acknowledge that there may be

something wrong and I am able to effectively cope. Lastly, as previously mentioned, my

listening skills rage but it is an area that I know I can be effective in.

Each one of my communicative strengths help me to become a better and more effective

communicator. There are areas that I scored high, yet there is always room for additional

improvement.
What are my communication weaknesses?

As mentioned above, I tend to struggle with properly articulating my needs and/or

concerns in certain situations. This is an area I find most difficult because I am, as a person, very

shy and quiet. It is not easy for me to be open and verbal about my view, concerns and opinions.

Another aspect of communication I would categorize as a weakness is focus and or

engagement when a person is speaking to me. I have a hard time staying engaged in the

conversation at hand, there are times that I become distracted. This does not happen frequently,

but I have noticed that this is another communication aspect I can improve in.

What is it like to have a conversation with me?

Based on my personal evaluation, I believe that having a conversation with me can be in

depth and full. I enjoy communicating with others, although I am shy at first, once I am

comfortable I am able to communicate effectively among others.

As I stated before, I have my weaknesses. Overall I feel that my weaknesses in

communication do not define who I am as a communicator because I believe there is room for

improvement anywhere and by everyone. I know that taking those weaknesses and turning them

into strengths will help me to communicate effectively.