Personal Communication Plan—Section 1

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Welcome to your Personal Communication Plan!

We’ve designed this plan to help you explore your inclusive communication approach,
where your strengths are, and where you want to focus your efforts. Consider this part
of the course as time and space to reflect on how the content applies to your own life.
Using guided questions and discussion insights from the community, you will develop
and refine your plan and work toward developing your ability to communicate effectively
and inclusively.

Think of this plan as a “work in progress.” Answer the questions as fully as you
can—you will have additional opportunities to review and refine each section. The
plan is designed to grow with you both during and after the course.

Note: You will not be required to share this plan at the end of the course. There will be
opportunities to voluntarily share parts of it on the discussion board.

Google Drive Instructions:

1. You do not need to “Request Access.” Instead, save a copy for yourself using
one of the following methods:
a) go to File and Make a Copy to save to your own Google drive
b) go to File and Download As to save on your computer
c) go to File and Email as an Attachment to send it to yourself.

2. Read the introduction and answer the following questions.

Let’s get started!

Section 1: Communicating Effectively With Empowerment

SELF-REFLECTION—EFFECTIVE AND EMPOWERED COMMUNICATION

Let’s start by taking a look at your communication skills. The essentials of effective and
empowered communication are described below. Rate each according to how often you
engage in the behavior. What are your strengths? What are your areas of growth?

Table 1. Understanding Your Audience, Including Cultural Differences

Empowering communication behavior Usually Sometime Rarely
s

When communicating with someone who is

different from me, I pay attention to cultural
differences that can affect our interaction (e.g.,
differences in language, time zones, expression of
emotion).

I make a determined effort to understand the

experiences and needs of the people I am
communicating with.

I try to find the best form of communication with

others (e.g., email, social media, group
conversation, one-on-one dialogue), considering
the pros and cons of each form, as well as the
goals of the interaction.

Totals

Table 2. Paying Attention to Non-Verbal Communication

Empowering communication behavior Usually Sometime Rarely
s

I am attentive to my non-verbal communication

(e.g., facial expressions, body language), not just
my words.

I create space for others to participate in a

conversation, and I am not afraid of silence.

When interacting with others in person, I face them

directly and make eye contact as culturally
appropriate.

Totals

Table 3. Engaging in Learning and Self-Reflection

Empowering communication behavior Usually Sometime Rarely
s

In difficult conversations, I seek to understand

before being understood.

I invite and encourage feedback to learn about how

my way of communicating affects others.

In social media interactions, I pause before I press

send.

Totals

Table 4. Allowing Others to Feel Included, Heard, and Valued

Empowering communication behavior Usually Sometime Rarely
s

When confronted with different opinions, I accept

that being understood does not require being
agreed with.

I listen to others with an open mind to ensure they

feel heard and appreciated.

When someone comes to me with a problem, I

encourage them to find a solution that works best
for their situation (and I resist telling them what to
do).

Totals

Identifying Your Areas of Growth

In which of the above empowering communication behaviors did you most often
score “Rarely”?
__ Understanding your audience, including cultural differences
__ Paying attention to non-verbal communication
__ Engaging in learning and self-reflection
__ Allowing others to feel included, heard, and valued

Identifying Your Areas of Strength

In which of the above empowering communication behaviors did you most often
score “Usually”?
__ Understanding your audience, including cultural differences
__ Paying attention to non-verbal communication
__ Engaging in learning and self-reflection
__ Allowing others to feel included, heard, and valued

Congratulations! These are your Areas of Growth and Areas of Strength.

EMPOWERMENT IN EVERYDAY LIFE: STARTING YOUR COMMUNICATION PLAN

Select two areas that you most want to work on.

1. What will effective communication look like to you in these areas? Where are you
successful? Where are you falling short?

2. What is another area of growth or strength not captured in the self-reflection

exercise that you would like to work on to enhance your communication skills?

3. Why did you choose these areas of growth?

4. How does this form of communication help people in an area your life (family,
friends, community, or workplace) feel empowered? Can you improve upon that?

[Next section, paste the Section 2 Personal Communication Plan template here.]

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Reviewed/updated: November 28, 2016