1. How would you rate your communication skills?

(Extending, Proficient,
Developing, Emerging)

I would rate my communication skills as extending. In the back-to-back

drawing activity, I was very good at describing the images, as well as listening and
interoperating instructions. When describing the images, I used references for size by
using actual measurements or reference objects, instead of just saying big or small. I
also made sure they understood what I was saying before moving onto any other
directions. When I was the one drawing, I made sure to ask questions when the
directions I was given were unclear and I needed clarification. During the speed
dating activity, I was able to carry conversations easily for the full time by listening to
what the other person was saying and asking lots of questions to keep the conversation
going. I didn’t worry about sticking to the prompt the whole time and instead, let the
conversation flow naturally. After figuring out how the different modules worked for
the “Escape the Boom” activity, I developed effective ways to communicate to the
bomb defuser on what to do and asked them questions to figure out which section of
the manual I needed to look at. Finally, for the mock interviews, I did a good job at
making sure the people I interviewed felt calm and comfortable, throwing in casual
conversation along with the interview questions to ease their nerves.

2. How can you improve your communication skills?

I can improve my communication skills by taking time to think before speaking

or giving a response. I often feel pressured to not leave any awkward pauses within a
conversation, so I tend to just blurt out whatever I first think of and stumble through
it. I have realized that even if I pause, I don’t have to view it as awkward, and it is
better to pause and develop a well-thought answer than to spew whatever first comes
to mind. I should take time to listen to a question or information I’m presented with
and say something that shows I am well researched and thoughtful in my response. An
example of this in one of the activities was during the mock interviews when the
students would give me an answer and I had to think of a response. Instead of coming
up with a thought-out reply, I usually ended up answering in a couple words or a
sentence.

3. Do you feel confident to market yourself in an Interview? Why or why not? Use
detailed examples.

Yes, I feel confident to market myself in interviews because I have learned the
strategies to present myself in ways appropriate to the situation. By reviewing
resumes and cover letters, we went over relevant experience and skills to mention.
Through the mock interviews, I was able to experience this through the students
answers and observe which answers stood out and which were not relevant to the job
at hand. We also reviewed many strategies to use during job interviews and combined
with what I already know, I feel confident that I can give a good job interview. I think
I am good at giving detailed answers that don’t sound too scripted or generic. I am
able to draw from personal experience and connect it to the skills I need or challenges
I will face in a certain role.