My earlier studies prior to taking communications course provided me with communication experience. However, I did poor presentations and wrote poor essays and worst of all; I did not speak or write with assurance. The communications management course has proved beneficial to learn and understand speaking and writing skills (via email or in person) necessary for any management profession at all levels and in any industry, with respect for the receiver and any business situation. My communication methods and strategies were polished through practice, discussions and examples. The written and oral assignments were founded on career development activities and materials from other subjects hence equipped me with an overview of all the facets of business communication in addition to opportunities to practice and fully apply the acquired skills and be able to track my improvement. I realized it is important to analyze my audience before communicating my ideas in any desired format whether in a formal or informal setting. It was also evident that personal as well as group work efforts were vital in effectively communicating with the desired audience.
My presentation assignments helped me communicate clearly and effectively to get my message across while avoiding misunderstandings. I was placed in the position of mastering techniques required for effective presentations from the planning to the delivery phase citing my body language that had to be at par with what I was presenting. As an aspiring manager, I would be able to ask the right type of question to bring to the surface information and encourage a response. This leads to the development of a mutual relationship with my colleagues as they would have faith in my words especially when I make eye contact. Visual aids helped describe my intended message by enabling my audience see the real picture represented in graphs and tables. Effective aids were developed using PowerPoint, tables, diagrams and tables and finally make recommendations to the audience so as to make the presentation more applicable and unforgettable. During debates, listening skills were developed and sharpened so as to solve problems, diffuse conflict and teach staff while generally becoming a more productive manager by giving my colleagues an opportunity to express their ideas as well as involve them in decision making procedures. Being an active listener gives me an opportunity to learn as well as show respect to my colleagues. I learnt that confidence is a necessity whether written or spoken.
Finally, the cover letter when effectively designed could be used to communicate to designated message to desired persons especially when applying for a new occupation position. While writing a cover letter, I learnt that it important to be clear, honest and concise since it is an impression paper to convince my potential employer that the position is exactly what I am looking for and I have the right skills. A selected format must be used and should be formal in nature. Being in a managerial position, it is important to choose the most appropriate approach of communicating your message as well as select an effective language to effectively express your ideas in well constructed emails, letters, proposals and memos. I would therefore wish to continue to develop the identified skills and experience them first hand as they have proved useful in both personal and professional life. Thank you, professor.
