Free Organizational Communication: V-Deck In Retrospect Essay Sample

I affirm that communication is one of the most crucial facets for enhancing interpersonal relationships. Ever since I started my academic pursuit, educators have signified the importance of sending intended messages in the most accurate manner to influence the recipients’ ability to understand, interpret, and react according to expected behavior. The value that the course has provided could be measured in terms of the objectives stated at the onset. As explicitly stipulated, the course intends to enhance the understanding of students on the elements of organizational communication with the aim of improving communication with various stakeholders, specifically to managers. The current discourse hereby aims to present a reflective overview of what one learned, particularly on V-Deck, as a presentation tool. In addition, I would be relaying a summary of the feedback received from my presentation, as well as the plan of integrating the lessons learned in the final presentation. Overall, the value gained from the course with respect to applying strategies for effective managerial communication would be proffered.
The theoretical framework on V-Deck has significantly enhanced my knowledge on critical elements that I should focus on when preparing for a presentation. Honestly, from all previous course modules taken in my academic career, this is the first time that I encountered V-Deck. The elements which were identified to be crucial to developing presentation skills were significantly relevant as these could be applied in various settings and situations. First, it was commendable the author of the V-Deck conceptualized the framework using terms which are easy to remember. V stands for value and variety representing pertinent elements in both sides of the letter. The manner by which concepts were presented illumined one’s awareness on the most pertinent part: the point of my presentation – the bottom of V. I hereby acknowledge that the selection of a topic is paramount. The topic of one’s presentation would determine potential success or a failure in terms of the interest or relevance of the subject matter to the audience. Likewise, the left side of the V, the Value side, provided all the rationales for listening, including the ability to present the main message or point that is originally intended to be relayed. The value side would also ensure that the audience would react or respond to message in ways intended by the speaker. Concurrently, the ride side of the V, the Variety side, provides the tools and strategies which would keep the audience focused and enthralled throughout the presentation. I realized that the framework is a beneficial tool that would assist in the development of strategies for a more effective communication with managers. The use of these concepts would also help apply value and variety to current and future presentations. The V-Deck served as a guiding tool and a standard of performance which could effectively gauge my strengths and weaknesses in making presentations.
The feedback that I received in previous presentations enabled the realization of my weaknesses and the areas that I have to improve. For instance, in my baseline presentation, the feedback received was poor eye contact and lack of appropriate gestures. These comments fall under the visual variety side. I acknowledge that the failure on my part to establish eye contact was due to my initial fears and anxiety to present in front of the class – summed as a perceived and admitted lack of self-confidence. Without eye contact, I realized that the presentation failed to establish a connection and commitment to determine the reaction and response of the audience. The use of eye contact should assist the speaker in identifying whether the audience still shows interest and whether they understand the messages and the points that are being presented. More adept speakers could adjust the contents (value) as well as variety to re-capture the interests of the audience. The speaker or presenter could inject humor in the presentation or narrate an interesting anecdote or story. Likewise, the application of gestures would affirm and emphasize relevant points being driven during the presentation. My inability to include appropriate gestures was interpreted as a lack of enthusiasm and affirmation to the arguments that I proposed.
For my chapter presentation, I was very nervous and was made aware that I unconsciously used the word “like” too many times. In addition, I was also advised that I did not use professional notecard during the presentation. Again, these comments fall under the variety side in the V-Deck framework: both vocal and visual. I realized that saying the word ‘like’ excessively could be interpreted as unnecessarily filling spaces between statements which could be distracting. On the other hand, I now realized that my inability to use the appropriate visual aids contributed to the frequent use of the word ‘like’, as observed. The overall impact was the distraction of the audience from the contents of the presentation to focusing on these weaknesses.
Concurrently, in the pre-final presentation, the feedback received included the need to use more meaningful tone and pauses to emphasize points and to provide variety. Tones and pauses are crucial as a means of providing vocal variety and emphasizing points that needed to be highlighted. There was apprehension on my part to pause intermittently as it might be perceived by the audience as forgetting my lines. Likewise, I initially had the feeling that I wanted to go over with the presentation at the soonest possible time frame to do away with the feeling of uneasiness and discomfort for being at the center of attention. In addition, the lack of meaningful tone contributed to a bland presentation that diminished the appeal to the audience.
Finally, from one’s personal assessment from watching and studying my videos, I have learned a lot through recognizing the mistakes I need to avoid in my future presentations. I acknowledged the need to improve on incorporating vocal and visual variety, as well addressing the weaknesses that were noted. I honestly believe that establishing eye contact would soon be consciously a part of my future presentations as my confidence in presentation skills are developed. Likewise, using appropriate gestures, like hand and arms movements, facial expressions, nods, and body movements would assist in providing variety in my presentation. A stiff and steady speaker would not be as persuasive as a speaker applying appropriate gestures. Moreover, when the opportunity allows, I could use visual aids such as notecard or PowerPoint Presentation, as deemed needed. Luckily, the feedback received were weaknesses noted in the variety side of the presentation. I would affirm, though, that I would continue developing the value side according to the conceptual framework noted in the discussion on the V-Deck. I have affirmed the need to discern and accurately communicate the point of one’s discourse.
Overall, the course was instrumental in advancing my knowledge on effective managerial communication. The course objective of exploring and examining the elements of organizational communication was definitely achieved through imbibing the V-Deck framework. Likewise, the lessons learned from the course assisted in developing presentation skills, especially in focusing on the value and variety side of one’s presentation. I appreciated the fact that through the course, my weaknesses in communication and presentation were revealed. Through the feedback mechanism which served as a means for constructive criticism, I recognized areas that need to be improved. Since I have been provided with an effective standard which would serve as the gauge for performance through the V-Deck, I would focus on developing vocal and visual variety skills. I hereby affirm that the lessons learned would be applied in future situations and settings towards improving my communication and presentation skills. I acknowledge that through considering the interests of the audience, I could design strategies that would be appealing to them and enable them to remember the important points and messages delivered in my presentation. These skills sets would be instrumental in developing my self-confidence and would thereby enable the establishment and sustenance of smooth interpersonal and professional relationships with peers, supervisors, and other stakeholders who I definitely would encounter in my future endeavors. With these values gained, I hereby express my sincerest and deepest gratitude. I, hereby, enthusiastically look forward to future presentations that imbibe and incorporate applications to the lessons learned from the course.
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