Enhancing Communication Skills: A Journey from Novice to Expert

The writer has developed excellent communication and presentation skills through immense practice, which enabled them to effectively communicate with groups and share their opinions while respecting others' views. They have also improved their ability to adapt information and present it to a targeted audience, using visual aids like charts and diagrams. The writer has identified two weaknesses - matching body language with communication and making eye contact. To improve these skills, they are enrolling in a Training Programme at Coventry University. The programme will help them identify areas for improvement and develop effective communication styles.

Effective Communication Skills
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Importance of Emotional Intelligence for Successful Career
Emotional intelligence refers to the competence of individuals to manage as well as control
their emotions and also having the ability to manage and control the emotions of others (Di
Fabio and Kenny, 2015). In other words, emotionally intelligent people can influence the
emotions of other people as well. On the other hand, Jiang (2016) found out that there is a
positive relation between higher emotional intelligence and academic success. It is an evident
fact that graduation students usually have more academic challenges in comparison to those
admitted to kindergarten or high schools.
Since past few decades, the most widely used tool to measure the intelligence of people,
particularly students were analytic intelligence, i.e. Intelligence Quotient or IQ test. However,
this only helped in determining the intelligence level of the students in numeric values based
on analogies, classification, pattern, visuals, spatial and logical tests. Two different models of
emotional intelligence are cited by Daniel Goleman and Bar-On.
Bar-On emphases on a range of emotional and social abilities, including the ability to be
aware of, understand, and express oneself, the ability to be aware of, understand, and relate to
others, the ability to deal with strong emotions, as well as the ability to adapt to change and
solve problems of a social or personal nature (Stys & Brown, 2004). On the other hand,
Daniel Goleman emphasized on five major elements of emotional intelligence namely, -
motivation, self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, as well as social skills. If students are
self-aware about their skills, requirements, strengths and weakness, they are in a better
position to handle and control the situations (Stys & Brown, 2004). For instance, they can
have control over those situations when they feel angry over any matter, in front of the
public, thereby not leading into an embarrassing situation. In addition to this, self-regulation
is also an important aspect which enables the students, particularly those with high temper to
regulate themselves before speaking a word during any conflict or debate against their
viewpoints.
Coetzee and Harry (2014) in their work argued that when an individual is motivated towards
completing a series of task or activities, they are in the better position to explain and illustrate
the same to others in getting the task done effectively, and vice versa. Thus, motivated
students lead as an example to others even when they are assigned a complicated task, such
as performing new activities of higher level in the university or taking part in any competition
and such other cases (Di Fabio and Kenny, 2015). It has been well said that one should not

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judge people unless they have walked in their shoes. This means, one must evaluate the
characteristics, personality and traits only when they have faced similar issues, risks
challenges as them. Every successful leader must know how to empathise with others, so as
to earn their respect, without judging them when unaware of the situation. This is called
empathy and it plays a significant role in balancing emotional aspects during situations of
dilemma.
Another element of emotional intelligence is social skills which is of significant importance
when dealing with a group of students in graduation level, because they are neither known
school friends, nor the teachers who have been teaching since junior level (Di Fabio and
Kenny, 2015). Bar-On suggests that emotional intelligence develop over time and it can also
be improved through therapy, training, as well as programming. All of them at the college
level are new and thus, knowing every individual is difficult.
From both the different versions it can be assumed that using motivational and social skills,
understanding others, expressing oneself, dealing with strong emotions students can build
relationship with one another as well as communicate their point of view whenever
necessary. Socializing with people is also considered as a challenging task, because control of
ego and self-esteem is essential in such cases for the candidates in graduation level (Di Fabio
and Saklofske, 2014). Thus, it can be said that emotional intelligence enhances
communication skills of the students as well.
Johari Window- Enhancing Future Workplace Communication
The Johari Window Model is developed by Joseph Luften and Harry Ingham (Hartley, 2002).
According to this model, when someone exposes behaviour which is perceived to be
disturbing, it is better to provide feedback to them. It is an evident fact that everyone is right
in their own opinion, however the appropriateness is evaluated by a third person with
feedback. This model suggests that an individual looks for balance in their point of views and
beliefs (Kah and Lee, 2016). In addition to this, people are not always aware of their own
behaviour, or even if they know it very well about it, they will not admit. Thus, with the
intention of reducing disagreement, one would circumvent listening to the opposing
viewpoints or might also indulge in changing their beliefs so as to match their actions.
However, this is for their own benefit.

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Dealing with the condition of stress is of immense importance to control the emotions and
stress at workplace. Feedback is a good method to confront on the behaviour of others which
is unpleasing (Hartley, 2002).
The four aspects include open space, blind spot, hidden area and unknown area. Open space
entails the things which are known to self as well as others. Blind spot involves those things
which are unknown to self, but known to others (McCabe and Timmins, 2013). On the other
hand, hidden area involves things known to self but not disclosed to others and unknown area
includes those facts which is neither known to self nor to others.
Appropriate communication skills such as taking up a step ahead and speaking to the team
members, the employers and explaining one’s point of view will help in resolving the
conflicts. Thus, it can be said that with Johari Window Model, one could enhance future
workplace communication, as they will be at a position to face the circumstances and take the
necessary action to overcome the same by communicating with people. Taking instant action
to communicate with the hierarchy in the workplace can be an important achievement for
individual as well as for the organization as a whole.
Improvement Made in Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital for organizational development. Hinojosa et al (2017)
suggests that communication is something which helps the managers to perform their basic
functions of management, such as organizing, planning, motivating as well as controlling. In
other words, communication is the building block of any organization. This is why many
individuals undergoes different communication enhancement programs so as to improve their
communication skills in the future.
I have also improved my communication skills through activities of my course namely, video
interview, face to face interview, individual presentation, as well as group presentation.
Video Interview and Face to Face Interview
Conducting or facing an interview has remained the most challenging task, particularly for
those who attends or conducts such interviews for the first time. As a fresher, when I was
called for an interview for the position of Assistant HR in ABC Inc., neither I knew nothing
about organizational communication skills, nor I had seen anyone facing any interviews. This
was an opportunity for me to enhance my skills through communication with the interviewer
at the company. At the time of my first interview, I was very nervous, however, I gathered

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courage when I saw the presentation and professional skills of a senior manager who was
already conducting an interview of another candidate. The questions which were asked was
based on my resume and curriculums in which I had participated.
With self-regulation skill, I controlled myself and think before speaking anything about
myself and growth opportunities. I not only followed the theoretical aspects of enhancing
communication skills but also practiced a lot with my teammates. The practical approach was
far better than theoretical approach as it guided me how to communicate with different levels
of hierarchy in an organization with confidence.
Individual Presentation
It is an evident fact that presenting information clearly as well as effectively in front of others
is regarded as a key skill. it is required at every level of hierarchy in an organization as well
as in other entities. Individual presentations were required to be made during each semester at
my graduation level. With continuous practice, I was able to transform nervous energy into
enthusiasm and developed a personal speaking style with a good voice tone. Thereafter I
learnt how to adjust to surroundings and practicing over the microphone and avoiding any
distractions thereof. Hinojosa et al (2017) suggests that getting specific about the weakness
that needs to be improved makes it easier to focus on the issues that requires more attention.
Therefore, I improved my way of speaking at the public while making presentations at the
end of every semester. I also attended seminars where great speakers present their views. I
gradually developed these skills and made strong efforts in practising the same with great
confidence.
Many people shared their remarks in my presentations, some with positive comments and
some with negative comments. I accepted the constructive criticism and applied it to focus
more on practising rather than getting nervous.
Slowly, I improved my presentation skills and overcome the fear of facing the public. I not
only improved my listening skills but also controlling myself while speaking so as to become
a persuasive speaker. With immense practice, from a novice speaker, I soon became the best
speaker and was awarded in the final semester with an A+ grade, which set me apart from the
rest of the team.
I have developed the skill to communicate within groups and share my opinions and ideas as
well as respecting their innovative point of views. This allowed me to work in groups and
managing a team as well.

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I therefore, consider my communication and presentation skill to be at a high level. In
addition to this, now I am capable of adapt and modify information and present it to the
targeted audience. For instance, when I was selected as the individual speaker at ABC Inc. I
showed my communication skills to them. I was also able to clarify as well as summarize
information efficiently, by means of using visual aids, such as charts, smart arts,
diagrammatic presentation.
I was given the responsibility to conduct interviews of candidates as well as to distribute the
meeting minutes to the members of the Board. In addition to this, I maintained a positive
attitude and listened to my team members while making significant and strategic decisions in
a confident manner. Thus, I believe my communication skills evaded duplications or
misapprehension, as a result increasing productivity and efficiency as well.
Improving Body Language and Eye Contact
However, I have also identified two weakness which needs improvement, one is matching
body language with communication and the other is making eye contact. In order to enhance
my body language and match the same with my communications, I have successfully enrolled
for a Training Programme which would be conducted in the coming year in the University
(Coventry University, 2018). By learning effective communication style and participating in
this programme will help me to identify as well as distinguish my weakness and areas which I
need to focus more to improve my body language and making eye contact with people with
confidence.
In addition to this, the training programme will also allow me to discover diverse ways to
avoid distractions and improve my confidence level. I would also focus on my listening
abilities when someone is speaking to me or when I am conveying my message to others.
Furthermore, I would also participate in other programs which will be organized by the
university in the coming year 2019, which would further allow me to take an initiative
towards improving such skills. At present I am practicing on my communication skills and
trying to match the same with my body language in all my interactions.

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Reference List
Coetzee, M., & Harry, N. (2014) ‘Emotional intelligence as a predictor of employees' career
adaptability’. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 84(1), 90-97.
Coventry University (2019) Global Leaders Programme Certificate for Undergraduates
[online] Available from <
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/student-support/enhance-your-employability/
global-leaders-programme/> [19th December 2018]
Di Fabio, A, & Kenny, M E. (2015) ‘The contributions of emotional intelligence and social
support for adaptive career progress among Italian youth’. Journal of Career
Development, 42(1), 48-59.
Di Fabio, A., & Saklofske, D. H. (2014) ‘Comparing ability and self-report trait emotional
intelligence, fluid intelligence, and personality traits in career decision’. Personality and
Individual Differences, 64, 174-178.
Hartley, P. (2002). Interpersonal communication. Abingdon: Routledge.
Hinojosa, A. S., Gardner, W. L., Walker, H. J., Cogliser, C., & Gullifor, D. (2017). A review
of cognitive dissonance theory in management research: Opportunities for further
development. Journal of Management, 43(1), 170-199.
Jiang, Z. (2016) ‘Emotional intelligence and career decision‐making self‐efficacy: Mediating
roles of goal commitment and professional commitment’. Journal Of Employment
Counseling, 53(1), 30-47.
Kah, J. A., & Lee, S. H. (2016). A new approach to travel information sources and travel
behaviour based on cognitive dissonance theory. Current Issues in Tourism, 19(4), 373-393.
McCabe, C. & Timmins, F. (2013). Communication skills for nursing practice. Canada:
Macmillan International Higher Education
Stys, Y. & Brown, S.L. (2004) ‘A review of the emotional intelligence literature and
implications for corrections’. Research Branch Correctional Service of Canada, 10, 1-68.