Improving Communication Skills for Success

This assignment focuses on developing effective communication skills. It highlights various approaches such as seeking guidance from professors, utilizing books and resources for learning, and considering enrollment in specialized communication courses. The assignment also includes self-assessment tools like the Johari window test, assertive communication test, and interactive psychology communication skill exercises. Finally, it features a communication test and an interpersonal communication skill assessment to evaluate progress.

Running Head: EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Effective business communication
Name of the student:
Name of the University:
AuthorNote

2EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Table of Contents
Diagnosis and Reflection.................................................................................................................3
Literature Review............................................................................................................................7
Concept and issues of communication........................................................................................7
Models of communication...........................................................................................................9
Behavioral and conceptual skills which are need to be possessed by individuals.....................12
Action Plan....................................................................................................................................13
Grant Chart for action plan........................................................................................................14
Bibliography..................................................................................................................................16
Appendices....................................................................................................................................18
Appendix 1.................................................................................................................................18
Appendix 2.................................................................................................................................18
Appendix 3.................................................................................................................................19
Appendix 4.................................................................................................................................19
Appendix 5.................................................................................................................................20

3EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Diagnosis and Reflection
The purpose of this assignment is to explore and discuss the different styles of
communication which is used by individuals for improving their level of communication. This
report focuses on the skill-set of individuals which are essential to gain success and be
communicate effective in a professional setting. It is to be mentioned that this report will take
into account and analyze certain tools which enable individuals to identify the flaws existing in
their styles of communication and rectify the same flaws. In addition this report also presents a
literature review that is expected to highlight the possible and logical solutions to the issues
related to communication. It is to be mentioned that this report will also discuss the different
models of communication which will provide a detailed and in depth analysis f the different
methods of communication. Finally this report will provide a self reflection of the researcher
which will discuss the ways the researcher improved his techniques of communication.
For the purpose of this assignment the use of five diagnostic tools has been made to
assess the level of communication possessed by me. It is to be stated that the tools of
communication is expected to help me analyze how effectively I can communicate and will also
guide to me rectify the flaws existing in my communication techniques and skills. According to
Cardon (2015), it can be stated that communication tools aim to identify any errors in the
communication skills possessed by individuals. The result of the tests conducted by the tools
comes in the form of a rating which is derived by solving questionnaires. The tools use
questionnaires which are solved by people in order to assess their personality and the confidence
level possessed by the individuals. The five tools that have been used in this case are:
 The Johari window

4EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
 Assertive communication tool
 The interactive psychological communication test
 The communication test
 Interpersonal Communication test
It can be said that the cumulative results of the tests as mentioned above have helped me assess
and analyze my style of communication.
The Johari window – This tool aims at exploring the areas of communication which are
known to individuals and the areas which are essential to be explored by oneself and by others
(Tran, 2016). It is to be stated that after taking the Johari window test I have been able to realize
that most of the traits of my personality are unknown to me as well as others. The characteristics
and abilities that are required to be possessed by individuals in order to communicate effectively
with others are: being bold, being relaxed, being dependable and being friendly to others
(Cardon, 2015). However, it has been observed by me that others perceive me to be honest,
caring and jolly by nature. (Refer to appendix one)
The assertive communication tool test assesses and analyzes the ability of an individual
to speak in public. The result of this test undertaken by me shows that I have 66% ability to
speak about myself or defend myself in front of others. This test result provides evidence of the
fact that I feel hesitant to speak about my issues in front of others. This test result however, also
states that I tend to show my disagreement if I am unable to connect properly due to difference in
opinions of people and engage in a proper communication with them. (Refer to appendix 2)
The interactive psychological communication test – This tool aims to provide insight
about the communication skills of people (Thill & Bovée, 2013). According to the result of this

5EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
test undertaken by me it can be stated that I have 70% insightfulness which means that I have the
capability to interpret actions and thoughts of people with effectiveness. It can also be stated that
I have the ability to adjust my behavior in different situations and when I communicate with
different people. It is also states that I am can empathize with individuals in different
circumstances. (Refer to appendix 3)
The communication test – This particular tool of communication aims to analyze certain
characteristics of individuals and their level of expertise while communicating with others. The
result of this test undertaken by me, shows that I have the ability of thinkers. I always give some
thought to my actions and words. However, this makes me a person who is inefficient to direct
other people regarding what to de. (Refer to appendix 4)
Interpersonal Communication test- This tool helps an individual to analyze and assess
his interpersonal communication skills (Berger, 2014). It also analyzes the insightfulness of
individuals in context of their interpersonal skills. The result of this test states that my
interpersonal communication level is 60%. This means that I am generally more attentive to the
messages that are sent to me rather than analyzing a situation on the basis of firsthand
experience. It also states that I am supportive of people and I can empathize with them in their
times of crisis or need (Refer to appendix 5).
Therefore, after obtaining a detailed analysis of the test results of the aforementioned five
communication tools, it can be stated that I need to improve my ability to speak to others. It has
been observed that I tend to feel nervous and unconfident while addressing a large of people. I
even fail to give voice to my thoughts accurately while talking to people in large groups. I also
fail to take responsibility of actions and fail to lead people in an effective manner. It can be

6EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
mentioned that I cannot socialize with people due to my disability to speak with people freely. I
fail to engage with people to get the work done. Therefore, I need to ensure that I work on and
improve these communication skills of mine so that I can bring out my inner characteristics in
front of others.
The narration of two incidents is required to highlight the issues faced by me while
communication with others.
The first issue I faced while communicating with others occurred six weeks ago. I had
encountered that I was unable to understand non verbal cues. It is to be mentioned that this
incident occurred during a program where I was unable to understand that my companion was
asking me to shift an object from the stage which could potentially cause an accident. My
companion at that time was using hand gestures to communicate with me. Verbal communication
was not possible at the moment as I was at quite a distance from my companion. My companion
had asked me to move stray nails from a stage where a performance by supposed to happen.
However, due to my inability understand such instructions the performers had sustained injuries
because of the stray nails lying on the floor. It is to be mentioned that the occurrence of this
incident caused a lot of commotion and I was reprimanded for the same. This made me realize
that I need to improve my understanding of non verbal gestures. It also made me realize the
reactions required to be provided by me during such challenging times.
The second issue occurred while I was demonstrating an idea by a presentation. It can be
said that I had failed to provide an effective presentation which could create a lasting impression
in the minds of my audience. The presentation given by me lacked clarity and was unable to
focus on the point of such presentation. Further due to my inability to speak effectively and

7EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
address people in large groups I had failed to explain the relevant points of my presentation to
the audience. The audience seemed to be disinterested and bored as they failed to understand the
relevant details of the presentation. It can be mentioned that I realized this is an area of
communication which needs improvements. It occurred to me that I need to make precise and
clear presentations which ensure that the audience can understand the key points of such of
presentation. The presentations must also provide relevant details. Further, it is to be stated that I
need to work on ability to talk to people freely and confidently for the purpose of attracting their
attention and explaining to them what is being demonstrated by the presentation. It can be said
that it is very important to possess these skills as without them I cannot envision myself to be
successful in my career in future.
Literature Review
Concept and issues of communication
According to McQuail and Windahl (2015), it can be said that communication is defined
as one of the most important and effective ways for the purpose transferring information,
thoughts and feelings from one person to another. People communicate with others for the
purpose of conveying their thoughts to others and ensuring which in turn adds a sense of purpose
to their lives. It is to be mentioned that communication is done both verbally and non-verbally.
Verbal communication can be done by transmitting messages by the use of words and in a direct
manner. Non-verbal communication on the other hand involves the use of signs and gestures to
communicate any thought or idea to the other person. Non-verbal communication is essential in
situations where the persons involved in the process of communication are so far from each other
that they cannot communicate verbally by exchange of words. However, verbal communication

8EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
is preferred by people in most instances as it reduces the possibilities of being misunderstood and
is more effective in communicating long and elaborate messages (Kwiatkowski, 2017). It is to be
mentioned that in order to assess the areas in which communication skills can be improved
several tools have been devised. Such tools aim to provide clarity in different circumstances. As
stated by Hampf and Müller-Pohl (2013), people must understand the flaws existing in their
communication skills in order to ensure that proper and effective communication takes place at
the international and as well as at the local level. It is to be stated that one of the most common
flaws existing in the communication skills of the individuals is their inability of people to
understand sign languages. It can be said that mostly people generally fail to comprehend the
sign languages as they do not have proper and training in this subject. The basic gestures
however, can be clearly understood by individuals and actions can be taken by them accordingly.
The problem arises when individuals are faced with the challenge of understanding and
interpreting complex gestures and taking necessary actions. Therefore in this context it can be
said that it is essential for the speaker to make the right gestures as well as the listener to pay
attention while trying to understand and interpret such gesture (Peleckien & Polajeva 2016). The
first issue that has been discussed in this report highlights the inability of to understand sign
languages. Therefore, it can be mentioned that it is important for individuals to develop a better
understanding of non verbal cues as verbal communication is possible in several instances.
As stated by Popp, Raneburger and Kaindl (2013), confidence is an important trait of a person’s
characteristics which is essential for demonstrating a presentation effectively and addressing
people in large groups. It is to be stated that lack of confidence in individuals while
communicating with others is a noteworthy communication flaw that exists in communication
skills of the majority of the people. The key to leaving a lasting impression in the minds of the

9EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
audience while demonstrating a presentation is to make it descriptive. All the ideas and points to
be discussed in the presentation must be included in it and such ideas and points must be
discussed in details so that people do not find it to be vague or inappropriate. Making use of the
pictorial medium is essential while demonstrating and explaining ideas to people as people feel
more attentive when the messages being conveyed to them are presented in the form of visual
messages. People need to be explained the messages as shown in the presentation. It can be said
that people feel disinterested and bored if they are not addressed directly. Therefore to solve this
problem it interacting with the audience and asking for their feedback can help the person giving
the presentation ensure that he has the attention o f the audience.
Models of communication
It is to be stated that communication skills need to be developed by individuals in order to
eliminate and reduce the flaws existing in their communication skills. Developing certain models
related to communication can also help individuals to address the issues existing in their
communication process. Belo’s model is one of the noteworthy models of communication which
provides evidence that the receivers and senders need to be alert while sending and receiving
messages so that they can intercept such messages effectively. It can be mentioned that this
model is commonly referred to as the SMCR model as the factors which are required for
transmission of messages are analyzed using the same components. However, individuals need to
have a basic understanding of the messages so that they can interpret and transmit the same
effectively.
As stated by Evans et al. (2017), the channels that are used for effective communication
involve the assistance of the basic senses of the human beings. The five basic senses of the
individuals include: hear, smell, taste, sight and feel. However, all the five senses need to be

10EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
functioning properly to provide individuals with the opportunity to develop a personality and
transmit messages. Therefore, in this context it can be said that people need to be trained to
ensure tat encode and decode the messages in a proper and accurate manner. Belo’s model states
that the messages to be transmitted and communicated must be clear and precise. It can also be
stated that responses of messages can be provided by the use of the channels mentioned above.
This model also aims to develop the interpersonal communication skills. The skill set related to
communication of every individual can be analyzed and assessed by this model. Proper
communication techniques can also be developed by its use. However, Schramm’s model can
be utilized more effectively instead of the Belo’s model for the purpose of enhancing the
communication skills of the individuals.
Figure 1: Belo’s model

11EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
(Source: Evans et al., 2017)
Identifying and assessing the source of communication is essential for the purpose of
developing an effective communication system. As stated by Rentz and Lent (2013), it can be
said that the developments that take place in the communication system happens in an orderly
and systematic manner if the source of such communication is proper. It can be said that the
model of communication as discussed above aims to identify the different segments of the
components of communication. These components are essential in maintaining a smooth and
steady flow of messages to the receiver from the sender. According to this model the sender
encrypts the messages before transmitting to the receiver. The reason behind encrypting a
message is to prevent anyone else except the receiver to read it. The receiver of the message has
to decode the cryptic message in order to reveal the original message. It can be stated that this
form of communication style is quite effective in organizations as most of the organizations use
internal facilities for the purpose of transmitting messages. According to Fleisher and
Bensoussan (2015), this model of communication has been regarded as an ultimate model of
communication.
However, Schramm considers communication to be a continuous process. According to
Schramm people are compelled to communicate in order to survive. The aim of the model of
communication as developed by Schramm is to ensure that communication between people
happens in an efficient manner. Further, it is to be stated that the model of communication as
developed by Schramm ensures that effective communication is maintained in every sphere of
life. The primary benefit of the model is that it increases and develops the hearing ability of
individuals. The messages to be transmitted by this model are in encrypted form, so people need
to understand the message clearly in order to effectively and accurately decode it. Schramm’s

12EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
model ensures that there is a continuous flow of messages from both the ends. Both the receiver
and sender need to possess the abilities of encoding and decoding encrypted messages.
Figure 2: Schramm’s model
(Source: Peleckien & Polajeva 2016)
Behavioral and conceptual skills which individuals need to possess
In order to develop interpersonal communication skills, individuals must apply both
theoretical and practical knowledge related too communication styles and skills (Watson & Hill,
2015). It can be mentioned that a person can have a clear understanding of the details of the topic
if he applies his theoretical aspects of knowledge. In depth knowledge about a particular topic is
gained by an individual by an analysis which covers all the details of the topic.
However, as opposed as theoretical knowledge, practical knowledge of a person can help
him gain experience. In today’s world the importance of having experience in different fields is
great. Such experience can help individuals apply for a wide range of jobs in different sectors of
the industry. Individuals must assess the level of improvement required to be made by them in
order to successful in the future.

13EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
As stated by Argenti (2015), people need to develop professional skills to solve the issues
faced by them. The lack and the flaws existing in the communication skill-set of individuals can
be easily assessed by the tools of communication as discussed above. Individuals can improve
their communication skills by following the provisions of the different models of
communication. Further it is to be stated that it is essential to avoid misunderstanding in the
workplace as misunderstandings create negative impacts on the minds of people.
Misunderstandings can also have adverse effects on the emotions of individuals. Further it can be
said that people who are emotionally component and possessing good listening skills are the ones
who are most likely to gain success in business.
Action Plan
An action plan has been formulated by me after the detailed analysis of the issues
existing in my communication skills. The first step taken by me was maintaining a journal that
records every activity of mine which are aimed at improving my communication skills. The
journal is useful as I can keep a track of my progress and reflect upon the ways by which I have
improved myself. I have set a timeline of six months for developing my interpersonal
communication skills.
To ensure that I receive professional guidance, I have sought the help of a Peter Dhu,
who is a diploma holder in providing professional coaching to develop the communication skills
of individuals. He has over twenty years of experience in this field. I have enrolled for an eight
week training program.
I have also referred to books about how to improve communication skills of individuals. Some of
the important books that I have started reading for developing my communication skills are:

14EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
 Active listening 101: How to turn down your volume to turn up your
communication skill” written by Emilia Hardman, 2012,
 "The Power of communication skills to build trust, inspire loyalty and lead
effectively" written by Helio Fred Garcia, 2012
 "Power Listening: Mastering the most critical business skill" written by Bernard, T.
Ferrari, 2012
I have also undertaken several courses such as Communication management, Skills on managing
people effectively by the use of communication techniques. These courses have helped me
understand, assess and rectify my problems more clearly.
Thus in conclusion it can be said that this report helped to understand my abilities, issues
faced by me while communicating with people. It also addressed the issues faced by me while
speaking to people in large groups. The communication tools and models related to the
communication helped me rectify the issues existing in my communicational skills. The action
plan as discussed above is expected to help me overcome my flaws and improve my skills to
communicate with people more freely.
Grant Chart for action plan
Activity October November December January February March
Maintaining
journal
Take
professor’s

15EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
guidance
Reading books
Enrolling in
communication
course

16EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Bibliography
Argenti, P. A. (2015). Corporate communication. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Austin, E. W., & Pinkleton, B. E. (2015). Strategic public relations management: Planning
and managing effective communication campaigns (Vol. 10). Routledge.
Breen, M., Cipri, L., Larson, T., Leonard, L., Liu, A., Manning, W., ... & Green, A. (2015).
Evaluating Communication Tools and Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
in Vermont Head Start Classrooms.
Cardon, P. (2015). Business communication: Developing leaders for a networked world.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Evans, D. R., Hearn, M. T., Uhlemann, M. R., & Ivey, A. E. (2017). Essential interviewing:
A programmed approach to effective communication. Nelson Education.
Fleisher, C. S., & Bensoussan, B. E. (2015). Business and competitive analysis: effective
application of new and classic methods. FT Press.
Ghobadi, S., & Mathiassen, L. (2016). Perceived barriers to effective knowledge sharing in
agile software teams. Information Systems Journal, 26(2), 95-125.
Hampf, M., & Müller-Pohl, S. (Eds.). (2013). Global communication electric: business, news
and politics in the world of telegraphy. Campus Verlag.
Kaul, A. (2014). Effective business communication. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd..

17EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
McQuail, D., & Windahl, S. (2015). Communication models for the study of mass
communications. Routledge.
PeleckienÄ, V., & Polajeva, T. (2016). Towards sustainable entrepreneurship: role of
nonverbal communication in business negotiations. Entrepreneurship and
Sustainability Issues, 4(2), 228-239.
Rentz, K., & Lentz, P. (2013). Lesikars Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital
World. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Shockley-Zalabak, P. (2014). Fundamentals of organizational communication. Pearson.
Thill, J. V., & Bovée, C. L. (2013). Excellence in business communication. Pearson.
Watson, J., & Hill, A. (2015). Dictionary of media and communication studies. Bloomsbury
Publishing USA.

18EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Appendices
Appendix 1
Johari window test result
Appendix 2
Assertive communication test result

19EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Appendix 3
Interactive psychology communication skill
Appendix 4
Communication test result

20EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Appendix 5
Interpersonal communication skill result

21EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION