Developing Communication Skills for Everyday Life

This assignment focuses on developing essential communication skills for daily interactions. It delves into understanding different communication styles, practicing active listening, expressing gratitude and appreciation, and adapting communication based on the situation. The goal is to enhance interpersonal effectiveness through conscious effort and practice over a period of 3-4 months.

Effective Communication

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part 1: Reflection and Diagnosis................................................................................................4
The Johari Window............................................................................................................4
Communication Styles Questionnaire................................................................................5
Assertiveness Questionnaires.............................................................................................6
SWOT Analysis.................................................................................................................6
DISCO model of diagnosis................................................................................................7
Findings from the tools..........................................................................................................7
Two Communication Issues...................................................................................................8
Active listening..................................................................................................................8
Co-ordination.....................................................................................................................8
Professional Interactions........................................................................................................8
Part 2: LITERATURE REVIEW...............................................................................................8
Strategies (Models And Theories) To Overcome Barriers To Effective Communication.....9
Reflecting theory................................................................................................................9
Social learning theory (Assessment of performance)........................................................9
Model of SMCR (Source Message Channel Receiver)....................................................10
Theory of Empathic Communication...............................................................................11
Part 3: Action Plan...................................................................................................................11
References................................................................................................................................15

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: The JoHari Window....................................................................................................5
Figure 2: Reflective Theory of Communication........................................................................9
Figure 3: Social- Learning theory............................................................................................10
Figure 4: Empathic Communication........................................................................................11
Figure 5: Steps to be followed in action plan...........................................................................12

PART 1: REFLECTION AND DIAGNOSIS
The Johari Window
This model for diagnosing communication skills was devised by Luft and Ingham by
combing their first names as the model (Montano and Kasprzyk, 2015). The Johari window
model is a helpful tool, which can be used to illustrate and develop understanding,
communication and self-awareness among individuals of the group. This model can also be
used to consider and improve relationships with others. By considering this model, I decided
to choose blind self' or 'blind area' or 'blind spot', This tool suits my attitude and behaviour
because although I am able to communicate with large numbers of friends and acquaintance;
I face difficulty in speaking to people who are strangers and I do not know about their
mindset. I am very hesitant and lack confidence while presenting my thoughts to a group of
strangers, so the selection of this quadrant is justifiable as per my personality. People who
have established communication skills generally fall under the category of the open end. On
the other hand, people who have newly developed communication skill falls under the second
quadrant of a blind spot. The major characteristic of these kinds of people is that they are able
to communicate only with the known factors and fail to communicate where the area of
communication is not known. It is because these people lack the self confidence to present
their ideas and are ignorant about them. These types of person deliberately avoid speaking in
front of an unknown crowd.

Figure 1: The Johari Window
(Source: Berger and et.al. 2014)
Communication Styles Questionnaire
This questionnaire helps in discovering an individual’s ideal style of communication.
This will also assist in identifying the skills that most suits your personality (Berger and et.al.
2014). The major advantage of interpreting own and another communication style will
increase the capability to promote other individuals in developing their potential.
I will not listen to a speaker who is disorganized
I am unwilling to listen to speaker with different views from mine
I am willing to listen to boring speakers about boring content
I dislike listening to boring speakers
Being preoccupied with other things makes me less willing to listen to a speaker
3
4
3
2
3
The above questionnaire highlights my area of weakness which tends to be inactive
listening. I tend to display features of biased listening; in which I listen through the filter of

my personal prejudices. My attention tends to vary with the quality of the speaker; thus this
can be said as casual listening. Critical listening is also my weak area as I refuse to listen to
people whose views are different than mine. I listen only to the content which is of value to
me and avoid the rest, which are symptoms of Discriminative listening.
Assertiveness Questionnaires
Assertiveness Questionnaires will help in formulating and communicating thought,
ideas and opinions in a clear picture. This questionnaire is totally based on self-awareness. It
will assist in attaining the final outcome.
I express my feelings, even if others disagree with me
I speak up about things I really care about
Starting a conversation with a stranger
Speaking in large meeting of friends
Talking in a small group of acquaintances
5
5
1
5
5
The assertive questionnaires reflect what the person is assertive about in various
situations. Being assertive about ones’ thoughts is the main communication skill. Being
assertive means that the speaker can express them effectively in front of others even when
others tend to disagree and standing up for their point of view while respecting the beliefs of
others. I have come to the conclusion that I strongly possess this quality of communication.
Being assertive can also boost self-esteem and helps to earn the respect of others. This quality
can also help in managing stress related to communicating in front of an unknown crowd.
SWOT Analysis
This is a process that determines an individual’s strength, weakness, opportunities and
threats. Particularly, it is a basic model that considered what an individual can perform or
cannot perform, for aspects on both internal and external.
Strength Starting conversations with people of
acquaintance and being assertive of my
thoughts.
Weakness Active listening and lack of appreciating
others’ point of views

Opportunities Working on interpersonal skills through
academic programs.
Threats Fear of communicating to strangers
DISCO model of diagnosis
DISCO (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorder) is a
sophisticated measure for considering and improving qualitative and quantitative differences
and fear in social communication and interaction inclusive of limited access and recurring
behaviour (Neuliep, 2017). It will help in considering to a degree by which support is needed
by a person. Further, this model concerns skills, behaviour and abilities of an individual.
Findings from the tools
I have realized that I fall into the category of blind area quadrant I take responsibility
to reduce my blind area and increasing the open area by giving appraisals and feedback by
encouraging disclosure. For this, I need to develop the characteristic of giving non-
judgemental feedback and giving responses to individual disclosure, which may reduce by
fear of unknown crowd. Moreover, I will also try to seek feedback for increasing my open
area. The amount and issues of feedback which an individual seeks must always be at the
individual's own choice. Some people are more flexible as compared to others and therefore
care must be taken to avoid any type of emotional upset. The process of seeking genuine and
deep feedback relates to ‘self-actualization' of development of need and motivation model
given by Maslow. I have found that I do not fear social and professional interaction to people
whom I know.
However, when it comes to interacting with strangers on the professional and social
basis I do not find myself comfortable enough. Thus, I need to work on this area in order to
improve my skills of communication. My listening also involves a lot of evaluation and
judging others based on my perceptions. Judgemental Listening poses difficulty in
understanding the speaker empathically. I sometimes also pretend to fake my process of
listening since I am preoccupied with my other thoughts. Some people naturally possess the
quality of being assertive. But if it is not present then one must learn to be assertive.
Assertiveness is an effective and diplomatic style of communication, which has tended to
gain popularity in the present day. Being assertive shows that the speaker respects his
thoughts and is willing to stand up for their interests by expressing their thoughts and

feelings. This style of communication demonstrates that an individual is aware of the other’s
rights and is willing to resolve conflicts.
Two Communication Issues
Active listening
Active listening refers to a proposed listening and reacting form that ultimately develops
entire interpretation (Montanoand and Kasprzyk, 2015). The most helpful skill that can be
brought up in the workplace is active listening. It can assist in conversations,
communications, interviews and participation.
Co-ordination
The requirement of communication skill is vital for booming future, especially for a student.
In the present era of competitiveness, communication skills in a management are most
required are the experience and education.
Professional Interactions
Recently I participated in a debate competition and also a seminar on management.
Both of these interactions required to display effective communication skills on part of
listeners as well as speakers. In both of these programmes, I found that I was unable to listen
actively during the seminar and on the other hand during the debate I failed to put my
thoughts in front of a huge crowd.
PART 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Attentiveness is inclusive of expressions, gestures, eye contact, body postures and
vocal. Still, most of the conversations are visual. It is significant that the body language must
be reliable along with the giving verbal conveys (Mohla & Schwartzberg, 2016). For
instance, if an individual is involved in a conversation and checks time, again and again,
looks around, lacks eye contact this will give a message that the individual is least interest in
the conversation and other things matter more to him/her. Lack of presence avoids effectual
communication and shows a disconnection between words as well as actions. Why it pulls
attentiveness forward? It reduces behaviour intended to protect. Active listening is the base of
clear perspective and understanding. It gives clarity to the communication skills while
making sure that the one understands the meaning another wants to convey. In accordance
with the self-analysis undertaken with the above diagnostic tools, I have identified two key
issues to be active listening and coordination.

Strategies (Models And Theories) To Overcome Barriers To Effective Communication
Reflecting theory
Reflecting contains two set of skills which are repetition and paraphrasing. Repetition
takes places when listener say exactly same what was cited by the speaker (Kurtz and et.al.,
2016). While Paraphrasing places the message of the speaker in the words of the listener and
exactly put that to the speaker. Paraphrasing is said to be an effective means of reflecting and
allows the speaker that individual truly understand his or her main message. It allows
listening to feelings. In accordance with views of Manning and Bucher, (2013) there are
essentially five aspects of active listening. First is to giving attention to non-verbal attitudes
and behaviours, after that queries and questions will be asked and further reflective of the
same will be provided. Next step is to do Paraphrasing and thus on the basis of this
Summarizing will be done. In order to improve communication skills in the workplace firstly
include communication skills in the training and guiding programs of employees (McQuail
and Windahl, 2015). The best way is to promote effectual communicators in the position of
the supervisor to determine the standards of the company.
Figure 2: Reflective Theory of Communication
(Source: Hackman and Johnson, 2013)
Social learning theory (Assessment of performance)
Bandura’s Social Learning Theory states that people learn from one another, via
observation and imitation. In accordance with the study of Henderson & Mathew, (2016) the

theory has often been referred to as a link between the theory of behaviourist and cognitive
learning as it encompasses characteristics of both the theories of attention, memory, and
motivation. The theory aims at improving communication through practices in order to
powerful communication (Hutchinson, 2017). Listening, reading and writing must be
considered carefully as they play a significant role in communication skills. In relation
reading and writing, one thing one has to address is to adapt and amend with age and
attentiveness. With the help of these qualities, one can be able to improve its verbal, reading
and communicating and writing skills. People tend to learn through observing others and their
attitudes and outcomes related to a certain issue. Social learning theory tends to explain
human behaviour in terms of consistent reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioural,
and environmental factors.
Figure 3: Social- Learning theory
(Source: Goetsch and Davis, 2014)
Model of SMCR (Source Message Channel Receiver)
An effective communication involves clarity of words and action (Bays and et.al.
2014). The speaker should never keep his thoughts within himself instead he should put his
idea (Source) in a sensible and meaningful content (Message) with careful selection of words.
Selection of words is very important as any right message put into wrong words can deform
the message and alter the meaning of the sentence completely. In accordance with the
analysis of Derlaga & Berg, (2013) the speaker should avoid keeping half of the thoughts in
mind and always try to speak clearly. For an effective communication, it is also important to
consider the medium, pitch and tone of the communication (Channel). The unclear channel
may result in confusion and misunderstandings and will distort the message that the other
person wants to convey.

Theory of Empathic Communication
This theory states that the speaker must first try to understand the state of mind of the
audience (Gallois & Giles,(2015). Thus, before any public speaking, it is important to
understand the issues that are to be addressed to the crowd. The speaker must also evaluate
the current mindset of the audience regarding the issue to be addressed. Then the preparation
must be done on how to convey the original message to the public with the same intention
without hurting their sentiments. People generally tend to avoid what they feel is disturbing
to their existing set of values. Thus, the message and the mode of communication must be
planned with utmost care so that the message reaches the receiver with a positive impact.
Figure 4: Empathic Communication
(Austin and Pinkleton, 2015)
PART 3: ACTION PLAN
Communication is that vital skill required conveying and presenting your ideas in
front of other people. In accordance with the study of Arnold and Boggs, (2015) it is the most
effective manner of conveying your feelings to your friends, partners, employees etc.
Communication skills can be developed with efficiency if a proper action plan inclusive of
monitoring and qualitative characteristics has been prepared. Pre-determined goals can be
attained if plan it reconsidered or appropriate changes have been made within required time.
The main variants which will be part of my action plan will be:
Making a habit of reading journals relating to communication interactions and other
variants of communication, the same will let me know the appropriate manner of

communication. It will also make me aware regarding other qualities and skills which are
required to enhance the quality of effective communication. I will take part in seminars and
other activities so that I can improve the quality of putting own viewpoint in front of
strangers. Further, I will also take part in debates and another group discussion on a basis so
that this quality can be enhanced to the required level and assure that I do not hesitate in
keeping my own views. For making it a habit on daily basis I have started greeting strangers
to whom I meet in my daily routine so that I could decrease the extent of hesitation while
speaking to a stranger. Further, the other important quality of which I have to work comprises
the ability to appreciate other. The other factors such as confidence, presentation, vocabulary
will also be assessed in detail so that I could attain enhanced level of communication skills.
Figure 5: Steps to be followed in action plan
(Source: Adler, Rodman and DuPré, 2016)
Implementation of Plan
1- Very uncomfortable 2- slightly uncomfortable 3- reasonably comfortable 4- very
comfortable
Skill Existing Level Steps for improving Required
Time period
Putting own
viewpoint in
large
1 2 3 4 Presently, I hesitate is
keeping my own opinion in
front of a crowd of strangers
No specific
time can be
specified for

meeting of
strangers
or in a meeting. Due to this
even though I am right, I
have to suffer losses. For
enhancing this
communication quality, I
will participate in seminars,
group discussion and debates
on a constant basis; so that it
becomes a habit for me to
keep my own point of view a
habit and I do not hesitate
anymore. I will also take part
in activities so that I could
get a chance to communicate
with more no. of people and
the same will assist me the
manner I should behave in
front of large crowd.
being skilled
in this
quality. As
the more of
competitions
and
activities, I
will be the
part I will be
able to
enhance the
same.
However, it
is necessary
to be part of
some kind of
activity on a
continuous
basis else,
developing
this quality
to a required
extent will
not be
possible.
Failing to
praise or
appreciate
other people
1 2 3 4 I am not able to appraise
other people for their
kindness or any other way
they help me. Due to this
kind of behaviour some
people think I am rude. For
improvising the same I will
read books and journal
It will take
around 3-4
months to
develop the
variants
required for
thanking or
appreciating

relating to same for
assessing the manner in
which I should behave in
this kind of situation. I will
also work on other required
factors such as confidence,
body posture etc which will
support me to develop this
quality.
other people.
After that, it
is a habit
and part of
daily
routine.

REFERENCES
Books and Journal
Adler, R., Rodman, G.R. & DuPré, A. (2016). Understanding human communication.
Oxford University Press.
Arnold, E. C. & Boggs, K. U. (2015). Interpersonal relationships: professional
communication skills for nurses. Elsevier health sciences.
Austin, E.W. & Pinkleton, B.E., (2015). Strategic public relations management: Planning
and managing effective communication campaigns (Vol. 10). Routledge.
Bays, A. M., & et.al. (2014). Interprofessional communication skills training for serious
illness: evaluation of a small-group, simulated patient intervention. Journal of
palliative medicine. 17(2). Pp 159-166.
Berger, C. R. ed (2014). Interpersonal communication. (vol. 6). Walter de Gruyter gmbh &
co kg.
Derlaga, V. J., & Berg, J. H. (Eds.). (2013). Self-disclosure: Theory, research, and therapy.
Springer Science & Business Media.
Gallois, C., & Giles, H. (2015). Communication accommodation theory. The international
encyclopedia of language and social interaction.
Goetsch, D.L. & Davis, S.B., (2014). Quality management for organizational excellence.
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Grunig, J.E. ed., (2013). Excellence in public relations and communication management.
Routledge.
Hackman, M.Z. & Johnson, C.E. (2013). Leadership: A communication perspective.
Waveland Press.
Henderson, K., & Mathew Byrne, J. (2016). Developing communication and interviewing
skills. Skills for social work practice, Pp 1-22.
Hutchinson, J., (2017). Introduction. In Cultural Intermediaries (pp. 1-30). Palgrave
Macmillan, Cham.
Kurtz, S., Silverman, J., & Draper, J. (2016). Teaching and learning communication skills in
medicine. CRC press.
Manning, M.L. & Bucher, K.T. (2013). Classroom management: Models, applications, and
cases. Pearson.
McQuail, D. & Windahl, S. (2015). Communication models for the study of mass
communications. Routledge.
Mohla, R., & Schwartzberg, P. (2016). Improving Resident Communication Skills With
Patients of Diverse Backgrounds. Academic Pediatrics, 16(6). e46.