Reflective Essay: Communication Skills Development, Westminster

This essay is a reflective account of the author's communication skills development, focusing on improving interpersonal skills and understanding communication theories like Lasswell's model. The author identifies a need to enhance communication abilities for professional success, drawing from experiences in group presentations and feedback from a mentor. The essay includes an analysis of communication processes, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in organizational settings and personal growth. The author also discusses strategies for improving communication, such as engaging in governance activities and critically analyzing communication requirements. Desklib provides access to similar essays and study resources for students.

Name: Mohamed ElBarbary
Tutor: Lisa Matthewman
Course Code: 4HURM005W.2
Deadline: 12th April 2018
University of Westminster
REFLECTIVE WRITING:
This business article is a critical investigation and meditation of my ongoing both individual and
adept growth requirements in operation. The record herein will point out supportive research
based on evidence on the pragmatic indigence I ought to enhance and evaluate the impact of this
necessity for my future personal future development as an admirable business person. The
learning need that I delve into was with potency in conversation when trying to reach my fellow
students. the model of reflection framework that will be on spot in this assignment is the Gibbs
1988 model which will be employed to meet the demand and showcase the capability to take on
in the productive communication process. I will be using Lasswell's theory of communication

development. Also, William McGuire's model of communication process will be used in my
essay to try and apply my skills.
My once faint communication skill problems have to a great extent improved all round, and this
has been visible in my social and class life as a student. This learning need thought, however
came up when I recognized my individual weakness in relating to real life communication
process in a workplace scenario. I engaged in this learning activity in March early this year on
our group presentation. It was during the second group meeting of business presentation
meetings that I was able to recognize this learning need, under the supervision of my mentor; I
was able to communicate exceptionally. It was my mentor’s feedback that developed the need to
enhance my skills in communication, and I bought into his remarks that it must be contrived to
help to avoid future group presentations mishaps, professional satisfaction and improving my
decision-making skills.
With my mentor’s discussion on what had transpired during the group presentation; it was of
essence to have attempted the synergy with the business group of my class and identified the
necessity. Even though the communication process seemed complicated and confusing, I
displayed proof of my ability to research comprehensively however with some minor hardships
with the understanding of the theories of communication. Instead, I gave more weighed to
understanding the process itself.
The next time such type of communication uncertainty recurs, I am confident that I have the
qualities to show my effective prowess by employing the communication process and avoiding
those practices that could hinder or distort the information I am trying to pass across. I ought to
work and develop interpersonal and effective skills on management and governance that could

be fundamental for mu subordinates’ satisfaction and to achieve this, I have learned to engage in
governance activities such presentations during seminars, chairing of class groups, undertaking
tasks on my mentor’s absence.
Finally, I have analyzed and thought on effective communication requirements critically. The
aforementioned needs are crucial for my personal and professional development that is
unceasing. In my student position, my critical presentation analysis and the ensuing
considerations became handy in furtherance of good learning outcomes as such enabling me
relate and put in practice the concepts to workplace inclined situations together with research and
in evidence examination. Moreover, my effective communication need was professed via
rebuttal from my mentor by displaying bold competence in dealing with rogue and unsettling
group members. The learning need herein is an unceasing process of my professional
development. Nevertheless, I also realized that peer forums communication engagement will
equally aid in my growth to be a poised and even more assertive business manager or leader.
Essay Plan writing:
For most individuals, communication skills are not associated with any organization rewards.
Some individuals think communication skills is for them to go around showing off, pass tests,

use to outdo the introverts or even to please their friends which is wrong. My prowess in
communication is rooted from my well-versed skills learned in class. I can challenge my peers in
presentations without rudely interfering with the process of the display
Introduction:
Having exceptional communication skills are admirable to all fields of life is it as student,
politician, a business person, a tutor or even an evangelist. However, many of such individuals
are not seeking communication with the sole intention of reaching their audiences
There are other multiple reasons for having proper communication skills within any great leader
or even while conversing with your peers.
Possible monograph reports:
The likely intentions for engaging in professional communication skills courses will be outlined
in this essay and some samples from other people’s experience as well as my own will be used
to illustrate this further . Different people strive to gain communication skills for various reasons,
including professional success, overcome obstacles, more connections, building long lasting
friendships and for breeds trust.
Professionalism:
A most study showed advisers with better interpersonal competence were perceived as being
more self-assured. Despite the fact that the clinicians knew to a large extent their clients well, it
was those linked with clients that were seen as expert and connected.
Establishment of deep-rooted relationships:

Most people have heard of or know an individual who has o who has kept some of the similar
pals for decades. A study reveals that apart from what a person talks about that maintains these
friendships intact and going, but also the manner that the statements were said.
A certain university research workforce has discovered that the way you communicate something
determines the lasting friendships. The university researchers investigated arguments between
married couples concerning the non-verbal cues including tone, the plunge, and the energy
aspects. The couples that had controlled vocal acoustics were more likely to stay together.
Any kind of association be it matrimonial or just friendship will exist for long better if you
involve kinder and more understanding manner while speaking.
Engagement:
While in a managerial position, you desire all of the subordinates to work hard and smart all the
time. However, that cannot be rational.
In most workplaces, most employees experience rise and fall at their jobs. It is routine to
summon your juniors concerning issues that are work-related as their superintendent.
Nevertheless, touching on topics that surpass job issues heightens engagement among workers.
Interacting with your staff about both professional and non-professional matters in assemblages,
one-on-one, or even out of site has shown that the staff are more connected in and concerned
about their workplace. The employees are dedicated to the company.
Conclusion:
People’s motivations for in achieving communication skills are not solely related

To their passing of exams or to be able to communicate with their peers. This exposition has
presented other possible motivations on top of picking on testimony from the literature has used
samples from other people’s as well as my own encounters to explain this phenomenon.
Effective Communication Essay:
Communication is defined as bestowing, transmitting, or exchange of ideas, knowledge, and
information'. The transmission or conveyance of information can apply to both the words and
even body language.
Active Communication process in any organization plays a significant role in ensuring there is an
exceptional performance in the institution. The ever dynamic corporate world demands classic
management functionality to gain the competitive edge. Competition in five decades ago was left
to a few organizations since, most businesses had not yet discovered just how vital
communication could help in boosting its profits; for instance, sharing essential or management
information with subordinates was considered a cardinal offense that could even lead to one
getting sacked. However, today keeping such intel out of reach for any staff member even the
lowest ranked one could signify mishap. The top executives ought to know the far-reaching
consequences of having an ineffective communication plan installed in their businesses.
Communication effects in an organization affect the staff, management, stakeholders and the

clients related to the company either directly or indirectly. There are two types of communication
in an organizational setting; internal and external forms of communication.
The most aggravated problem that any company can face is lack of effective communication
within the firm. Effective communication can induce an air of disbelief among the staff and even
the top management executives. Understanding that communication plays a very significant role
in the company's success is the first step in business success since this is what creates a feeling of
confidence among the employees. Communication is what gives the employees a sense of
belonging to the organization. In many occurrences, people would work for a company and never
feel being an integral part of the organization.
Delving into Lasswell theory; one of the most common arguments of communication provides us
with an exceptional insight of how the whole communication process should look like. Picked
from his encounters in the Second World War, Lasswell established an essential five levels of
communication elements models which are applicable even in more developed modern models.
Lasswell’s convention is a typical representation of transmission models of communication. The
sociologist primarily concerned himself with newspeak and mass communication.
Lasswell talked about these five steps: Who or the source of information; Says what: the
information or message itself; through which channel or medium to transmit the data also the
next part of to whom which answers the audience and lastly the desired effect.

The Lasswell's (1948) design has been enhanced and modernized and has been baptized with the
name the 'Five Ws’ which has been applied to a large extent, particularly when handling
organizational transformation. However, focusing on the 'Five Ws' essentially ingredients the
entire communication process while understanding them primes the steps on operation and is
relied on the context or the details that are supposed to be passed across at the time. The five
Ws become handy particularly when one is tasked with handling change in an organization.
The first W stands for the subject. All parties that need to be told about something or the
recipient of information should get the full details. At all times, it’s in good shape to relay
information to all employees with the immediacy it demands. Candidness is fundamental to
making everyone feel entrusted though not all information gets to the intended parties at the
same time. In appropriate situations, always communicate extensively to make sure that all
stakeholders are given the convenience to influence the process and also aid in gaining local
ownership. Identification of barriers and finding a way to get around them can also be identified
and overcome.
Next comes the question of time, when should the Intel be let conveyed? There needs to be an
informed consideration about the time to communicate with or reach relevant employees. The
timing might be within a pre-arranged for a meeting or a one-off arrangement. Where situations
allow its advised that sessions be carried out concurrently to avoid confusion, the spread of
rumors or misinterpretations especially if the communication is intended to reach a multitude. In
circumstances where both stakeholders are involved, internal staff should be given an upper hand
by being communicated with before external stakeholders. Prior internal communication is
meant to prevent the team from getting second-hand information from other sources, including
the media. Also of importance to note is that required disclosures should be made to the intended

people as soon as possible as a result of the completion of a significant event or a major decision
being reached.
Thirdly, is the information itself or what should they be told question? This step entails the
messages which should be unclouded and which are related to the problem or subject. In cases
of large and complex information, it is advisable to come up with a standard denotation and
understanding. This could be carried out by checking back with the prospective recipients via a
recurrent process while letting the recipients ask questions. You could also enquire for
clarification of what the affianced employees have understood to get confirmation that clear
words, symbols, and behaviors are not misunderstood or misinterpreted.
Next comes the target location or the where the message should be conveyed? As a thumb of
rule, it's paramount always to settle for the most effective channel to get your point get to
intended people; this could happen in occasions or events , press releases, seminars, meetings
etc. Make appropriate allowance to announce correctly avoiding message conveyance in the
corridors during the washroom breaks or those casual car park conversations. Such inappropriate
location is what results in gabbled and perverted information and can contribute to the
'grapevine'.
The last W concerns itself with the person that should control the communications process. In
this case, context, subject or effectiveness has a hand to play to achieve the best outcome. For
instance, in cases that involve external agencies, it's very much advisable to include the press
officer or the communications department.

Another great sociologist William McGuire (1981) came up with an additional dimension to the
communication process; the message or information. William thought and decided that Instead
of having only one axis containing the source, channel, the details, and object which he termed
as the “input factors," he developed another co-relating axis that encompasses yielding, heed,
assertiveness, reminiscing , linking and Action, which he then called the "output factors."
A more intricate way of analyzing and thinking about communication as a whole emerges
because McGuire combined the traditional S-M-C-R unit-dimensional design with issues on the
developed axis or instead of the output factors. McGuire’s two-dimensional matrix is
advantageous for the process of analyzing the effectiveness of both pre and post persuasive
communication fact.
On top of McGuire's configuration, there are other factors that are crucial for all social, learning
or interaction economic wise via communication. Consideration of language application was
getting to know that what the audience hears can be distorted by loudness, clarity, and intonation,
wordiness, bold statements, and lastly colloquialisms.
Another thing is the demeanor in which one on one meetings and body signage can affect the
entire communication meaning to a whole different matter, For instance scowling, arms folded
and legs being apart, looking bored or having animated voice and eyes, pointing fingers, smiling
arm movements that are positive.
Communication can also be affected by other symbols that could not have been thought of like
hand-outs, stage properties, presentations, work samples, etc.

Communication budget also need be looked into as a contributing factor because for any internal
communications program to go through as desired, corporate communications managers do
require resources. All businesses need to examine and analyze the downsides of choosing to
downplay investing in staff capability to establish desirable relationships with each other, share
what bothers them and continuous feedback, and point out the message which boosts their skills
to be better at their jobs so as for being able to establish a meaningful budget. The
communication manager ought to consider the recent turmoil concerning workforce turnover,
Customer retention and loyalty, and the effectiveness of an organization’s customer assigned
task force, Employee morale and engagement, or lack thereof. The missed opportunity, untapped
money because of miscommunication and misunderstandings together with service or goods
quality and development should be given the weight it deserves by the communication’s
personnel. Moreover, the communications department should think clearly about the benefits and
disadvantages of using existing systems for such programs
Getting over intended message is involved as representation of the word could be subject to
multiple takeovers like being misinterpreted, misheard, misunderstood, get ignored and or the
message could be perceived as irrelevant leading to unforeseen situations and incidents that can
cost a business the profit it so dearly looks for.
Delivering the 'right' message is another very vital area in communication, so a well-planned
thought on how the information is distributed is required, taking into account what is being
conveyed and what the business is inadvertently conveying.

Monroe's Motivation Sequence (1935) is a useful reminder of the key as they are the same for all
communication and action though it was initially written to support people making persuasive
statements. The Attention Step is the first undertaking. Get your audience to be attentive which
can be done through detailed story, catchy dramatic statistic, famous quote, etc. Apart from
stating your thesis, provision of snapshots of the main points, mentioning of an individual’s
credibility, and disclosing to your crowd why the topic is of concern to them these ads up to the
introductory step
Need Step is the second procedure where one is required to proof that the problem holds, and
that the problem has weight, and that it won't disappear by itself. Document your speech with
records, examples, etc. also provide a simple and clear, concise explanation of the need. Show
that your concern is the ideal idea and tell them what you are going to tell them and lastly
establish expectation.
The third step entails the illustration. Present a few demonstrations and specific examples to give
the crowd an idea of nature and extent of the problem. Then head to effects where there is use
statistics, supporting materials, and testimony mainly to drive the point home. Pointing out how
the issue or problem affects audience's health, security, and another employee-related well being
is also of importance to note.
Also, Satisfaction in which you offer the answers for the issues you have over proofed to exist on
the Need Step. The community or any government or as a unit can implement ought to have
these solutions. You must meet the need that Includes the Initial Summary which State in

advance what your main ideas are, deep rooted details that Discusses in order the information
for each of the primary purposes and the final Summary telling them what you said.
Visualization comes up as the next Step where the audience gets to know what will happen if
they don't do something about the problem and should always be graphics. The Primary strategy
here is to project attendance into future and to accept or deny your proposals. To wind up
visualization which should be in educative speeches this particular process may be used to depict
the comfort ability that may be gained from this knowledge.
Lastly is the Action Step which is required when action is an essential output. You need to Offer
alternatives to your audience that they can individually do to help solve the problem you have
shown that it exists. Again, it’s advisable to be very specific and very realistic. Then to wind up
the process, carry out some motivational talk.
Employees inherently become better at their jobs when businesses build platforms to support
company-wide communication. Companies may receive tremendous results from employees and
will be tasked to execute new ideas. It smoothens when organizations come to their senses that
there is more to miss out on by forgoing internal communications projects entirely although
creating an initial budget can be difficult. , the results, soon enough, including engagement and
retention, improved worker performance, will be seen an advertised. But for practical changes to
takes place, management needs to participate and inspire the whole staff to do the same.

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