Analysis of Skills Learned in Business Communications - Coursework Example

Reflection Paper On Skills Learned in Business Communications Introduction The process of communication has evolved from that containing simple channels and modes to that of diverse patterns including non verbal techniques. The discovery of its relevance especially in the field of business could never be taken for granted. The privilege given me by learning important theories, concepts, and practical applications of a business communications course with reference to Christian values enabled the improvement of skills necessary for undertaking transactions, not only in business, but more importantly, in my interrelationships with others. It is in this regard that this reflection paper aims to present how I feel my communication skills have been developed in the following areas: (1) writing, (2) interpersonal relationships; (3) leadership and group associations; (4) oral presentations; and (5) research and planning activities. Writing Skills It is my personal conviction that writing is a skill which can be honed over time. It just takes a good grasp of the English language, an artistic flare, a degree of creativity and imagination, and a genuine interest for writing. However, as can be expected from this kind of theoretical discipline, writing follows a set of rules to guide practitioners into the correct line of thought and discourse to ensure a sense of reward and success in this field. The course in business communications provided students with appropriate tools which assisted me and encouraged me to hone my talents and apply the concepts I learned through actual writing projects like this. In addition, the course enlightened me that there is no shortcut to effective writing. One should remember that humans always have tendencies to make mistakes. These mistakes give the writer the opportunity to examine one’s work and to closely evaluate the areas for improvement. Effective writing simply aims to transmit a message that should be clear, concise, direct, and easily understood. This is the reason that most of the rules from different literatures emphasize using short words and sentences and being clear and direct. If the writer was able to achieve this objective, then, he is considered effective. I learned that effective writing needs more than rules to compose a fairly effective essay. Rules are merely practical guides that give the writer direction and focus on the concepts and theories which he already has a competent grasp of. Writing, to be effective, has to consider other factors such as the audience or the reader, the writing process itself, and even the elements of communication. Of greater significance, a writer should possess a genuine interest for his work to be able to excel in this endeavor. Interpersonal Skills Business communication provided me with the opportunity to develop interpersonal skills in terms of improving my relationships with others – members of my nuclear family, relatives, classmates and schoolmates, as well as other members of the community. By relaying Christian values, interpersonal relationships are brought to a level which made me understand that our ultimate purpose in life is to do the will of God. By living a life of self-sacrifice and focused on what we can do for others, I was able to fully understand our selfish tendencies and egocentric ways. The concepts for self-respect and respect for others in authority, among others, are worth remembering. It came as a welcome surprise that a course in business communications would involve Christian values emphasizing on the golden rule. As a result, I am now aware that my communication with others should be more restrained in some ways where brutal frankness might mean hurting or demeaning others. This skill emphasizing on our relationships with people does not necessarily mean that we always have to be right or on top of all situations. It is more on realizing that there are appropriate means of communication which should be used for appropriate situations according to the kind of people we are relating with. This course made me aware that interpersonal skills mean our ability to establish and maintain a network of contact utilizing the gift of communication as a tool. Leadership and Group Skills I have been expecting a course in business to incorporate topics on leadership and teambuilding. This course not only met but surpassed that expectation. I learned that by living the values of Christianity in our lives, our leadership skills, as well as our ability to perform in groups would be heightened by the gift of communication. Actually, in one of the essays written by Schultz on Human Communication as an Extra Biological Gift, he averred that “communication is a gift that we have received and that we surely out to pass along for the benefit of future generations”. By developing our own personal leadership style and group behavior, the strengths and possible conflicts were highlighted and paved the way for my understanding that good communication skills centering on Christian ideals make resolutions to problems easier and the lessons learned are more appreciated. I learned that the value that listening gives is a very important facet in the communication process. Since leadership and group skills entails many essential elements including skills of introspection, entrepreneurial skills, conflict resolution skills, peer skills, information processing skills, skills in unstructured decision making and resource generation and allocation skills, not one would be made possible without the gift of proper listening in communication. Oral Presentation The most important development attributable to this course is my ability to conquer my anxieties during oral presentations. I am aware that in class discussions, school presentations and group activities, good oral presentation skills come as an advantage. With lessons imparted by Schultz on the concepts of listening and Christian ideals of communication, my fears and apprehensions were minimized during oral presentations. I realized that there is actually nothing to fear – that it is alright to make mistakes because as humans, we are designed to commit errors – and to learn from them. The lessons imparted from the course made me aware that oral presentations need some planning methods to prepare and organize my speech. Aside from determining my basic objectives and knowing who my audience is, I could create a stimulating and inspiring presentation with the use of visual aids and other instructional materials. In addition, correct communication methods like appropriate and concise, clear statements should be observed within the given time frame. By building my personal confidence in interpersonal relations, leaderships and teambuilding skills, my oral presentation skills are appropriately honed. Research and Planning Skills Finally, every educational endeavor entails some form of planning and research. Planning, as we learned in business and managerial courses, is one of the functions of a manager. Research, on the other hand, is a prerequisite in environmental scanning. Both areas need business communication skills to assist the individual in efficient planning and research methods. I learned that these skills would be beneficial for the accomplishment of future goals. By learning that we are all destined to accomplish a purpose in life, planning and research guide our path and lead us to the correct direction towards our goals. The business communication course presented with Christian value enabled me to be more vigilant of issues which would help me in the simple accomplishment of day to day activities. Research gives the more information on academic concerns which need to be addressed. Planning helps me schedule activities towards my personal and professional development. This course provided valuable information on tools that are useful to an individual in terms of relationships, tasks, operations, and future endeavors. Conclusion The value of the development in the five areas of skills mentioned herein due to the theoretical concepts and practical applications accorded by the course in business communication cannot be overemphasized. This benefit was heightened when business communication was presented in the light of Christian ideals and values. This course accorded lessons which are applicable to an individual in uplifting one’s condition in life. By assisting the individual in honing the skills important for effective business communication, one would be equipped to face whatever challenges in life. These encompass the very essence of our existence – to realize that communication is a gift to express that living is just a means to be of service to others. Works Cited Schultz, Q.J. (2000). Communicating for Life: Christian Stewardship in Community and Media. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker. Schultz, Q.J. (2008). Writings and Publications. Human Communication as an Extra Biological Gift. 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