Self-Reflections Instructions - Essay Example

Self-Reflections Student’s Name Code + Course Name Professor’s Name University Name City, State Date Portfolio A: Speech Analysis The assignment in speech analysis involved an analysis of how people use various words, sounds and manipulate their voices in an effort to speak fluently and clearly. Personally, I have learned that it is very important for one to use unambiguous words and sounds in an accurate and relevant manner if they intend to communicate effectively. It is through clarity and fluency in speech that listeners can understand and construct meaning from a conversation. Moreover, from the task, I am now cognizant of the fact that one should always speak and express himself/herself in a clear voice while manipulating aspects such as the pitch and intonation to convey the intended meaning. In addition, Coherence and persuasiveness are key concepts that speakers should employ while speaking. In addition, clarity and coherence establish rapport with the audience and ensures that one has their attention and makes them feel relaxed. Speech should be employed to express one’s ideas and thoughts rather than impressing the audience. As a result, speakers should ensure an appropriate choice of words in consideration of the occasion and composition of their audiences. Finally, I am now aware of the fact that individuals have an inherent capability to articulate. Nevertheless, not everyone has the knowledge, conceptual skills and attitude for effective speech presentation. In order for me to acquire the ability and competencies for effective speech presentation, I intend to engage in continuous learning. This will ensure that I gain an understanding of various speech dynamics and sensitivities. 2. Portfolio B: Article Analysis The assignment on article analysis entailed a consideration of what informs effective evaluation of various articles. From the assignments, I understand that effective analysis of articles enables readers to be better at understanding content and message being conveyed. With proper analysis, I am now able to infer and perceive the correct meaning so as to connect and manipulate the author’s ideas and arguments in a meaningful manner. Through the skills acquired, I am now able to identify, evaluate, and deduce meaning of the various arguments and information contained therein. I am cognizant of the importance of carefully reading articles while taking short notes of the main ideas and concepts being discussed by the author(s). Moreover, I understand the importance of approaching different articles from different perspectives, particularly those of the authors rather than depending on my perspective that may be subjective hence biased. Particularly, the importance considering whether the author’s cultural, professional and any other background influences his/her point of view and ideas in the article. Besides, I am now aware of the importance of contextually constructing the meaning of the words used since considering the ordinary meaning in isolation may produce a flawed and inaccurate meaning. In future, I intend to apply the knowledge gained to ensure that I not only decipher the main ideas and arguments, but also take into consideration the author’s choice of structure as well as his/her background among other considerations. Furthermore, I will be endeavoring to give credence to transitional words and phrases as these help to deconstruct the relationship between some of the ideas and arguments that the author is trying to convey. 3. Portfolio C: Business Documents The assignment on business documents involved identification and understanding the use of various business documents in an endeavor to communicate with clients and other stakeholders. One of the concepts I learnt about business documents is that most of them are used as evidence for business’ dealings with various stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, regulators, and employees among others. As such, I am now aware that business documents are in most cases used as reference materials for various transactions. I am cognizant of the significance of ensuring that they are carefully sorted, filed and kept in a well-organized manner. These include the ease and swiftness during future reference and accessibility needs. Moreover, business documents should be appropriately formatted for coherence and professionalism. In addition, another important lesson from the assignment regards dealing with electronic business documents. I understand the importance of archiving electronic business documents of all sorts. This includes prevention of malicious and unwilling destruction and loss. Archiving ensures that the documents can be restored from the backup in case they are lost. Another idea leant is that electronic business documents should be appropriately indexed for easier retrieval and access. Indexation can be carried out using file names and keywords for easier search terms results feedback. Besides, indexed electronic document management is more efficient and economical as it saves time and office space. It allows for real-time document sharing and tracking for any alterations. Furthermore, the importance, of putting in place effective and appropriate security safeguards against destruction, alteration, and unauthorized access, cannot be overlooked. I intend to enroll in effective database management and electronic filing systems, to ensure more efficient management of various business documents so as to reap the associated benefits such as speed and economy in business documents management. 4. Team Oral Presentation The assignment on oral presentation skills was primarily focused on gaining an understanding of the various effective oral presentation skills and the constraints associated with it. I am aware of the criticality of considering the cultural aspects of the members in the audience. Besides, I cannot overlook the significance of effective listening skills during team oral presentation exercises. This is because good listening skills in a team setting ensure that relevant feedback is provided where necessary thereby enhancing team participation. I learnt that use of appropriate oral presentation skills enhance team coherence and enhance conflict resolution that is irrefutably present in all types of teams. It makes interactions with all team members more satisfactory and productive. Another important concept I learned is the need to give the team participants an opportunity to ask questions or contribute to a particular point or idea. This ensures that everyone is carried along during the presentation. Another key concept is to ensure that I always use simple and easily understood vocabularies. Moreover, I now recognize that I should ensure that I use the correct pronunciations for words so that no confusion or misunderstanding arises. In future, I will ensure that I learn the audience can understand the correct pronunciation of difficult, unfamiliar, and or foreign words as the wrong pronunciation differently. I will also ensure that I do not underestimate the importance of various oral presentation skills such as, use of clear and simple words, ensuring audience participation and giving appropriate transition cues. Read More