essay

COM 9 Essay: COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE 4-5 pages typed (Essay format, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, double spaced)

In Preparation

Do some research to locate at least two articles that focus on attributes of competent

communicators. These articles can speak about competence generically or in a specific context

(i.e., parent-child, workplace, intimate, etc.). Make a list of at least 4 of the attributes that you

would like to discuss. At least one of the articles should come from a scholarly source. Highlight

quotes that you might incorporate in your paper.

Using the questions on page 2, interview a person that you would like to focus on practicing

your interpersonal communication skills with throughout the semester. If their answers are

incomplete, it is your responsibility to probe and get more detail. This can be a great opportunity

to uncover things that you might not otherwise get to know. Be prepared though, as it can be an

emotional encounter. Make sure you are open to hearing what the other person says.

Writing the Essay

1. In the introductory paragraph briefly describe the person and your relationship to them. It

might also be helpful to disclose the reason you chose to focus on your communication with this

person in particular. Please only share whatever information you are comfortable sharing. The

goal here is to give the reader some context for the forthcoming analysis. (The length of the

relationship, the general personality of the participants, the nature of the relationship, etc.) This

is not where the bulk of your information should be; it is merely stage setting.

2. In body paragraph 1, use the information they provide in “question 1” to address the following

ideas: in this relationship, what does the other person perceive are your communication

strengths and your communication weaknesses? Do you agree with their assessment? Does

anything surprise you? Do you have any idea how these strengths/weaknesses developed?

Please provide concrete personal examples to support your claims.

3. In body paragraph 2, summarize what they shared about what they value, and how your

communication behaviors make them feel about YOU and how your communication behaviors

make you feel about THEMSELVES. Analyze their answers and share your impressions.

4. Briefly describe each characteristic of competent communicators that you selected from your

research. Provide brief personal examples that illustrate your perceived level of competence in

the given area. Where do you believe you are you strong? Where are you weak? For each

characteristic, share the perceptions of the person that you interviewed. Did any of their

answers surprise you?

7. Write a concluding paragraph that address the question, “Now what?” Now that you know

what you know, what will you do with what you know? Spell check, grammar check, and read it

out loud. Consider meeting with a consultant in the WRC if needed. Peer edit with a partner.

Make improvements as needed. If you have questions, ask ASAP. Submit on Canvas before the

due date.

Enhancing My Communication Survey

Communication competence is the ability to choose a communication behavior that is both

appropriate and effective for a given situation. Interpersonal competency allows one to

achieve their communication goals without causing the other party to lose face.

As an assignment in my Interpersonal Communication course this semester, I am focusing on

improving my interpersonal communication competence. Your feedback with this process is

sincerely appreciated. Please be honest in your appraisals, as flattery won’t be as helpful as

constructive criticism.

1. What do you see as my greatest strengths when I communicate with you? Can you provide

any specific examples? What can I do when I communicate with you that could be improved?

Can you provide specific examples of time when I did those things?

2. In terms of the strengths you mentioned regarding my communication, why do you value

those behaviors? How do they make you feel about our relationship? When I do what you

mentioned what could be improved, how do those behaviors make you feel about ME? How do

they make you feel about YOURSELF?

3. How would you describe my competence in the following areas? Can you provide specific

examples to support your assessment? (*List at least 4 characteristics of a competent

communicator from the research you located).

4: Can we practice together the skills that I learn in class? Are you open to discussing them

throughout the semester?