Jessica S.
Communication Skills Reflection Apil 15th, 2024
When it comes to my communication skills, I fall into specific categories depending on the
situation. For example, during the back-to-back drawing activity, which was a proficient
demonstration, I was quickly humbled by my own instructions as my teammate missed an
important detail due to a lack of information. The miscommunication that occurred led to some
of the objects that were supposed to be inside the circle appearing outside instead. Initially, I
relied on only one object being in the circle and expected my teammate to understand that it
applied to all objects, since no questions were asked. During the first round, I was quite
confident in my ability to give instructions. However, I misjudged the importance of being more
specific while providing examples to convey the shapes and sizes accurately. In the subsequent
rounds, I became more aware and tried to ask my teammates questions and provide reminders of
how each object was supposed to look. In my opinion, I was more confident during the speed
dating activity due to my active listening skills. I ensured that the other person had the
opportunity to speak, asked them questions, and contributed answers of my own. I would say the
communication skills demonstrated in the speed dating activity were more extensive, as there
wasn't a single moment where I felt disconnected or remained quiet. Personally, taking drama
class was a crucial aspect of reflecting on my communication skills, as it taught me how to
utilize prompts to sustain conversations.
On the other hand, during the Escape the Boom activity, I encountered challenging conflicts that
required me to utilize critical thinking and teamwork skills to defuse the bomb. Despite my
teammates being quicker, I remained proficient at communication, ensuring to confirm before
pressing any buttons. I felt confident in asking questions and ensuring that the person defusing
the bomb provided sufficient information for us to decipher the hints. This game truly prepared
me for mock interviews, as I took on the role of the interviewer. During my interactions with
each interviewee, I would introduce myself and express eagerness to create a comfortable
environment. Then, I would proceed by asking questions and ensuring my partner also had the
opportunity to do so. While staying on topic, I provided honest reviews and feedback for the
interviewees. To improve my communication skills, I plan to volunteer and spend time with
friends. When Covid-19 became a major issue in 2020, I stayed home, which ultimately
disadvantaged me. I realized that the more I stayed home, the less I communicated. Even now, I
tend to prefer staying home and often refer to myself as an introvert. However, by being more
outgoing and attending social gatherings, I can make a significant difference, considering the
experiences and conversations I gain from various situations. Each experience reminds me to
answer better for next time.
During the mock interviews, I observed that some students lacked formality and were unprepared
in providing relevant answers. This could be because it wasn't a real interview, or they may not
have had an actual interview experience yet. Personally, I take interviews seriously, just like
anyone else, but I am very confident in how I present myself because I secured my first job when
I was 15. I remember feeling nervous since it was on the same day that I applied, but during the
interview, I realized that the most crucial part was to maintain formality and present myself
positively. Despite having no prior work experience, I highlighted my volunteering skills and
asked questions at the end of the interview. It proved to be a valuable opportunity as I gained
numerous skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. For my second job,
which was two years later, I showed up in person even though applying online was suggested. I
was more nervous this time, as I had no retail work experience. However, during the interview, I
encountered similar questions regarding who I am and what I can offer rather than focusing
solely on what the company could provide. I remained positive and didn't emphasize the fact that
I lacked retail experience, drawing hope from my previous work experience at a fast-food
restaurant. I am confident in presenting myself in interviews due to my formality as well as the
work experiences I have to offer.
