Part 1: Communication Competence Analysis

1. Strong Competencies
Because communication is purposeful, I look carefully at both the speakers and the
listeners purposes.
I believe that there is a purpose to everything we say or do in life. There is a reason and
motive behind every action, and the same can be said about communication. When we speak, the
word choices, syntax, and the way we speak often times have the ability to distort the meaning of
what we are trying to convey. Therefore, in communicating with my peers, colleagues, family,
and professional interactions I look carefully in their reason or purpose behind what they are
trying to say. By looking at the purpose, miscommunication between the other person and me
can be minimized. For example, for people with a different education background may choose
words different from what I would normally use, but by looking at the purpose for their approach
I am able to discern whether or not the person has good intentions.
I look for meaning not only in words but also in nonverbal behaviors.
I believe that actually words account for maybe half of the communication being sent, the
other half is based on nonverbal behaviors. When Im speaking to someone in person, I look at
how they are speaking to me. For example, are they making appropriate eye contact, is their
posture relaxed or tensed, are their hands covering their face or neck areas (which indicates
nervousness most of the time), are they facing me or away from me, etc. These little expressions
can tell a lot about the persons true intentions and deeper meaning behind what they are saying.
However some exceptions to this is whether or not I know the person I am interacting with. If the
person I am speaking to fidgets often, then I know they may not be nervous because this is a
common behavior for them. I would need other nonverbal cues to justify for nervous behavior.

2. Need Improvement Competencies

I am sensitive to cultural variation and differences, and I see my own cultures teachings
and those of other cultures without undue bias.
Although I come from multiple cultural backgrounds, I do feel that my cultures
teachings cloud my judgement when communicating with others. I am still learning and keep
reminding myself to understand my cultural bias before judging or miscommunicate with others.
When I was part of a research group to interview other cultures about complementary and
alternative medicines (CAM), I was interviewing a woman who practices homeopathic medicine.
The theory behind homeopathy is that like cures like in very diluted amounts (Homeopathy,
2015). It is said that the more diluted a homeopathic remedy is the greater it is effective. The
diluted substance is the substance that causes the disease. Being someone with a science
background, it was very hard for me to believe because it contradicts many aspects of what I was
taught. I feel I was not a great listener because of my lack to take what she said very seriously
because of my own bias. Therefore, this is an aspect I would really like to improve to better my
communication and listening to others outside my cultural background.
Ref: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/homeopathy
I am sensitive to the feedback and feedforward that I give to others and that others give
to me.
I feel difficult in receiving feedback, especially those that question my reasoning or
passion in doing something. I am better when receiving constructive feedback from my
instructors on academic topics I am unsure of. Most recently, I had a meeting to discuss my
grades I was receiving last session. I did relatively poorly on my first nursing exam (73% is
considered a failing grade). While I was taking Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology at the

same time with my first nursing course, I was feeling the load on my plate for the first time. The
meeting I had was intended to understand why I was doing poorly and what can be done to better
improve my grades. When it was suggested, I was not studying enough or reading my books, I
felt offended. Although the person I had a meeting with only had good intentions, I could not
help to be sensitive to the subject and felt they did not know what I was going through to make
these suggestions. I understand their purpose in meeting with me, but I do feel I need to be more
receptive to feedback and less sensitive because of their good intentions. They were only trying
to help me get through this hardship.
Steps In Sequence

Purpose

1. Problem: I am sensitive
to the feedback and
feedforward that I give to
others and that others give to
me.

This allows you to identify a

challenge which begins your
improvement process.

Example

When I am
given
feedback or
criticism, it
is hard for
me not to
take it
personally
and be
offended.

2. Goal (usually written as

an infinitive beginning with
the word to)

This states what you want to

change or improve; it begins
to offer some solution and
how you envision turning
this challenge into a success

To be more
open minded
to
suggestions
and feedback

To better
effectively
communicate
my feelings
to allow the
other person
insight on my
thoughts

To use clearer
and more
specific
language
when
providing
feedback on
feedback
from the
other person

3. Plan (often helpful to be

written written as a
numbered listing of at
minimum 4-5 steps)

This provides you with some

direction about how you
take specific steps to address
the problem and move
toward the goal in a
structured sequence.

I will first
check my own bias and
understand my demerits
before speaking

I will then research

on how to be more
receptive to
feedback, knowing it
is only to benefit
outcomes.

Next, I will then

practice with active
listening, pause to
understand the
deeper meanings
behind each feedback

I will then take what

I have practiced and
learned to come up
with clear and direct
language when
giving my own
feedback after
considering my own
bias.

4. Measurability Test

The test attaches

accountability to your
communication goals and
gives you a clear answer
about whether or not you
accomplished your goal.

I know I have
reached my
next level of
success when
I have at least
three
meetings with
my success
coach
providing
feedback with
positive
receptions
from me.

Part 2: Communication Improvement Strategy Table

Vivian, You did extremely well on this assignment. I can see that you
know your strong competencies well and areas in need of
development. Great improvement strategy. Impressed with citing
your sources in intext well throughout the assignment. 40/40 points
earned Professor Engels