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A personal analysis of communication skills, to help identify communicative strengths and opportunities

CMNS 201, Business and Professional Communication

Personal Communication Inventory

What: A personal analysis of communication skills, to help identify communicative strengths and opportunities

Details: Complete the S.W.O.T. analysis and write a maximum 3-page report examining one item from each grid section.

What’s due: Complete the tables provided in the SWOT Analysis Form document and write the paper after the completed SWOT Analysis. Submit to the appropriate folder as one Word Doc or PDF document.

The goal of this class is to help you become a more confident, competent, empathetic communicator, one who can manage a variety of professional contexts (workplace relationships, client pitches, customer service, presentations, negotiations, etc.) successfully. One of the best ways to improve our communication is to realize HOW we communicate.

Assignment Description

Many students have encountered personality or strengths assessments during their time at DePaul (or maybe before.) Some of the common assessments are CliftonStrengths, DiSC analysis, enneagram, Myers-Briggs: I’m sure there are many, many more! There are some tools available on D2L in the Assignments>Personal Communication Inventory section: you do NOT have to complete these, they are available in case you have not previously reflected on your unique characteristics. Reflect on the results to any personality or strength tests and complete a Communication S.W.O.T. Analysis, reflecting on your innate strengths, tendencies, and areas of development.

After completing the tables provided in the “SWOT Analysis Form” document with at least 5 items in each section, write a maximum 3-page report, identifying one item from each section (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) where you plan to focus your attention for the rest of the quarter. In the report sections, describe the point, provide supporting evidence, and mention an action plan for that item.

For instance, perhaps a “weakness” is that you feel nervous to speak up in classes. You’d write, in the Weaknesses section on the report, why this task is daunting, and how you might work toward speaking up (perhaps that could be through asking a question, or participating more during smaller breakout sessions, etc.)

If you’re confused on how to determine “opportunities,” think of the various resources you have available. If you’ve identified “extremely nervous during interviews” as a “threat,” you could list the Career Center as an opportunity. Just provide a little bit of context for each opportunity, so it’s clear which item on the grid that opportunity is linked to.

Application of Course Material

As we learn new material, we should consider how we can start to incorporate that material into our lives. Revisit material from Weeks 1, 2, and 3, and contemplate ways you can apply it to the grid and the report. You might have identified that you are a mindful communicator, always considering social, relational, and cultural contexts. Perhaps you’d identify a strength like “efficient transactional communicator”.

Report layout

The report part of this assignment should be no longer than 3-pages, and at least 2 pages long (double-spaced, with a 12-point font.) The report should be included in the SWOT Analysis Form (downloaded from D2L) – finish the tables and start the report right below. There are prompts in that document to guide you with layout.

The tables should have at least 5 items each (5 strengths, 5 weaknesses, etc.)

Use headers for your report. Start the report with an introductory paragraph, followed by the following sections: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats, Conclusion. Bold and left-align (meaning don’t indent) section headlines. Indent the paragraphs in each section. Check the SWOT Analysis Form for layout guidelines.

An analytical rubric is available in the D2L Submission Folder. 

Example - Do Not Copy

Personal Communication Inventory: S.W.O.T. Analysis Report

Introduction

Effective communication is a fundamental skill in both personal and professional contexts. This report presents a S.W.O.T. analysis of my communication skills, highlighting my strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. By focusing on specific elements from each section, I aim to enhance my communication abilities throughout the quarter, fostering growth in various professional situations, including presentations, client interactions, and teamwork.

Strengths

One of my key communication strengths is my ability to actively listen. Active listening not only allows me to understand others better but also fosters trust and encourages open dialogue. According to research, effective listening enhances collaborative efforts and problem-solving (Brown, 2021). In team settings, this strength enables me to validate others` perspectives and contribute meaningfully to discussions. Moving forward, I plan to leverage this strength by facilitating more group discussions, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

Weaknesses

A significant weakness in my communication skills is my tendency to avoid conflict. I often find it challenging to address disagreements directly, which can lead to unresolved issues. This reluctance stems from a desire to maintain harmony, but it often results in misunderstandings. To combat this weakness, I will engage in assertiveness training, aiming to express my thoughts and concerns more openly in professional settings. I will start by initiating candid conversations with peers, seeking to address minor disagreements as they arise rather than allowing them to fester.

Continued....