Critical Reflection

Throughout my journey in this communications course, I've discovered aspects of myself and my communication skills that i was ignorant towards. Looking back on the goals I've set since the start of the course, I can evaluate my progress and pinpoint areas for further improvement.

I have mentioned earlier that one of my primary objectives was to enhance my ability to recognize social cues in communication. after this course, i have noticed significant progress that aspect. My ability present and pitch has evolved; I became more aware of my body language and tone of speech. This shift was just about adopting a more confident stance or a concise tone, it is also about tapping into the nuances of non-verbal cues and adjusting my voice to appeal to a wider audience. I also have learned to avoid using certain words and phrases in my presentations in order to avoid creating a negative impression, demonstrating my awareness of the impact my words have in a professional setting.

Another goal of was to learn how to be more empathetic in my communication when discussing sensitive topics. Throughout the course, I have engaged in presentations and speeches where I was able to evoke the right feelings and responses without causing offence. I realized that it's not just about what you say, but how you say it.

During the final assessment for the module, involving a pitch for a new 3D printer invention, taught me a valuable lesson. This experience showed me the reality of public speaking. At first, i started off well, however, I fumbled towards the end due to forgetting my script. in that moment, it felt like my entire world was turning upside down. After the presentation I was filled with self-hatred and rumination. But it was also a valuable lesson in that, reliance on a script can be a double-edged sword. It highlighted the importance of internalizing the content and being prepared to adapt.

Writing the report for our product pitch further honed my skills. My role required ensuring the language used was appropriate and concise. This task further highlighted my linguistic ability in professional communication. It also forced me to break out of my comfort zones. knowing my limitations was not the end, but the beginning of developing strategies to overcome them.

In retrospect, this course has been transformative. I have learned to communicate more effectively and empathetically, which are critical skills in any professional environment. I also confronted my limitations, turning what could have been setbacks into opportunities for growth. Going forward, my focus will be on continuous improvement, particularly in internalizing presentation content to reduce overreliance on scripts and further refining my language use for clarity and impact. This journey has not just been about learning communication skills, it has been about understanding myself and how I interact with the world around me.