"Communication - the human connection--is the key to personal and career success" Paul J. Meyer
As an upcoming educator, it is extremely important that I am able to effectively communicate with my students, parents and work colleagues. I believe that for effective communication to occur, one must develop an extensive range of communication skills including;
- Verbal Communication: Face to face interactions, phone conversations, voice chat
- Written Communication: Using Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) i.e. email/blogs. Pictorial representations, responding via writing (in a range of contexts).
- Body language: facial expressions, body movements, postures and hand gestures (ArticlesBased, 2011, p. 1).
I am confident in my ability to use all the above forms of communication effectively. I have had many opportunities to show my communication skills through both my life and university experiences.
Since winning a public speaking competition in year 8, my confidence to communicate with others has increased dramatically. I have had the honour of speaking at both my grandfathers and grandmothers funeral after receiving compliments on my public speaking abilities. A close family friend once commented that they were ‘extremely impressed and proud of the way I could deliver a speech in front of an audience under such unfortunate circumstances’ (McHugh, Personal Communications, 2011).
While undertaking my university degree I have received many comments from lecturers about my high level of communication skills through written responses. These comments include; ‘highly insightful and captivating written response’ (Donahue, Personal Communications, 2010) ‘Well developed, detailed and descriptive assignment’ (Hayes, Personal Communications May 2011) ‘An excellent discussion’ and ‘A comprehensive summary’ (Busch, Personal Communications, 2011).
During my Embedded Professional Learning practices (Internship), my mentors have also commented on my high levels of communication, stating
‘ Jennah has always used and modelled very effective communication and presentation skills that show she has great language skills that are appropriate for teaching’ (Roberts, Personal Communications September, 2011).
‘She always takes our discussion and advice, reflects on this and incorporates this into her planning’ (Roberts, Personal Communications September, 2011).
‘Her reflections both written and orally discussed with her mentors inform her teaching practice’ (Lamb, Personal Communications September, 2011).
It can be seen that overtime I have developed a wide-range of communication skills in both my personal life and university experiences. I hope to continue to build upon my communication skills as an educator in innovative ways with the lives of the next generation.
