self reflection on communication skills essay

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The Journey to Mastery: How Self Reflection Can Improve Communication

Implement these best practices before and after both high-stakes and everyday communication to improve your effectiveness.

February 27, 2020

What does it mean to truly master communication? How can we speak and write for the most impact?

In this podcast episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturers JD Schramm and Matt Abrahams discuss how to use self-reflection for self-improvement. They also offer methods for preparing for a high stakes situation such as a pitch meeting or an everyday interaction like sending an email.

Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business and hosted by Matt Abrahams. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication.

Full Transcript

Matt Abrahams : With dedicated practice, self-reflection, along with a little guidance, we can all hone and improve our communication skills.

Today we will focus on the idea of communication mastery with my friend, colleague, and mentor, JD Schramm, who in addition to lecturing in Strategic Communication at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, was recently named the Director of the King Global Leadership Program for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford. Welcome, JD.

How do you define mastery?

JD Schramm : Well, thanks Matt, and thanks for having me here to have this conversation today. I love the definition of mastery that Dan Pink gives in his book Drive. Mastery is getting better and better at something that Matters. For you, for me, from any leaders that we have the privilege of working with, communication is something that matters. And you cannot reach perfection in communication. No matter how great the document is, how great the speech is, how concise the report is, you still could always make it just a little bit better. And so we look at mastery as being an aspiration, I get closer and closer and closer, but I never get to perfection. And that’s the premise of the book: how can I iterate over time and keep getting better and better and better, knowing that the goal is something I will never fully reach. And that’s part of the process, what we go through. If a leader can be self reflective, and recognize that the growth that they have had over a period of time, it is that process that is really exhilarating. And really encouraging much more than the product of that one talk, or that one deck, or that one letter.

Matt Abrahams : That notion of reflection, self-reflection that you mentioned, I think is so critical to success in any communication. But especially as we strive for mastery. I’m curious if you have any insights and thoughts about adjusting and adapting your communication to the needs of the people you’re speaking to.

JD Schramm : Two thoughts on that. One, I think it’s crucial that leaders deliver the message the audience needs to hear, more than the message the leader wants to share. And so I think to be effective as a leader, we’ve got to be very audience-centric in the way in which we design and deliver communication. And we have to be really careful. As we’re reading an audience, we could misinterpret something. We could get something wrong. So in the design of the communication, I have to really think about my audience a lot. In the delivery, I want to be sensitive to the audience. But I also wanna acknowledge I don’t have all the information. So, if I’m gonna invent or interpret what’s going on for somebody, interpret something that’s going to support me. And encouraged me, like their intent on what I’m saying, rather than assuming they’re bored by what I’m saying.

Matt Abrahams : I really liked that distinction of what you do going into the creation of the content being in service of the audience. But then in the moment of delivery, it’s a different perspective. I wanna get back to this notion of design, because we’ve talked a bit about designing messages for audiences. But one thing I appreciate so much about the work you do is you really spend time championing the establishment of what I’ll call a positive communication culture within an organization. Can you share a few examples that you think highlight best practices. Or perhaps practices to be avoided as people progress towards their own communication mastery?

JD Schramm : I love that question, Matt. So there’s a section in the book that is all about communicating from a particular perspective, or point of view, or orientation. And the groups that I chose to highlight in there, communicating as an LGBTQ leader, as a member of the gay community, I’ve done a lot of work in that. And so there’s a section on what’s distinct about being an out LGBT leader. There’s a section, honed especially from the work of Allison Kluger and Stephanie Solari on executive presence for women. And what are the best resources out there. What are some of the resources out there to avoid that are not what we would want. But in that section, I also have communicating as a military veteran. And through both the Ignite program here and the BreakLine program, we’ve been able to work with veterans. Who are going from a life of military service to a career in the civilian ranks. And many of the veterans who are in the Ignite program here were very generous with me as I wrote that and researched that. And came up with tips and stories about what that transition is like. And I don’t know that there are very many resources out there that look at that slice of communication, whether it’s somebody who’s been marginalized, or somebody who has had a distinct service experience. And how can I approach mastery when I’ve got this experience, which may be an asset or maybe a liability. But I just have to acknowledge that’s what I’m coming into the conversation with. And those stories were awesome to get to collect. And then to share back out to the men and women in the military who fed into that and have them respond to it. They were grateful to see something codified in one place.

Matt Abrahams : It’s exciting to me to know that your book not only will give general guidelines and advice, but also targets very specific experiences people have, and how they themselves then can work on their own personal mastery. Are there any specific tools and exercises you recommend people try as they journey towards communication mastery?

JD Schramm : There are several. Let me limit it to just two, and this again goes back to the concept of iteration, getting better and better at something. We include in the book and Kara Levy, who’s a communication coach here at the GSB was my co-author on this. We include a lot of examples of how to self-edit your writing. It is always useful for me to hand over an email or a report to somebody else to copy edit or be check for me. Does this hit the right tone? Is this the right level of detail for this audience? But how can I do that when I don’t have somebody to turn the document over to? Similarly, in the oral communication, being able to use our smartphones effectively to record our side of a conversation and analyze it later. To be able to hand our phone to somebody in a business meeting. And say, when I do my pitch to senior management, could you just subtly capture it on video. Or even just on audio that is completely unobtrusive in a meeting? Then I can go back. I can hear exactly what I said. I can look at the fillers. I can look at the uptalk. I can look at the long-winded sentences, or where did the questions come. And being able to use just simple tools like that in small ways, we get better and better at what we’re doing. It doesn’t have to be hiring a coach, and doing hours of rehearsal to get ready for a TED talk. It can literally be something as simple as reviewing a document after I’ve written it or audio recording a conversation that I had, and then analyzing my side of it.

Matt Abrahams : We end every one of these podcasts with three questions that I ask everybody and I’d love for you to share your answers to these three. So the first question is, if you were to capture the best communication advice you ever received as a five-to-seven-word presentation slide title, what would it be?

JD Schramm : You cannot not communicate. Regardless, I was trying to get into the five-to-seven range, so I added regardless.

No, no matter what I do, I communicate something. Whether I write an email and I sit back, and wait for a day. Whether I speak up in a meeting, or I remain silent. Whether I sigh, or I smile, you cannot not communicate. No matter what you do, you’re communicating something. So let’s take some ownership for the communication you want out there, rather than have it be just by default, what you’re doing.

Matt Abrahams : I liked how you turned a double negative into a positive bit of advice. That was cool.

Matt Abrahams : Who is a communicator that you admire, and why?

JD Schramm : I’ve gotta go to the queen, Oprah Winfrey. Her ability to tell stories that make a point, that draw you in. I’ve gotten to see her present in person twice. I spoke at a conference that she was one of the keynotes. And being able to hear her in person describe and inspire people to be their best selves. Hands down, I just think she is top of her game. And for the audience listening, I think her Golden Globe acceptance speech of the Lifetime Achievement Award two years ago. Brilliant storytelling, brilliant arc, great use of mantra, just across the board in everything she did, very effective.

Matt Abrahams : I 100% agree. That particular speech was phenomenal. Third question, what are the first three ingredients that go into a successful communication recipe?

JD Schramm : I’m going to fall back to something I teach in almost every class and every workshop, audience, intent and message. Mary Munter and Lynn Russell several years ago created the aim model. Who is your audience? I don’t know who I’m writing or speaking to. What is my intent? What do I want them to do with that after they receive it? And only once I know audience intent can I then create the message. The biggest mistake that leaders make today is they jump immediately to message without slowing down to think about who really needs to hear this. And when they hear it or read it, what’s the action I need them to take? So the three answers to me are audience, intent, and message.

Matt Abrahams : What a wonderful way to wrap up a conversation about mastery, and we all need to slow down. And think about in a very methodical, appropriate way, how we develop our communication skills written or spoken. And you’ve given us great insight In our conversation, and I and I hope everyone else looks forward to your book to give us even more information. Thank you so much for being an inspiration to me, and everybody else.

JD Schramm : Thank you, Matt. It was a privilege to get to be here. Thanks for doing the podcast.

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Explore More

When words aren’t enough: how to excel at nonverbal communication, navigating the nuance: the art of disagreeing without conflict, from good to great: what makes a “supercommunicator”, editor’s picks.

February 14, 2020 How to Make Complex Ideas More Accessible In this podcast episode, we explore techniques for presenting complicated information so your audience can more easily understand.

January 31, 2020 Communicating Our Multiple Selves: How to Manage Your Reputation Learn how to shape the way others see you through your verbal and nonverbal communication in this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart.

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The Power of Self-Reflection in Effective Communication

• 1 Section 1: The Role of Self-Reflection in Communication
• 2 Section 2: Developing Self-Reflection Habits
• 3 Section 3: Enhancing Verbal Communication through Self-Reflection
• 4 Section 4: The Power of Active Listening and Self-Reflection
• 5 Section 5: Managing Emotions and Triggers in Communication
• 6 Section 6: Strengthening Relationships through Self-Reflection
• 7 Conclusion
• 9 Conclusion
• 10 Kick Muscle Cramps to the Curb
• 11 30 Days to a More Creative You Unlock Your Inner Genius with Daily Habits
• 12 Embracing Growth A Journey Towards Openness And Learning
• 13 Embracing Life’s Challenges The Power of Positivity According to Jordan Peterson and Sadhguru

In today's fast-paced world, effective communication is vital in our personal and professional lives. Understanding that communication goes beyond what we say or convey is important. It is also deeply influenced by our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Self-reflection plays a crucial role here. Looking inward, getting to know ourselves, and understanding how our communication impacts others is self-reflection. Enhancing our ability to communicate and form strong connections can be achieved by cultivating self-awareness and self-reflection. Discover practical strategies to incorporate self-reflection into our daily lives in this article that explores the profound impact of self-reflection on effective communication.

Section 1: The Role of Self-Reflection in Communication

Self-reflection is a gateway to self-awareness, enabling us to delve deep into our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through self-reflection, we can identify our communication patterns, both positive and negative, and gain valuable insights into our strengths and areas for improvement. The ability to communicate effectively is enhanced when we have heightened self-awareness. When we understand ourselves better, we can make conscious choices about interacting with others. Additionally, self-reflection fosters empathy and understanding, allowing us to understand another person's perspective within the context of the conversation.

Section 2: Developing Self-Reflection Habits

Developing self-reflection habits requires intention and practice. Integrating self-reflection into our daily routines, whether through dedicated reflection time or incorporating it into existing activities, helps solidify it as a consistent practice. Various techniques and exercises can help us cultivate self-reflection as a regular habit. One effective method is journaling, where we can write down our thoughts, emotions, and observations about our communication experiences. Meditation and deep breathing exercises encourage self-reflection by bringing our attention to the present. Additionally, self-assessment tools or questionnaires can provide structured guidance in exploring our communication strengths and areas that need improvement.

Section 3: Enhancing Verbal Communication through Self-Reflection

Verbal communication is a fundamental aspect of our interactions, and self-reflection can profoundly impact how we express ourselves verbally. By cultivating self-awareness, we can become more conscious of our speech patterns, tone of voice, and clarity of expression. Self-reflection helps us regulate our speech rate, ensuring that we neither rush nor speak too slowly but instead find a balanced pace that enhances understanding and engagement. Moreover, self-reflection enables us to manage our emotions during communication, preventing us from becoming reactive or allowing our emotions to overshadow the message we intend to convey. By consciously reflecting on our feelings and thoughts, we can communicate more effectively, expressing ourselves with clarity, empathy, and authenticity.

Section 4: The Power of Active Listening and Self-Reflection

Effective communication involves not only speaking but also actively listening. Self-reflection plays a crucial role in enhancing our active listening skills. By practicing self-reflection, we become more attuned to our listening behaviors, such as interrupting, being distracted, or making assumptions. We develop the ability to truly listen to others, not just for the words spoken but also for the underlying meaning and emotions conveyed. Self-reflection helps us identify biases and judgments that might hinder our listening abilities, allowing us to approach conversations with an open mind and genuine curiosity. Through active listening and self-reflection, we can foster deeper connections, understanding, and mutual respect in our communication interactions.

Section 5: Managing Emotions and Triggers in Communication

Emotions play a significant role in communication, often influencing our interactions' tone, direction, and outcomes. Self-reflection equips us with the tools to manage our feelings and triggers effectively. By exploring our emotional responses and triggers during conversations, we can better understand why certain situations or topics evoke specific reactions within us. Self-reflection helps us identify the patterns and triggers that might lead to communication breakdowns or emotional escalation. With this awareness, we can develop strategies to regulate our emotions, maintain composure, and respond thoughtfully rather than reactively. By managing our emotions through self-reflection, we can create a more conducive and harmonious communication environment.

Section 6: Strengthening Relationships through Self-Reflection

Effective communication is the bedrock of strong relationships, and self-reflection is crucial in building and nurturing these connections. By practicing self-reflection, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, enhancing our ability to understand and empathize with others. Self-awareness allows us to recognize how our communication styles, behaviors, and choices impact our relationships. It helps us identify communication patterns that might hinder connection or lead to misunderstandings. By incorporating self-reflection into our relationship communication, we can foster understanding, empathy, and trust. It enables us to create an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and respected, strengthening our relationships on both personal and professional fronts.

Self-reflection is a powerful tool that empowers us to navigate the complex communication landscape with authenticity, empathy, and self-awareness. By incorporating self-reflection into our daily lives, we can enhance our communication skills, deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, and cultivate meaningful connections. Developing effective communication is a lifelong process, and self-reflection is a constant companion. So, let us embrace the power of self-reflection and unlock the full potential of our communication abilities.

Q: How can self-reflection improve my communication skills?

Self-reflection improves communication skills by enhancing self-awareness, helping identify communication patterns and areas for improvement, and fostering empathy and understanding.

Q: What are some practical techniques for developing self-reflection habits?

Practical techniques for developing self-reflection include journaling, mindfulness practices, self-assessment tools, and integrating reflection into daily routines.

Q: How does self-reflection enhance verbal communication?

Self-reflection enhances verbal communication by promoting self-awareness of speech patterns, tone of voice, and emotional regulation, leading to clearer and more authentic expression.

Q: How does self-reflection contribute to active listening?

Self-reflection contributes to active listening by raising awareness of listening behaviors, biases, and assumptions, enabling individuals to listen with curiosity and open-mindedness.

Q: Can self-reflection help manage emotions during communication?

Yes, self-reflection helps manage emotions during communication by providing insight into emotional triggers and allowing individuals to develop strategies for emotional regulation and thoughtful response.

Q: How does self-reflection strengthen relationships?

Self-reflection strengthens relationships by fostering self-awareness, empathy, and understanding, enabling individuals to create an environment of mutual respect and effective communication.

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Q: How can self-reflection help in managing difficult conversations or conflicts?

Self-reflection is invaluable in managing difficult conversations or conflicts. It allows individuals to recognize their biases, triggers, and emotional responses, enabling them to approach such situations with a calmer and more composed demeanor. Through self-reflection, individuals can gain clarity on their own perspectives and open themselves to understanding others' viewpoints, fostering constructive dialogue and resolution.

Q: How can I incorporate self-reflection into my daily routine?

Self-reflection can be incorporated into your daily routine by taking five minutes during your morning or evening routine, walking, or before bedtime. Self-reflection can also be incorporated into journaling, meditation, and mindfulness practices. To determine which method works best, you should try several different approaches.

Q: Can self-reflection help in professional communication as well?

Absolutely! Self-reflection is valuable in both personal and professional communication. It enhances understanding and connecting with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. By practicing self-reflection, you can improve your leadership skills, collaborate effectively, and navigate challenging professional situations gracefully and poised.

Q: Is self-reflection a one-time practice, or should it be ongoing?

Self-reflection is an ongoing practice. No one-time event can fulfill this need, but rather a lifelong journey of self-discovery and growth. As we evolve, our communication styles and challenges may change. Regular self-reflection ensures that we adapt, learn, and refine our communication skills to align with our ever-changing experiences and environments.

A critical element of effective communication is self-reflection. Through self-reflection, we navigate the complexities of communication with authenticity, empathy, and intentionality. By cultivating self-awareness, understanding our emotions, and embracing self-reflection as a consistent practice, we can become skilled communicators who forge deeper connections and foster understanding. Join me on this transformative journey of self-reflection as we enhance our communication skills and enrich our relationships.  

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The Importance of Self-Reflection: How Looking Inward Can Improve Your Mental Health

Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and a professor at Yeshiva University’s clinical psychology doctoral program.

Sunwoo Jung / Getty Images

Why Is Self-Reflection So Important?

When self-reflection becomes unhealthy, how to practice self-reflection, what to do if self-reflection makes you uncomfortable, incorporating self-reflection into your routine.

How well do you know yourself? Do you think about why you do the things you do? Self-reflection is a skill that can help you understand yourself better.

Self-reflection involves being present with yourself and intentionally focusing your attention inward to examine your thoughts, feelings, actions, and motivations, says Angeleena Francis , LMHC, executive director for AMFM Healthcare.

Active self-reflection can help grow your understanding of who you are , what values you believe in, and why you think and act the way you do, says Kristin Wilson , MA, LPC, CCTP, RYT, chief experience officer for Newport Healthcare.

This article explores the benefits and importance of self-reflection, as well as some strategies to help you practice it and incorporate it into your daily life. We also discuss when self-reflection can become unhealthy and suggest some coping strategies.

Self-reflection is important because it helps you form a self-concept and contributes toward self-development.

Builds Your Self-Concept

Self-reflection is critical because it contributes to your self-concept, which is an important part of your identity.

Your self-concept includes your thoughts about your traits, abilities, beliefs, values, roles, and relationships. It plays an influential role in your mood, judgment, and behavioral patterns.

Reflecting inward allows you to know yourself and continue to get to know yourself as you change and develop as a person, says Francis. It helps you understand and strengthen your self-concept as you evolve with time.

Enables Self-Development

Self-reflection also plays a key role in self-development. “It is a required skill for personal growth ,” says Wilson.

Being able to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, or what you did right or wrong, can help you identify areas for growth and improvement, so you can work on them.

For instance, say you gave a presentation at school or work that didn’t go well, despite putting in a lot of work on the project. Spending a little time on self-reflection can help you understand that even though you spent a lot of time working on the project and creating the presentation materials, you didn’t practice giving the presentation. Realizing the problem can help you correct it. So, the next time you have to give a presentation, you can practice it on your colleagues or loved ones first.

Or, say you’ve just broken up with your partner. While it’s easy to blame them for everything that went wrong, self-reflection can help you understand what behaviors of yours contributed to the split. Being mindful of these behaviors can be helpful in other relationships.

Without self-reflection, you would continue to do what you’ve always done and as a result, you may continue to face the same problems you’ve always faced.

Benefits of Self-Reflection

These are some of the benefits of self-reflection, according to the experts:

• Increased self-awareness: Spending time in self-reflection can help build greater self-awareness , says Wilson. Self-awareness is a key component of emotional intelligence. It helps you recognize and understand your own emotions, as well as the impact of your emotions on your thoughts and behaviors.
• Greater sense of control: Self-reflection involves practicing mindfulness and being present with yourself at the moment. This can help you feel more grounded and in control of yourself, says Francis.
• Improved communication skills: Self-reflection can help you improve your communication skills, which can benefit your relationships. Understanding what you’re feeling can help you express yourself clearly, honestly, and empathetically.
• Deeper alignment with core values: Self-reflection can help you understand what you believe in and why. This can help ensure that your words and actions are more aligned with your core values, Wilson explains. It can also help reduce cognitive dissonance , which is the discomfort you may experience when your behavior doesn’t align with your values, says Francis.
• Better decision-making skills: Self-reflection can help you make better decisions for yourself, says Wilson. Understanding yourself better can help you evaluate all your options and how they will impact you with more clarity. This can help you make sound decisions that you’re more comfortable with, says Francis.
• Greater accountability: Self-reflection can help you hold yourself accountable to yourself, says Francis. It can help you evaluate your actions and recognize personal responsibility. It can also help you hold yourself accountable for the goals you’re working toward.

Self-reflection is a healthy practice that is important for mental well-being. However, it can become harmful if it turns into rumination, self-criticism, self-judgment, negative self-talk , and comparison to others, says Wilson.

Here’s what that could look like:

• Rumination: Experiencing excessive and repetitive stressful or negative thoughts. Rumination is often obsessive and interferes with other types of mental activity.
• Self-judgment: Constantly judging yourself and often finding yourself lacking. 
• Negative self-talk: Allowing the voice inside your head to discourage you from doing things you want to do. Negative self-talk is often self-defeating.
• Self-criticism: Constantly criticizing your actions and decisions.
• Comparison: Endlessly comparing yourself to others and feeling inferior.

Kristin Wilson, LPC, CCTP

Looking inward may activate your inner critic, but true self-reflection comes from a place of neutrality and non-judgment.

When anxious thoughts and feelings come up in self-reflection, Wilson says it’s important to practice self-compassion and redirect your focus to actionable insights that can propel your life forward. “We all have faults and room for improvement. Reflect on the behaviors or actions you want to change and take steps to do so.”

It can help to think of what you would say to a friend in a similar situation. For instance, if your friend said they were worried about the status of their job after they gave a presentation that didn’t go well, you would probably be kind to them, tell them not to worry, and to focus on improving their presentation skills in the future. Apply the same compassion to yourself and focus on what you can control.

If you are unable to calm your mind of racing or negative thoughts, Francis recommends seeking support from a trusted person in your life or a mental health professional. “Patterns of negative self-talk, self-doubt , or criticism should be addressed through professional support, as negative cognitions of oneself can lead to symptoms of depression if not resolved.”

Wilson suggests some strategies that can help you practice self-reflection:

• Ask yourself open-ended questions: Start off by asking yourself open-ended questions that will prompt self-reflection, such as: “Am I doing what makes me happy?” “Are there things I’d like to improve about myself?” or “What could I have done differently today?” “Am I taking anything or anyone for granted?” Notice what thoughts and feelings arise within you for each question and then begin to think about why. Be curious about yourself and be open to whatever comes up.
• Keep a journal: Journaling your thoughts and responses to these questions is an excellent vehicle for self-expression. It can be helpful to look back at your responses, read how you handled things in the past, assess the outcome, and look for where you might make changes in the future.
• Try meditation: Meditation can also be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Even if it’s only for five minutes, practice sitting in silence and paying attention to what comes up for you. Notice which thoughts are fleeting and which come up more often.
• Process major events and emotions: When something happens in your life that makes you feel especially good or bad, take the time to reflect on what occurred, how it made you feel, and either how you can get to that feeling again or what you might do differently the next time. Writing down your thoughts in a journal can help.
• Make a self-reflection board: Create a self-reflection board of positive attributes that you add to regularly. Celebrate your authentic self and the ways you stay true to who you are. Having a visual representation of self-reflection can be motivating.

You may avoid self-reflection if it brings up difficult emotions and makes you feel uncomfortable, says Francis. She recommends preparing yourself to get comfortable with the uncomfortable before you start.

Think of your time in self-reflection as a safe space within yourself. “Avoid judging yourself while you explore your inner thoughts, feelings, and motives of behavior,” says Francis. Simply notice what comes up and accept it. Instead of focusing on fears, worries, or regrets, try to look for areas of growth and improvement.

“Practice neutrality and self-compassion so that self-reflection is a positive experience that you will want to do regularly,” says Wilson.

Francis suggests some strategies that can help you incorporate self-reflection into your daily routine:

• Dedicate time to it: it’s important to dedicate time to self-reflection and build it into your routine. Find a slot that works for your schedule—it could be five minutes each morning while drinking coffee or 30 minutes sitting outside in nature once per week.
• Pick a quiet spot: It can be hard to focus inward if your environment is busy or chaotic. Choose a calm and quiet space that is free of distractions so you can hear your own thoughts.
• Pay attention to your senses: Pay attention to your senses. Sensory input is an important component of self-awareness.

Nowak A, Vallacher RR, Bartkowski W, Olson L. Integration and expression: The complementary functions of self-reflection . J Pers . 2022;10.1111/jopy.12730. doi:10.1111/jopy.12730

American Psychological Association. Self-concept .

Dishon N, Oldmeadow JA, Critchley C, Kaufman J. The effect of trait self-awareness, self-reflection, and perceptions of choice meaningfulness on indicators of social identity within a decision-making context . Front Psychol . 2017;8:2034. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02034

Drigas AS, Papoutsi C. A new layered model on emotional intelligence . Behav Sci (Basel) . 2018;8(5):45. doi:10.3390/bs8050045

American Psychological Association. Rumination .

By Sanjana Gupta Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

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A Self-Reflection Essay on Effective Communication

This essay is a self-reflection analysis of my communication skills based upon information generated from the five diagnostic tools presented hereafter and focusing on two communication issues drawn from the results of the diagnostic tools.

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Class Reflection — What I Learned in Communication Class: a Reflection

What I Learned in Communication Class: a Reflection

• Categories: Class Reflection Communication Skills

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Words: 632 |

Published: Mar 18, 2021

Words: 632 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Works Cited

• Peterson, C. M., & Ray, M. N. (2019). Communication Skills for Success: Student Workbook. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Ivy, D. K. (2018). Communication: Principles for a Lifetime. Pearson.
• Sole, K. (2017). Making Connections: Understanding Interpersonal Communication. Oxford University Press.
• DeVito, J. A. (2016). The Interpersonal Communication Book. Pearson.
• Guerrero, L. K., Anderson, P. A., & Afifi, W. A. (2019). Nonverbal Communication in Close Relationships. Routledge.
• Floyd, K. (2019). Interpersonal Communication: The Whole Story. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Pearson, J. C., & Nelson, P. L. (2017). An Introduction to Human Communication : Understanding and Sharing. Oxford University Press.
• O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2017). Real Communication. Bedford/St. Martin's.
• Miller, K. (2019). Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes. Cengage Learning.
• Guffey, M. E., Loewy, D., & Almonte, R. (2019). Business Communication: Process and Product. Cengage Learning.

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How Self-Awareness Leads to Effective Communication

The art of listening begins with the ability to listen to oneself..

Posted April 21, 2014 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

Listening is one of the most important skills we need to master. In fact, listening contributes in a fundamental way to our wellbeing and to the quality of our relations. Moreover, by learning how to listen deeply we can become a catalyst for change. And yet, listening is one of the most difficult skills to master. It requires serious work.

Conflict as the Breakdown of Communication

In the 20-plus years that I have spent studying and working on different kinds of conflicts across the world, I have come to the conclusion that at the core of conflict there is a breakdown in communication and the parties’ inability to understand each other. A conflict is often a dialogue of the deaf.

There is no conflict transformation, no resolution unless there is a change in the dynamic of communication. Unless there is such a shift, parties are not able to bond, reframe their problems, and explore possible solutions. Problem-solving starts with setting the conditions that enable effective communication. Listening deeply to the parties in conflict can create such conditions.

When a Friend Listened to Me With an Open Mind

In our own lives, we all have experienced the importance of feeling heard. When someone is listening to us deeply and sincerely, we are able to express ourselves, we lower our defenses, we take down our masks.

I remember such a moment in my own life. A few years ago, I was going through a very unsettling time; my own version of a midlife crisis. I had so many things to figure out that my emotions and thoughts were fogged by confusion. One afternoon, I took a walk with a friend. It proved to be a game-changer. My friend listened to me with a sincere heart and with an open mind, free of assumptions and judgment. I was thus able to utter what was going on deep inside myself and as I was talking, I started to put some order in my thoughts and emotions. Some clarity began to emerge and I was able to figure out the next small step I would take in my life. A great and empowering journey thus begun, that eventually brought me to the happy and fulfilling life I have today. I was able to evolve, because I had found someone ready to hear me, and I continue to enjoy my own evolution, spurred by a desire for constant personal growth.

First Step to Become a Good Listener

Change begins with deep listening. But how can we become good listeners? Good communication with others requires first and foremost good communication within ourselves. In other words, to become good listeners we need first to be aware of the filters that color our own communication style.

Our previous experiences, beliefs, values, assumptions, judgments, and biases influence the quality of our listening. Whenever we listen to something, we evaluate what we are hearing and this, in turn, triggers our emotional reactions and our judgment. If we hear something that contradicts our values or our interests, we tend to react, by becoming defensive; our ability to be effective listeners is a hostage of our own filters. As a consequence, our capacity to build meaningful relations, even with the people we love, our ability to lead effectively, to be a catalyst of change, to make a positive contribution, is negatively affected.

To become aware of the barriers to effective communication that lay deep within ourselves is therefore a first and necessary step to becoming great listeners. We need to become aware of how our life experiences, our gender , our race, our social status, our education , our religion, our failures, our fears can affect our ability to listening deeply to the other party.

Self-Awareness and Deep Listening

Self-awareness allows for listening that is free of assumptions and judgments that compromise healthy communication. Before we are able to listen deeply to others, we need to learn how to listen deeply to ourselves. It is this self-awareness that helps us to understand the other’s frame of reference.

Deep listening is transformative, but transformation begins with the development of self-awareness, that is with the capacity to listen to ourselves.

Aldo Civico, Ph.D., is an anthropologist and a conflict resolution expert. He is an anthropology professor at Rutgers University and the founder of The International Institute for Peace.

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Communication Skills in Human Life Essay

Introduction.

Communication has always been an essential element of every aspect of human life. Very much depends on the person’s ability to communicate with others and to apply efficient communicative skills to achieve their goals. In general, it is possible to state that the ability to communicate constructively shapes the major part of the individual’s success in his or her personal life, at work and in other spheres. There are many jobs that involve constant communication with clients, provision of some consultative or advisory services, which is almost solely built on the principles of communication and interaction with people. Business affairs are as well impossible to be accomplished without making business agreements, holding negotiations and instructing the personnel on the goals to pursue. There is a great multitude of examples of the need of communication skills in daily life, so it goes without saying that business operations require well-developed communication abilities and demand their application on a daily basis. It is enough to mention the ever-growing globalization of the world and business together with it, so interpersonal and cross-cultural communication acquires key importance in the contemporary world. It is for this reason that one needs to pay close attention to the issue of communication skills in the process of learning business communication and related topics.

Communication Skills and Strategies

Communication, no matter how simple and familiar it may seem, appears to be a complicated and multi-dimensional concept that needs thorough consideration and hard work in the process of acquiring the basic skills necessary for success. It does not correspond to a casual notion of talking as the communication process – it is much deeper in its goals and strategies to accomplish these goals. With the purpose of understanding the phenomenon of communication itself and communication skills in particular it is necessary to pay attention to the following concepts and terminology that will enhance the reader’s understanding of the issue: conscious and unconscious competence, reflective learning, motivation, motor skills and social skills. As for conscious and unconscious competence, Ellis (2003) believes that “it implies knowledge of the what (for instance, the core professional concepts) and knowledge of the how (the ways in which we put these concepts into practice)” (p. 2). It may be applied at both levels, as the definition suggests. Reflective learning is an essential element of the process of acquiring communicative skills – it implies not only fulfilling a certain set of tasks bur reflecting on the results and trying to introduce change or improvement (Ellis, 2003, p. 3). Motivation goes without saying – it is the innate wish of the person to act in an innovative way that makes him or her make steps forward in personal development. Motor skills, in the opinion of Hargie (1997), are organized and coordinated, learnt actions serial in nature supposing the person’s making some physical actions, i.e. they are formed at the biological and subconscious level to be applied in life (p. 9). Social skills differ in nature and involve interpersonal actions, interaction with other people (Hargie, 1997, p. 9-10).

Motor skills are not the subject of the present paper because they refer to daily actions, routine and mechanic activities of people they may not even realize. Social skills, on the contrary, have to be thoroughly thought over and trained, as a result forming a communicative personality being able to achieve his or her communication goal and succeed in communication. These skills are multiple; however, the present work will focus only on four of them: listening, negotiation, explaining and self-disclosure. Listening is one of the most important skills of a good communicator because it has been proved to be a treasure too few people possess. In the process of a constructive communicative act it is important not only to clearly express one’s own thoughts and intentions but to give an opportunity to the communication partner to voice his or her opinion. Listening has been always neglected in the process of business communication as there have hardly been any doubts in the employees’ abilities to listen to others speak. However, the recently discovered notion that deserves separate attention and appears to be substantially different from the issue of hearing is active listening. As Ellis (2003) notes, “successful listening (as opposed to the more passive hearing) is to do with actively processing the incoming information and doing some work – hence the term active” (p. 17). No doubt active listening represents a challenge for a person willing to undertake it because it involves much extra work being done – first of all, the process of active listening, according to Ellis (2003), involves overcoming a three-stage task of recognizing the gap in understanding, locating it and trying to overcome it (p. 17). There is a set of barriers to active listening as well that prevent the listener to follow the guidelines of active listening and diminish the degree of mutual understanding, e.g. attention span, familiarity with material, negative or stereotyped attitudes to the matter or to the interlocutor, environmental considerations and physical inconvenience (Ellis, 2003, p. 18-19).

The second strategy that should be mastered by the communicator in order to conduct communication activities successfully is negotiation. There is no need in explaining how important the process of negotiations is for any business organization – it goes without saying that it is the profitability and at times the very existence of an organization that depends on the result of negotiations with business partners. Thus, it is crucial to pay adequate attention to the way communication skills have to be developed to facilitate the negotiation skills of an individual. Negotiation is a comprehensive activity that demands a wide set of skills from the negotiator to be successful and accomplish the stipulated task. It involves active listening that has already been analyzed, assertiveness in actions and messages and skillful questioning (Ellis, 2003, p. 57). It is essential not to forget that negotiation first of all implies exercising certain influence on people with whom negotiation is conducted, which also depends on the ability to express one’s opinion and judgment in a specific way. Besides, as emphasized by Ellis (2003), negotiation is also a creative process including such elements as finding the balance between parties, finding the approach to the specific partners in the negotiation, conducting problem-solving activities and engaging partners in long-term relations (p. 58). For these reasons all efforts of the negotiator as well as his or her negotiation skills have to be focused on these major goals.

The third communication strategy implying the multi-aspect application of communication skills is explaining. Hargie (1997) speculates much over the topic of the importance of explaining in the process of communication and arrives at the conclusion that this skill has been widely neglected and underestimated recently (p. 183). The reasons he sees for this are first of all the unwillingness of people to accept the authority of other people mixing it with the imposition of someone’s opinion and limiting their personality, and secondly the way explaining is perceived and taken for granted as an indispensable part of communication (Hargie, 1997, p. 183). However, in the same section Hargie (1997) underlines the importance of explaining as a necessary link between such aspects of human cognition as understanding, language, logic, rhetoric, critical theory and culture (p. 183). As one can see from the following list, explaining appears to be a much deeper concept than anyone would have suggested. This is what causes particular attention to explaining in the recent business communication literature and research – its importance is being gradually recognized and should be not underestimated in the conditions of the contemporary business process. There are the following types of explanation detected by Hargie (1997): interpretive, descriptive and reason-giving (p. 185). Interpretative explaining gives the broad answer to the question ‘What?’ and defines concepts, events and processes in such a way so that the person to who they are explained would obtain detailed understanding thereof and would be able to apply them in further activities. Descriptive explaining gives the answer to the question ‘How?’ thus explaining the manner in which things are done. People who have acquired descriptive knowledge of certain things are likely to be able to produce some actions or some things in future, knowing the procedure and the peculiarities. Finally, reason-giving explaining should be focused on the justification of certain actions, events or notions – it gives the answer to the question ‘Why?’ and explains to people what this or that thing, process or event are necessary.

The last communication strategy to be dealt with in the present work is self-disclosure. As admitted by McKay, Davis and Fanning (2009), self-disclosure is a key component of human communication. It is present in every communicative process and is unavoidable:

“Self-disclosure makes relationships existing and builds intimacy. It clarifies and enlivens. Without self-disclosure, you are isolated in your private experience” (McKay et al., 2009, p. 24).

Despite its seeming unavoidability the issues that should worry a person in the process of communicating with others is the extent to which they should disclose themselves for this act to be appropriate and effective (McKay et al., 2009, p. 25). There is a huge number of situations, partners and circumstances that demand different patterns of behavior and cause problems or lead to success.

The authors distinguish four types of self-disclosure among which a communicator should choose according to the situation, the individual profile of character and behavioral peculiarities etc. They are: open self (known to self, known to others), blind self (discoverable by others, known to others), hidden self (known to self, kept from others) and unknown self (unknown to self, unknown to others) (McKay, 2009, p. 25). Judging from the situation and the pursued goals the individual may choose from these alternatives and define the measure for self-disclosure for him- or herself.

Communication is a key element of human interactions, which acquires specific importance in the context of conducting business affairs. Communication skills are multiple in nature and application, so they have to be paid particular attention to in all business processes and should correspond to the particularly stipulated business goals. There are several communication strategies that involve implementation of different communication skills and their proper combinations, thus the aspect of establishing efficient business communication with the application of communications skills should become the central focus of every organization’s daily functioning.

Communication skills are learnt skills and they can be acquired be means of efficient training schedule established in an organization. The importance of communication skills in the business process is a matter of agile interest nowadays, so they should be never underestimated or neglected in the business process both by employers and the staff of every company.

Ellis, R 2003, Communication skills: stepladders to success for the professional, Intellect Books.

Hargie, O 1997, The handbook of communication skills, 2 nd edn, Routledge.

McKay, M, Davis, M, & Fanning, P 2009, Messages: The Communication Skills Book, 3 rd edn, New Harbinger Publications.

• explanation of the role of communication in human life
• specific aspects of business communication
• competence;
• reflective learning;
• motivation;
• motor skills;
• social skills.
• the role of listening in communication;
• active listening;
• elements and stages of active listening;
• obstacles for active listening.
• the importance of negotiation in business communication;
• specific skills negotiation requires from the communicator;
• activities involved in negotiation.
• underestimated role of explaining;
• the importance of explaining in the human cognition;
• types of explaining.
• self-disclosure as an unavoidable element of human communication;
• types of self-disclosure;
• the way to choose the measure of self-disclosure.
• the importance of communication skills in the overall business process;
• the necessity to educate and train the personnel paying adequate attention to the growing importance of communication skills.
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Don’t Underestimate the Power of Self-Reflection

• James R. Bailey
• Scheherazade Rehman

Focus on moments of surprise, failure, and frustration.

Research shows the habit of reflection can separate extraordinary professionals from mediocre ones. But how do you sort which experiences are most significant for your development?

• To answer this questions, the authors asked 442 executives to reflect on which experiences most advanced their professional development and had the most impact on making them better leaders.
• Three distinct themes arose through their analysis: surprise, frustration, and failure. Reflections that involved one or more or of these sentiments proved to be the most valuable in helping the leaders grow.
• Surprise, frustration, and failure. Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral. These parts of you are constantly in motion and if you don’t give them time to rest and reflect upon what you learned from them, you will surely fatigue.

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

Empathy, communication, adaptability, emotional intelligence, compassion. These are all skills you need to thrive in the workplace and become a great leader. Time and again, we even hear that these capabilities are the key to making yourself indispensable — not just now but far into the future. Soft skills, after all, are what make us human, and as far as we know, can’t be performed well by technologies like artificial intelligence.

• James R. Bailey is professor and Hochberg Fellow of Leadership at George Washington University. The author of five books and more than 50 academic papers, he is a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review, The Hill, Fortune, Forbes, and Fast Company and appears on many national television and radio programs.
• Scheherazade Rehman is professor and Dean’s Professorial Fellow of International Finance. She is director of the European Union Research Center and former Director of World ExecMBA with Cybersecurity, has appeared in front of the U.S. House and Senate, and been a guest numerous times onPBS Newshour, the Colbert Report, BBC World News, CNBC, Voice of America, and C-Span.

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Digging Deep into Purpose and Importance of Reflective Essay

Reflection writing is a powerful tool for students and professionals as they offer a unique opportunity for self-exploration, growth, and understanding. This guide on the importance and purpose of  reflective essays  aims to change your perception of writing and shed light on the many benefits of incorporating reflection into your life. With our amazing  paper help  resources and expert guidance, you can master the art of reflective essay writing and unlock your full potential.

Table of Contents

What is a Reflective Essay?

A reflective essay is a type of writing that allows the author to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a structured and analytical manner. This form of writing encourages critical thinking and personal growth by examining the author’s experiences, thoughts, actions, and reactions. 

Reflective essays often focus on personal development, learning experiences, or the impact of specific events on the author’s life. However, reflection writing is also used for  college essays  or other forms of academic writing.

Types of Reflection Writing

Reflection essays come in various forms, each with its unique focus and purpose. In this note, we will delve into five types of reflective writing;

Personal Reflective Writing

Professional reflection, academic reflective essay, creative reflection.

• Social or Cultural Reflection Writing

Understanding these different approaches will enable you to choose the most suitable reflection essay type for your needs and make your writing more coherent, insightful and trustworthy.

Journaling, manifestation dairies, and written meditations are common ideas. But would you believe these are all forms and branches of personal reflection writing?

Personal reflection essays explore what you’re going through, emotionally, mentally, and provide insights. These could be about their learning, inner conflicts, resolutions and growth.

This type of reflective writing allows individuals to examine their values, beliefs, and actions, fostering self-awareness and personal development. 

Personal reflection essays may focus on topics such as significant life events, personal challenges, or the impact of relationships on one’s identity and growth.

Professional reflection writing is common in academic or workplace settings. They involve analyzing personal and professional skills and challenges and identifying areas for improvement. 

This reflection essay encourages individuals to examine their professional experiences, decisions, and outcomes, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Professional reflection essays may focus on workplace conflicts, leadership experiences, or developing specific professional competencies.

As a  college paper writing service  platform, we know that most students are intimidated by reflective essay writing. In an academic setting, the reflection essay blurs the lines between informal and formal writing. 

You might be assigned an essay account of your experience with an event, but you’ll still need to follow strict rules of academic writing, i.e., formatting or  organizing a paper . 

Academic reflective writing involves analyzing and evaluating academic materials, such as readings, lectures, or research projects, and connecting them to personal experiences or broader concepts. 

It encourages students to engage with course content on a deeper level, fostering a better understanding of the material and its relevance to their lives and future careers.

For example:

You can be assigned to write a reflection essay on  modernism in literature . You’d have to write your thoughts and observations about this era. Still, you must follow the rules like citation, proper referencing, and contextual analysis of the ideas presented in that era. 

Creative reflection essays are often utilized in artistic or creative fields, allowing individuals to examine their creative process, inspirations, and outcomes. 

This reflective writing fosters self-awareness, critical thinking, and artistic growth, enabling individuals to explore their creative motivations, challenges, and successes. 

Creative reflection essays may focus on topics such as the development of a specific artistic project, the influence of personal experiences on one’s creative work, or the role of collaboration in the creative process.

Social or Cultural Reflection

These reflection essays focus on exploring and understanding social or cultural phenomena. It involves analyzing personal experiences, observations, or interactions with others and reflecting on their significance and broader societal implications. 

Social or cultural reflection essays encourage individuals to engage with the world around them, fostering empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of social and cultural issues. 

These essays may focus on topics such as the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships, the role of cultural identity in shaping one’s worldview, or the challenges of navigating diverse social environments.

Students must grasp all of these forms of reflective essay writing. Understanding the different types of reflective writing and their unique purposes is required for crafting effective reflection essays.

By selecting the most appropriate reflection essay type for your needs, you can create a coherent, understandable, and persuasive piece of writing that fosters personal and professional growth.

Reflective writing offers a valuable opportunity for self-exploration, critical thinking, and meaningful learning, whether you are exploring your personal experiences, professional challenges, academic materials, creative endeavors, or social and cultural phenomena.

 What is the Purpose of Reflective Essay Writing?

The amazing thing about reflective essay writing is that, although we have discussed its few meaningful purposes, there’s still a long list to cover. 

These numerous goals are particularly for students dealing with academic stress and professionals experiencing work-related challenges. Here are 8 key purposes of reflective paper writing. 

• Self-awareness : Reflective essays help individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, beliefs, and emotions.
• Critical thinking : It encourages the examination of one’s thoughts and experiences, fostering the development of critical thinking skills.
• Personal growth : Reflection writing enables individuals to learn from their experiences, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for personal development.
• Problem-solving : Reflection essay writing can help identify the root causes of problems and generate potential solutions.
• Emotional processing : Writing about emotional experiences can help individuals process and cope with their feelings.
• Learning from mistakes : Reflection writing encourages individuals to examine their failures, learn from them, and develop resilience.
• Enhancing communication skills : Reflective writing helps improve written communication skills and promotes effective self-expression.
• Empathy development:  The reflective essays can foster empathy by encouraging individuals to consider the perspectives and experiences of others.

Why Is Reflection Essay Important for Students?

Reflection writing is a crucial aspect of a student’s academic journey. Here are several reasons why reflection writing is essential for students:

Promotes Self-Awareness

Self-awareness in a student involves recognizing their academic learning style, studying habits, strengths, and weaknesses. Reflective Writing plays a crucial role in building self-awareness in students. 

Most students struggle with consulting adults or peers with issues like processing information, retaining knowledge, and solving problems effectively. They have a hard time coming to terms with certain values, beliefs, goals, and emotions. 

And an even harder time in exploring and creating their identities. Practicing reflective thought writing enables students to make informed decisions, set realistic goals, and develop healthy relationships. 

Self-aware students take ownership of their learning and personal development, seeking feedback, reflecting on experiences, and adapting their approaches. Thus, reflective essay writing contributes to effective communication, collaboration, and navigating challenges.

Develops Critical Thinking Skills

Reflective writing develops critical thinking skills in students by prompting them to analyze and evaluate their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives. 

It encourages questioning assumptions, considering alternative viewpoints, and making informed judgments. Students practice higher-order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation through reflection. 

They learn to articulate their ideas clearly and support them with evidence. Overall, reflective writing plays a crucial role in fostering critical thinking by promoting deep thinking, evaluation of evidence, and effective communication of thoughts.

Practical Academic Stress Dealing

Reflective writing induces practical academic stress dealing in students by improving self-expression, facilitating self-composition, promoting goal-setting and problem-solving, enhancing writing skills, and fulfilling academic requirements. These benefits empower students to navigate their academic challenges more effectively and succeed in their studies.

• Improves self-expression : Reflection writing helps students enhance their written communication skills and promotes effective self-expression, which is vital for academic success and personal growth.
• Self-composition:  Reflective writing allows students to compose their thoughts and ideas in a structured and coherent manner. It encourages them to organize their reflections, leading to clearer and more articulate writing.
• Setting better goals:  Engaging in reflective writing prompts students to set better academic goals. It helps them assess their strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and establish realistic objectives for their studies.
• Problem-solving : Reflective writing encourages students to analyze academic challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. It fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling students to tackle obstacles and find effective solutions.
• Organized and better-polished writing skills : Regular practice of reflective writing hones students’ writing skills. It enhances their ability to structure their thoughts, use appropriate language, and present coherent arguments, leading to more organized and polished writing.
• Fulfills academic requirements : Reflective essays are often assigned as part of the coursework, and students need to write them to meet academic requirements. Developing reflection writing skills ensures students can effectively complete these assignments while meeting the expectations of their instructors.

Navigating Life Transitions 

Students often face significant life transitions, such as moving away from home or choosing a career path. Reflection essay writing can help them process these changes, identify their goals, and make informed decisions. 

By engaging in reflective writing, students can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences related to the transitions they are facing. This process allows them to gain clarity, understand their values and aspirations, and evaluate different options. 

Reflective writing is a valuable tool for self-reflection and self-discovery, empowering students to navigate life’s transitions with a deeper understanding of themselves and their desired path forward.

Addresses Emotional and Mental Conflicts 

Students may experience emotional or  mental conflicts  due to various factors, such as relationships, academic pressure, or personal issues. Reflection writing provides an opportunity to explore and resolve these conflicts, promoting mental well-being. 

By engaging in reflective writing, students can express and process their emotions, gain insights into their turmoil’s underlying causes, and develop coping and problem-solving strategies. It offers a safe and therapeutic outlet for self-expression, self-reflection, and self-care. 

Reflective essay writing empowers students to navigate their emotional and mental challenges, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and overall psychological well-being.

Balancing Work and Studies 

Many students juggle work and studies simultaneously. Reflection writing can help them assess their time management and prioritization skills, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to maintain a healthy work-study balance.

Encourages Empathy Development

Reflective essays can foster empathy by encouraging students to consider the perspectives and experiences of others, an essential skill for building strong relationships and navigating diverse social environments.

Reflection Essay Writing Format

Reflection essays require a structured approach to ensure coherence and clarity in presenting one’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This detailed tutorial will provide an overview of the reflection essay writing format and offer instructions on how to apply APA and  MLA formatting to your reflection essay.

A well-structured reflection essay typically includes the following elements:

• Introduction : Provide an overview of the topic or experience you will be reflecting on and briefly explain its significance.
• Description : Describe the experience or event in detail, including relevant facts, feelings, and observations.
• Analysis : Examine your thoughts, emotions, and reactions to the experience, and consider the factors that influenced your response.
• Evaluation : Assess the impact of the experience on your personal growth, learning, or development and discuss any lessons learned.
• Conclusion : Summarize your reflections, reiterate the significance of the experience, and discuss any future implications or goals.

APA Formatting for Reflection Essays

The American Psychological Association ( APA ) formatting style is commonly used in social sciences and education. Here are the key formatting instructions for a reflection essay in  APA  style:

• Title Page : Include a title page with the title of your essay, your name, and the name of your institution, all centered and double-spaced.
• Running Head : Include a running head on the top-left corner of each page, consisting of a shortened version of your essay title (in capital letters) and the page number.
• Font and Spacing : Use a 12-point, Times New Roman font with double-spacing throughout the essay.
• Margins : Set 1-inch margins on all sides of the page.
• Headings : Use headings to organize your essay, with level one headings centered and bold, level two headings flush left and bold, and level three headings flush left, bold, and italicized.
• Citations :  If you refer to any external sources, use in-text citations with the author’s last name and the publication year in parentheses.
• Reference List : Include a reference list at the end of your essay, with a centered and bold “References” heading, and list all cited sources in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.

MLA Formatting for Reflection Essays

The Modern Language Association (MLA) formatting style is commonly used in humanities and liberal arts. Here are the key formatting instructions for a reflection essay in MLA style:

• Header :  Include a header on the top-right corner of each page, consisting of your last name and the page number.
• Title :  Center the title of your essay at the top of the first page, using standard capitalization. Do not underline, italicize, or place the title in quotation marks.
• Indentation : Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches.
• Citations :  If you refer to any external sources, use in-text citations with the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses.
• Works Cited : Include a Works Cited page at the end of your essay, with a centered “Works Cited” heading, and list all cited sources in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.

Topics for Reflection Essays

Reflective essay topics can vary widely, depending on the individual’s experiences, interests, and goals. Some examples of reflective essay topics include:

• A significant personal experience and its impact on your life.
• A challenging academic or professional situation and the lessons learned.
• A personal or professional failure and how it has shaped your development.
• A meaningful relationship or encounter with someone who has influenced your perspective.
• A volunteer or community service experience and its effect on your values or beliefs.
• A time when you faced a moral or ethical dilemma and how you resolved it.
• A personal or professional goal and the steps taken to achieve it.
• A cultural or travel experience that broadened your understanding of the world.

Examples of Reflective Essay

Our writers have written numerous examples of reflective essays here are some of them. 

Reflection Essay Example 1

A Poetic Turnaround: How an Online Assignment Platform Reshaped My Perception

Reflection Paper Example 2 

A Day Among Colors and Canvas: Art Exhibition at School 

Reflection Writing Example 3 

Spinning the Semester Around: Witnessing a Friend Succeeding in Their Academic Battles 

Reflective essay writing can polish your being in many ways. By understanding the purpose and importance of reflective essays, as well as mastering the format and selecting meaningful topics, you can transform your writing and unlock the full potential of self-reflection. For additional help, you can avail of our top-of-the-line writing service and confidently pursue your goals, knowing you have the best support for securing impressive grades.

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The Effect of Reflection on Nurse-Patient Communication Skills in Emergency Medical Centers

Bahman pangh.

1 Department of nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Golesatn, Iran

Leila Jouybari

2 Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran

Mohamad Ali Vakili

3 Department of Community Health Nursing, Nursing Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran

Akram Sanagoo

Aysheh torik.

4 Department of Women Affairs, Gomishan Government Office, Golestan, Iran

Introduction: Reflection is formed through deep reflection on the event or a certain clinical position. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of reflection on nurse-patient communication skills of nurses working in emergency departments.

Methods: This interventional study was conducted on intervention and control groups and with a pretest-posttest design. 142 nurses working in the emergency departments of hospitals affiliated to Golestan University of Medical Sciences were enrolled in the study in 2015, and randomly divided into two groups. During eight weeks of the study, the intervention group was asked to write their clinical experiences with regard to communication issues with their patients. Before the intervention, the communication skills of both groups were compared using a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed, using independent t-test, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests.

Results: Of the 142 nurses, 122 nurses had full participation. In the intervention group the mean scores of verbal communication skills, non-verbal communication skills, general communication skills and communication skills based on patient safety were statistically significant, but there was no significant difference in the control group.

Conclusion: The results showed that eight weeks of reflection by nurses is an effective intervention in dimensions of communication skills. We therefore suggest that a reflective writing be encouraged as a vital tool for improving communication competency among emergency department nurses.

Introduction

Communication skills are taught to nurses in the educational environment and are an important part of educational programs, but there are many concerns about communication weaknesses and lack of communication skills. 1 Some nursing experts believe that appropriate communication skills are the cornerstone of all nursing care activities, 2 resulting in improved patient care and professional development and personality growth of the nurses. 3

Effective communication has positive effects on the patients, including improved vital signs, decreased pain and anxiety, increased satisfaction, improved treatment outcomes, and enhanced participation in treatment programs. 4 The emergency room is the busiest and most serious part of any hospital. 5 And smooth and organized management of this department can save the lives of many patients. Therefore, in this environment, nurses should be equipped with different capabilities and skills to withstand the pressure and tension, among which communication skills are one of the most important. 6 Many qualitative and quantitative studies have evaluated the nurse-patient relationship. 7 In a study about nursing care in emergency units, communication has been introduced as one of the elements of care in the emergency room. Therefore, special attention should be paid to effective communication between nurses, patients, their companions, and other care providers in the emergency units. 6 Studies conducted in Iran show that the nurse-patient relationship is not quite effective and is even reported to be weak at times. 8 , 9

The art of reflection encourages the person to search for and evaluate solutions in equivocal and complicated situations. 10 The experience of utilizing the reflection process in a clinical setting causes a sense of ownership towards the created knowledge in nurses, because they achieve this knowledge through focusing on their own experience, using creative methods. 11 The process of reflection starts when the person refers to his/her own experience and recollects what has occurred, reconsiders the experience, and reevaluates it. 12 This effective strategy also improves critical thinking and problem-solving skills in nurses. 13 Reflection is regarded as a proof of professionalism and is used as a skill related to clinical performance and professional behavior. 14 Reflective thinking in recent years has been considered as a learning strategy for nursing students while not being used by novice nurses in practice. 15 Studies have suggested that reflective thinking as a skill should be learned and used continuously. 16 , 17 In general, nurses should know how to have reflection on their clinical performance and practice it regularly.Evidence suggests that nurses may not be able to recognize the effects of reflection thinking on their professional development. 18 It seems there are some organizational barriers to hinder the use of reflective thinking. 19 , 20 The study by Asselin and Fain on the effectiveness of a continuing education program using individual narratives and group discussion showed that many of the participants couldn’t complete the process of reflection process. 21 Kim and colleagues in their study about the effects of a work-based critical reflection program for novice nurses recommended doing similar research with larger and more diverse samples.

Considering the effect of reflection on enhancing clinical activities and the importance of communication skills in advancing the therapeutic objectives and patient satisfaction and because patients are in a state of suspension and abeyance in emergency units, the best of the staff should be employed in these wards. Since university students have been the main target group of the studies conducted in Iran, and there has been no empirical evidence on the outcomes of reflective thinking among nurses in the emergency department, in this research we aimed to evaluate the effect of reflection on nurse-patient communication skills in emergency units.

Materials and methods

This single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted in nurses working in Sayyad Shirazi and Panj-Azar educational hospitals and west healthcare centers (Aqqala Al Jalil Hospital, Bandar Torkaman Imam Khomeini Hospital, Kordkuy Amir-Al-Momenin Hospital, and Bandar-e Gaz Shohada Hospital) with two parallel arms in 2015. The protocol of the study was approved by the ethics Committee of Golestan University of Medical Sciences (code: R.GOUMS. REC. 1394.73) and registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT201501277821N1). The inclusion criteria were a minimum of 6 months’ experience in the emergency units, holding B.Sc or M.Sc. Degrees in nursing, and a negative history of acute stressful events in the past six months (death of fist-degree relatives, use of drugs related to psychotic disorders).

Leaving the emergency units or working in other units for any reason during the study, acute physical or mental crisis during the study (death of relatives, divorce, hospitalization), and incomplete recording of the reflection notebook (less than 4 reflections) were regarded as the exclusion criteria of the study. The participants were given information on the protocol and aims of the study, data anonymity, and confidentiality of the results. Informed consent was obtained from all the participating nurses. The sample size of the study was calculated, using the following formula, considering a study conducted by Hemmati Maslakpak et al., 22 With regards to the above study and an estimate of 80-80% for desirable verbal and non-verbal communication in ICU nurses of Urmia (Iran), an increase of at least 20% in desirable verbal communication was expected to occur after the study. Therefore, considering P1=0.75 and P2=0.95, confidence interval of 95%, and power of 90%, 62 nurses were required in each group (a total of 124 nurses); however, all nurses were included in the study to increase the precision of the study. The participants were allocated to the intervention or control group, using random blocks with block sizes of 4 and 6 and an allocation ratio of 1:1. For allocation concealment, the type of intervention was written on a piece of paper, placed in dark envelopes and numbered sequentially.

The allocation sequencing was done by a person who was not involved in the recruitment, data collection, and analysis. If a participant met the inclusion criteria, his/her name was written on the envelope. The envelopes were opened by the researcher to allocate the participants to either the intervention or control group.

The census method was used to invite all eligible nurses (142 out of 158) who met the inclusion criteria to participate in the study. A random number table generated by the SPSS software was again used to allocate the nurses to intervention and control groups. After obtaining informed consents and before the intervention, the nurse-patient communication skills questionnaire developed by Hemmati Maslakpak et al., 22 was completed by the nurses in both groups. In their study the average content validity index (0.887) and reliability coefficient of the questionnaire (alpha-coronbach = 0.96) were confirmed.‏ In the present study the total Cronbach's alpha coefficient‏ of questionnaire was 0.919 and for different dimensions were as verbal: 0.884, non-verbal: 0.848, and patient-based safety skill: 96.03, which indicates an acceptable homogeneity.

The participants in both groups were requested to complete the questionnaire once more after eight weeks. Special notebooks were designed based on the Gibb’s reflective cycle, and were given to the intervention group for reflective writing. Code 0 was assigned to the control group (n=71) and code 1 was given to the intervention group (n=71). Blinding: This study was a single-blind trial; in other words, the research assistant who collected the questionnaires was not aware of the allocation. After coordination with the nursing office of the afore-mentioned health centers, the schedule of the rotating shifts of the nursing staff of emergency units was obtained and then a briefing session was held about the process of work. The participants completed the nurse-patient communication skills questionnaire. Nurses in the intervention group practiced reflection at least once a week for 8 weeks. Since the purpose of this study was not to analyze the participants' notes in detail, the handwritten notes were only checked for relevance in relation to the communication skills with patients. There was no specific guideline to determine the length of reflective writing and national and international studies have reported different periods, so their average was used in this study. In reflection, based on the Gibb’s model, although there is no need to require the participants to adopt a certain framework, the following guide may help a person organize their thoughts and feelings:

• What happened?
• What were your reactions and feelings?
• What was good or bad about the experience?
• What did you learn from this situation?
• What else could you do?
• What will you do if it occurs again? 23

According to the Gibb’s reflective cycle, the participants were asked to reflect on their clinical experiences and write their best and worst experience of communication with the patient and their companions, the most difficult moment, and the best moment. No intervention was applied in the control group. The participants completed the nurse-patient communication skills questionnaire before the study and also at the end of eight weeks, and then they were asked to complete the questionnaire. The collected data included demographic (age, sex, ethnicity, marital status) and occupational characteristics (work experience, type of employment, position, ward).

The questionnaire had three sections including verbal and non-verbal communication skills (21 questions) and patient safety-related communication skills (27 questions). The questions were scored, using a 5-point Likert scale as always (5 points), often (4 points), sometimes (3 points), rarely (2 points), and never (1 point).According to the total score, the verbal and non-verbal communication skills were categorized as weak (score: 21-48), moderate (score: 49-76), and good (score: 77-105), and patient safety-related communication skills were categorized as weak (score: 18-41), moderate (score: 42-65), and good (score: 66-90). A higher score indicated a better communication performance. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.96 for the whole questionnaire, 0.87 for verbal communication section, 0.92 for non-verbal communication section, and 0.95 for patient safety-related communication section. 22 The SPSS software, version 13 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) was used for analysis. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests were applied to evaluate data normality. To determine the difference between quantitative variables in each group, independent t-test and paired t-test were used if the data were distributed normally and Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests were used if the data distribution was not normal. P- values less than 0.05 were considered significant

The present study was conducted from September 2015 until January 2016. Of 158 eligible nurses, 142 met the inclusion criteria of whom 71 were allocated to the intervention group and 71 were allocated to the control group. Finally, the data of 122 participants were analyzed ( Fig. 1 ). The mean age of the participants was 29.97 (6.14) years, with 64.5% of the nurses in the control group and 60% of the nurses in the intervention group being female. There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics between the two groups ( Table 1 ).

Flow chart of the participants through each

a Mean (SD), b Mann–Whitney U, c Chi square, d n (%), e Chi-square for trend, f Fisher's exact test

The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to evaluate the normal distribution of quantitative continuous variables. Age, total work experience in hospitals, work experience in the emergency units, and nurse-patient communication skills had a non-normal distribution (P>0.05). A significant difference was observed in the score of verbal communication skills before and after the intervention in the intervention group (P<0.001) while the difference was not significant in the control group (P<0.418).

The difference in the score of non-verbal communication skills before and after the intervention was significant in the intervention group (P<0.001) while no significant difference was observed in the control group (P<0.413).

Moreover, there was a significant difference in patient safety related communication skills before and after the intervention in the intervention group (P<0.001); however, the difference was not significant in the control group (P<0104).

In general, a significant difference was seen in the total score of communication skills before and after the intervention in the intervention group (P<0.001) while no significant difference was observed in the control group (P<0.872) ( Table 2 ).

a Mann–Whitney U, b Wilcoxon

The main findings of this study show that the reflective writing had a positive effect on the nurses’ clinical communication abilities. A significant difference was observed in verbal, non-verbal, and patient safety-related communication skills before and after the intervention while the difference was insignificant in the control group.

This study assessed the effect of reflection on communication skills of clinical nurses for the first time in Iran. Most national studies on reflection, such as those conducted by Sedaghti et al., 24 Abedini et al., 25 and Dehghany et al., 26 have mainly been of observational types. Moreover, most of the studies investigating the nurses’ communication skills were descriptive or related to reflection in the students. The results of the present study are in line with previous research findings according to which work-based critical reflection program or reflective journaling by hospital nurses (through fellowship program) improved critical thinking skills, communication abilities, and job performance. 27 , 28

Fukui et al., showed that communication skills training improved the patients’ quality of life and increased the nurses’ job satisfaction. 29 With regards to weak communication skills in clinical environments and their potential effects on the nurses, interventions are required to enhance these skills. It seems that the traditional teaching methods are not effective enough. A study by Heaven et al., revealed that despite the effectiveness of educational workshop, it was comparatively less effective in clinical environment, indicating the need for more clinical supervision and intervention in practice. 29

Reflection enables the learners to search for their roles and responsibilities in an interdisciplinary context and enhance their verbal and teamwork skills. In the present study, among the three types of skills, verbal skills had the highest mean score after the intervention. Verbal communication skills are behaviors such as greetings, introducing to patients, and using open questions. It seems that the nurses had the highest score in their verbal skills because such behaviors are common in the practice.

The reflective writing helped nurses pay more attention to such apparently simple behaviors. Consequently, reflective thinking promoted positive social behaviors in communicating with their patients.

These findings are consistent with the results of a study by Lestander et al., in which the participants stated that their verbal communication skills with patients improved after three reflection sessions (two individual sessions and one group session), leading to their increased efficacy in the nursing profession. 30 A study by Pai et al., showed that simulated learning opportunities with feedback, debriefing, and guided reflection enhanced critical thinking, clinical judgment, verbal communication skills and caring skills. Therefore, self-reflection may play an effective role in improving the nurses’ verbal communication skills. 31 In that study, the participants also stated that reflective thinking helped them to use proper phrases to encourage patients to express their feelings or to try to provide training in plain and intelligible language. In a study by Abedini et al., on the effectiveness of reflection in clinical education, most of the students believed that reflection increased their communication and social skills. 25 Therefore, verbal skills are an important part of nurse-patient communication skills and accurate identification of factors affecting verbal skills is required to improve them. The results of the present study also showed the high score of non-verbal communication skills (such as proper eye contact with the patient, body gesture and head movements or listening to the patient) of the nurses working in the emergency rooms. In a study by Thomas et al., the majority of patients needed non-verbal communication. 32

Heinerichs et al., assessed the effect of non-verbal communication skills through videotaping and debriefing of clinical skills. The results showed non-verbal communication skills improved in 96% of the students and 98% of the students mentioned non-verbal communication skills as a proper means of communication. 33 Although, in the present study, before and after the intervention, the non-verbal communication skills of the nurses increased in the intervention and control groups, this difference was only significant in the intervention group, which could be due to the rethinking and contemplation of nurses in their daily experiences of communicate with patients. The results of the present study also showed that nurses had good patient safety-related communication skills. Similarly, the results of a study by Hemmati et al., showed that from the perspective of the nurses, patient safety was in a good level for most patients hospitalized in the intensive care units of educational hospitals. 22 However, some studies have reported contradictory results regarding patient safety. 33 , 34 The domain of patient safety-related communication skills has a direct association with clinical competency of the nurses and their professionalism, 27 which was significantly enhanced through reflection in our study. Pearson et al., noted that reflection by surgical residents improved their medical performance, communication, and professionalism. 35 Moghadami et al., evaluated the effect of reflection on nurse-patient communication skills in nursing students, but found no significant difference in the students’ therapeutic communication skills between the two groups. Although clinical reflection was associated with an increase in the mean score of therapeutic communication skills, the difference was not significant. 36 It is important for all nurses to possess communication abilities; therefore, those nurses working in the emergency unit are not exempt from this requirement. So, it is critical to help them improve their communication verbal and non-verbal abilities and patient safety through reflective writing, which is an easy and non-expensive approach.

The present study had certain limitations. Since the previous studies had not suggested a specific period for performing the narrative writing, a period of “eight weeks” was considered for the intervention based on the available evidence,. So it has to be admitted that a decrease or increase in this period could have been accompanied by other consequences not found in the present study. Due to mandatory rotating work shifts, the communication between the intervention and control groups was inevitable and there was a possibility of transmission of intervention into the control group. However, the fact that the participants had been selected from different hospitals (teaching hospitals, governmental hospitals), and from different cities of the same province can be considered as a strength of this research. Suggestions for further studies: It is suggested that in the future studies, the effect of group oral reflection on communication skills of nurses working in emergency units be investigated. Also, the effect of reflective narration on the patients’ safety and clinical errors and the other core clinical competencies can be studied. Exploring the effect of self-reflective narration through e-mail sounds interesting too. Implication for nursing: Every health care system should equip its nurses with good communication skills. Since reflective thinking leads to the development of critical thinking, it is expected that better decisions can be made by nurses in relation to patients, and better communications with patients can thus be established. It is, thus, recommended nurses’ administrators incorporate reflective writing into in-service training and use that as a tool for making sense in emergency units, learning and art in care practices.

The reflective writing not only had a positive effect on verbal, non-verbal and general communication skills, but also helped nurses to have better communication skills based on patient safety. In other words, reflection enables the nurses to support the patients more effectively in each stage and have a more prominent role in the health despite limitations in resources and the high work load. For these reasons, such a program could be considered an important tool for improving communication competency among nurses in emergency units. This educational approach emphasizes health, hopefulness, and positive thinking; therefore, it is consistent with the philosophy of nursing care and may be used in different situations like routine clinical care.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the education development center and deputy of Research, Golestan University of Medical Science, as well as the officials and emergency wards’ staff of the hospitals for their participations. This article was derived from a master thesis of at Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.

Ethical issues

None to be declared.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest in this study.

Citation: Pangh B, Jouybari L, Vakili MA, Sanagoo A, Torik A. The effect of reflection on nurse-patient communication skills in emergency medical centers. J Caring Sci 2019; 8 (2): 75-81. doi: 10.15171/jcs.2019.011 .

Self Reflection Essay

What goes through your mind when you have to write a self reflection essay? Do you ponder on your life choices, the actions you take to get where you want to be or where you are now? If you answered yes and yes to both of the questions, you are on the right track and have some idea on what a reflection essay would look like. This article would help give you more ideas on how to write a self reflection essay , how it looks like, what to put in it and some examples for you to use. So what are you waiting for? Check these out now.

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Defining Self

A person’s self that is different from the rest. On occasions it is considered as an object of a person’s view.

Defining Self Reflection

A self reflection is often described as taking a step back to reflect on your life. To take a break and observe how far you have become, the obstacles you have gone through and how they have affected your life, behavior and belief.

Defining Self Reflection Essay

A self- reflection essay is a type of essay that makes you express the experiences you have gone through in life based on a topic you have chosen to write about. It is a personal type of essay that you write about.  It makes you reflect on your life and journey to who you are today. The struggles, the fears, the triumphs and the actions you have taken to arrive at your current situation.

Tips on Writing a Self Reflection Essay

When writing a self reflection essay, there are some guidelines and formats to follow. But I am here to give you some tips to write a very good self reflection essay. These tips are easy to follow and they are not as complicated as some might believe them to be. Let’s begin. To write a good self reflection essay, one must first do:

• Think : Think about what you want to write. This is true for the title of your essay as well. Thinking about what to write first can save you a lot of time. After this tip, we move on to the next one which is:
• Drafting : As much as it sounds like a waste of time and effort, drafting what you are preparing to write is helpful. Just like in the first tip, drafting is a good way of writing down what you want and to add or take out what you will be writing later.
• State the purpose : Why are you writing this essay? State the purpose of the essay . As this is a self reflective essay, your purpose is to reflect on your life, the actions you did to reach this point of your life. The things you did to achieve it as well.
• Know your audience : Your self reflection essay may also depend on your audience. If you are planning on reading out loud your essay, your essay should fit your audience. If your audience is your team members, use the correct wording.
• Share your tips: This essay gives you the opportunity to share how you have achieved in life. Write down some tips for those who want to be able to achieve the same opportunity you are in right now.

How long or short can my self reflection essay be?

This depends on you. You may write a short self reflection essay, and you may also write a long one. The important thing there is stating the purpose of you writing your essay.

Writing a self reflection essay, am I allowed to write everything about my life?

The purpose of the self reflection essay is to reflect on a topic you choose and to talk about it.

Is there a limit of words to write this type of essay?

Yes, as much as possible stick to 300-700 words. But even if it may be this short, don’t forget to get creative and true in your essay.

A self reflective essay is a type of essay that people write to reflect on their lives. To reflect on a certain topic of their life and talk about it. Most of the time, this type of essay is short because this is merely to take a step back and watch your life throughout the beginning till the present time. Writing this type of essay may be a bit difficult for some as you have to dive deep into your life and remember the triumphs and the loss. The beauty of this essay though is the fact that you are able to see how far you have reached, how far you have overcome.

Self Reflection Essay Generator

Text prompt

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Write a Self Reflection Essay on a time you overcame a personal obstacle.

Reflect on your personal growth over the last year in your Self Reflection Essay.

Competence in Communication

This essay about communication competence discusses the importance of effectively exchanging information in various contexts. It highlights that communication competence involves not just the transmission of messages but also the adaptability to tailor communication strategies to different audiences and situations. The piece emphasizes the significance of understanding non-verbal cues, active listening, and the nuances of digital communication. It argues that mastering communication skills can enhance personal relationships, professional success, and foster deeper connections. Furthermore, the essay underscores the need for continuous learning and adjustment in communication practices, advocating for a reflective and intentional approach to improving one’s communication competence. It concludes by asserting that effective communication is not only about making oneself understood but also about understanding others, making it a crucial skill in today’s interconnected world.

How it works

In an age where interaction traverses the digital and the physical, mastering communication becomes pivotal. Yet, amidst the cacophony of voices and mediums, what does it truly mean to be competent in communication? Communication competence, a term that might seem laden with academic jargon, is actually an essential lifeline in our daily interactions, influencing everything from personal relationships to professional success.

At its core, communication competence refers to the ability to effectively exchange information with others. This involves not just the mere transmission of messages but ensuring these messages are received as intended.

The nuances of tone, the choice of words, and the timing of delivery all play crucial roles. However, this is just the surface. Competence extends into the realm of understanding and navigating the complex web of human emotions, cultural differences, and social contexts.

Consider the simple act of asking for a favor. In a direct approach, one might simply state the request. Yet, competence in communication recognizes that the effectiveness of this request might vary widely across different cultures or even within different social circles. In some contexts, a more indirect approach, perhaps framing the request as a mutual benefit, might be more successful. This adaptability, the ability to tailor communication strategies to specific situations and audiences, marks the essence of communication competence.

Moreover, communication is not a one-way street. Competence also encompasses active listening skills, the ability to read between the lines, and interpret non-verbal cues. It’s about engaging in a dialogue rather than a monologue, where feedback loops enrich understanding and foster deeper connections. It’s a dynamic process, requiring continuous learning and adjustment, as what works in one context might not in another.

In the digital age, communication competence also demands digital literacy. The platforms we use, from emails to social media, have their own norms and etiquettes. A message that is effective in a face-to-face conversation might not hold the same power in a tweet or a text. The digital landscape demands brevity and immediacy, yet clarity and empathy must not be sacrificed at the altar of conciseness.

The benefits of honing communication competence are profound. In personal relationships, it can bridge gaps, deepen connections, and resolve conflicts. Professionally, it can open doors, foster collaboration, and drive innovation. It’s about making oneself understood but also about understanding others, a reciprocal exchange that enriches both the sender and the receiver.

However, developing communication competence is not a passive process. It requires intentionality, reflection, and practice. It involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone, seeking feedback, and being open to change. It’s a journey of self-discovery, as much as it is about discovering others.

The landscape of human interaction is ever-changing, influenced by cultural shifts, technological advancements, and societal norms. Communication competence offers a compass in this landscape, guiding us towards more meaningful and effective interactions. It’s not merely a skill but a way of engaging with the world, a lens through which we can view our connections with others not as transactions but as opportunities for mutual growth and understanding.

In conclusion, communication competence is an invaluable asset in today’s interconnected world. It transcends the mere mechanics of speaking and listening, encompassing the ability to connect, empathize, and understand. As we navigate through an increasingly complex social fabric, the ability to communicate competently becomes not just desirable but essential. It’s a journey worth embarking on, for the rewards it brings are not just personal but collective, enhancing our interactions and enriching our communities.

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