SKILL 1

TASK ONE: Short Story

Title: The Art of Understanding
Setting: A bustling café in my college town, filled with the
aroma of coffee and the chatter of students.
Characters:
 Emily: A shy, reserved art major, new to the college.
 Sam: A friendly, extroverted communication major, eager
to make friends.
The Challenge:
One afternoon, Emily sat alone at a corner table, sketching in
her notebook. Sam noticed her and approached, hoping to
spark a conversation. However, as he greeted her, Emily barely
looked up and responded with a soft, “Hi.” The lack of eye
contact and her hesitant tone made Sam unsure if she was
even interested in talking.
Sam felt the initial awkwardness but decided to persist. He sat
down and asked her about her sketches. Emily’s response was
still timid, her body language closed off; she crossed her arms
and focused on her drawing rather than engaging with Sam.
Resolution:
Noticing her discomfort, Sam shifted his approach. He shared a
story about his own artistic struggles, using humor and
animated gestures to create a more inviting atmosphere. He
leaned in slightly, maintaining eye contact, and encouraged
Emily with open-ended questions. Gradually, Emily began to
relax. Her body language shifted; she uncrossed her arms and
smiled at his stories.
Through active listening, Sam acknowledged her feelings,
asking if she ever faced similar challenges. This created a
sense of trust. As the conversation flowed, Emily opened up
about her passion for art and her fears of fitting in. They
discovered shared interests, transforming an awkward moment
into a meaningful connection.
Lessons Learned:
From this experience, I learned the importance of active
listening and the power of non-verbal cues. Sam’s ability to
adapt his communication style helped bridge the gap between
them. I reflected on how effective communication often
requires sensitivity to others’ feelings and readiness to adjust
one’s approach. This interaction taught me that building
rapport takes patience and understanding, essential skills in
any relationship.

TASK TWO: Non-Verbal Communication Observations

Observations Day:
Throughout my day, I consciously observed the non-verbal cues
in my interactions with classmates and friends.
Specific Instances:
1. Group Discussion: During a project meeting, one
classmate, Sarah, frequently glanced at her watch while
another spoke. This non-verbal cue indicated her
impatience or disinterest, contrasting with her verbal
agreement to collaborate.
2. Café Interaction: I watched a couple at a nearby table.
The way they leaned towards each other, maintained eye
contact, and smiled communicated affection, reinforcing
their verbal exchange of compliments.
Discrepancies Noted:
In another conversation, a friend expressed excitement verbally
about an upcoming event but crossed her arms and avoided
eye contact, suggesting anxiety or reluctance.
Influence of Non-Verbal Cues:
These observations highlighted how non-verbal communication
can sometimes convey a stronger message than words. The
discrepancies often clarified or complicated my understanding
of the interactions. I realized that paying attention to body
language can reveal underlying feelings and intentions.
Reflection:
This exercise reinforced the significance of non-verbal cues in
communication. I learned that being attuned to these signals
can enhance understanding and empathy in conversations,
allowing for more effective and meaningful interactions.

TASK THREE: Group Activity Reflection

Activity:
Our group was tasked with planning a community event. We
gathered in a study room, each bringing our ideas to the table.
Communication Dynamics:
As we brainstormed, it became evident that different
communication styles emerged. Some members, like Jake,
dominated the conversation, while others, such as Mia,
contributed more quietly. I noticed that Jake’s assertiveness
often overshadowed quieter voices, leading to frustration
among those who felt unheard.
Roles and Contributions:
Throughout the process, I took on the role of mediator,
encouraging quieter members to share their thoughts. I
suggested we go around the table for everyone to present their
ideas, ensuring all voices were included. This approach fostered
collaboration and respect among us.
Challenges Faced:
We faced challenges when disagreements arose about event
logistics. Some members were more focused on details, while
others prioritized the big picture. I facilitated a discussion to
clarify each person’s perspective, which helped us find common
ground and reach a consensus.
Lessons Learned:
This experience taught me that effective group communication
relies on inclusivity and active participation. Being mindful of
different communication styles can enhance collaboration and
lead to better outcomes. I reflected on how important it is to
create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard,
fostering teamwork and creativity in problem-solving.
SKILL 2
Task 1: Empathetic and Non-Judgmental Listening
Friend’s Experience: I spoke with my friend who was feeling
overwhelmed by work stress and personal issues. They
expressed feelings of anxiety about deadlines and pressure
from family expectations.
Impact Observed:
 My friend seemed relieved to share their thoughts. They
started off tense but gradually relaxed.
 They appreciated the lack of judgment and felt heard,
which encouraged them to delve deeper into their
feelings.
 After the conversation, they mentioned feeling lighter and
more supported.
Journal Reflection: Listening empathetically made me realize
the profound impact it has on someone's well-being. It
reinforced the importance of providing a safe space for others
to express themselves without fear of judgment. I learned that
sometimes, just being there is enough.

Task 2: Enhance Active Listening Skills

Selected Content: I listened to a podcast episode about
mindfulness and its benefits for mental health.
Key Takeaways:
 Mindfulness can reduce stress and improve focus.
 Techniques like deep breathing and meditation are
effective for cultivating mindfulness.
 The speaker emphasized the importance of being present
in daily activities.
Journal Reflection: This exercise sharpened my note-taking
skills. I found that actively listening helped me retain
information better. The speaker's tone and enthusiasm made
the content more engaging, showing me how important
delivery is in effective communication.

Task 3: Explore Emotional and Physical Effects of

Listening
Selected Music: I listened to a calming playlist featuring
instrumental music and nature sounds.
Impact on Mind and Body:
 I felt a sense of tranquility wash over me, reducing my
anxiety.
 My shoulders relaxed, and I noticed a decrease in tension
throughout my body.
 The sounds elevated my mood, fostering a sense of
connection to nature.
Journal Reflection: This experience highlighted how different
types of music can evoke various emotional responses. I
realized that listening is not just passive; it can be a
transformative experience that impacts both mind and body. It
reinforced my appreciation for sound as a tool for healing and
relaxation.

SKILL 3
TASK ONE: Self-Assessment
1. Context and Participants
Recently, I participated in a team meeting at work, consisting of
five colleagues, including my manager. The meeting was held
to discuss an ongoing project and identify challenges we were
facing.
2. Purpose of the Communication
The main purpose of the communication was to brainstorm
solutions to project delays, share updates on individual tasks,
and ensure everyone was aligned moving forward.
3. Feelings and Thoughts During the Interaction
During the meeting, I felt a mix of anxiety and eagerness. I was
anxious about presenting my ideas clearly but also excited to
contribute. As the discussion progressed, I noticed I was slightly
nervous, which made me speak faster than usual. I was also
concerned about how my suggestions would be received, given
the project’s pressures.
4. Outcome of the Communication
The meeting resulted in a productive discussion, and several
solutions were proposed, including adjusting deadlines and
redistributing tasks. My input was acknowledged positively,
which boosted my confidence. However, I realized that I need
to work on pacing my speech to ensure clarity.

TASK TWO: Evaluation

1. Clarity of Your Message
Overall, my message was clear, but I struggled with pacing.
Some ideas were articulated well, but my rapid speech
occasionally led to confusion.
2. Effectiveness of Your Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues
I maintained eye contact and used hand gestures, which helped
engage my audience. However, my nervousness might have
caused me to appear less confident, affecting the impact of my
message.
3. How Well You Listened and Responded to Others
I actively listened to my colleagues and responded
appropriately, reflecting their concerns in my replies. However,
I could have asked more follow-up questions to deepen the
discussion.
4. Areas Where You Excelled and Areas Needing
Improvement
Excelled: Engaging with the team and offering constructive
solutions.
Improvement Needed: Speech pacing and enhancing follow-
up questioning skills.

Improvement Plan
1. Specific Skills to Improve
 Tone Modulation: To convey confidence and clarity.
 Active Listening: To ensure deeper engagement and
understanding.
 Pacing: To avoid speaking too quickly.
2. Concrete Actions
 Practice Public Speaking: Join a local Toastmasters club
to improve my speaking skills.
 Seek Feedback: After meetings, ask colleagues for
feedback on my communication.
 Active Listening Exercises: Participate in group
activities that require listening and summarizing to
reinforce these skills.
3. Timeline for Implementing These Actions
 Next Month: Attend two Toastmasters meetings and ask
for feedback after each.
 Ongoing: Implement active listening techniques in daily
conversations, aiming for at least one follow-up question
per interaction.
 Three Months: Reassess my communication skills with a
colleague’s feedback and self-reflection on progress
made.
This structured reflection and improvement plan will help
enhance my communication abilities over time.
SKILL 4

TASK ONE: Self-Assessment

1. Context and Participants
Recently, I participated in a group project discussion with three
classmates. The discussion was held in a classroom setting,
intended to align our ideas for an upcoming presentation on
climate change.
2. Purpose of the Communication
The main purpose was to share our individual research findings,
brainstorm ideas for the presentation, and assign roles for each
member. We aimed to ensure that our final output was
cohesive and well-structured.
3. Feelings and Thoughts During the Interaction
I felt both excited and anxious. Excited because I was
passionate about the topic, but anxious about articulating my
ideas effectively and ensuring I didn’t dominate the
conversation. As the discussion progressed, I noticed moments
of hesitation when others spoke, making me worry that I wasn’t
listening actively.
4. Outcome of the Communication
The discussion was productive, and we successfully assigned
roles and planned our next steps. My ideas were well-received,
which boosted my confidence. However, I recognized the need
to improve my active listening skills to enhance collaboration.

Evaluation
5. Clarity of Your Message
My main points were generally clear, but there were instances
where I could have elaborated more on my ideas to provide
better context.
6. Effectiveness of Your Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues
I used appropriate gestures and maintained eye contact, which
helped convey my enthusiasm. However, my nervousness
occasionally affected my tone, making me sound less confident.
7. How Well You Listened and Responded to Others
While I did listen, I could have asked more follow-up questions.
At times, I was focused on preparing my next point rather than
fully engaging with my peers.
8. Areas Where You Excelled and Areas Needing
Improvement
Excelled: Contributing ideas and fostering a collaborative
atmosphere.
Improvement Needed: Active listening and elaborating on
my points for clarity.

Improvement Plan
1. Specific Skills to Improve
 Active Listening: To better engage with others’ ideas.
 Elaboration Skills: To provide clearer explanations of my
points.
 Confidence in Tone: To ensure my enthusiasm is
conveyed positively.
2. Concrete Actions
 Participate in Active Listening Workshops: To
practice and improve my listening skills.
 Engage in Group Discussions: Deliberately focus on
elaborating my points in smaller settings to build
confidence.
 Record and Review My Speaking: Analyze my tone and
pacing to make necessary adjustments.
3. Timeline for Implementing These Actions
  Next Month: Attend an active listening workshop and
practice in casual conversations.
 Ongoing: Engage in small group discussions weekly,
focusing on elaboration.
 Three Months: Reassess my communication skills
through peer feedback.

TASK TWO: Group Discussion

1. Overview of the Topic
My classmate and I chose the topic of renewable energy
sources for our group discussion exercise.
2. Key Takeaways from the Exercise
The exercise highlighted the importance of structure in
discussions. We learned to balance speaking time and ensure
that all voices were heard.
3. Insights Gained About Your Communication Style
I realized I tend to dominate discussions when I am passionate
about a topic. It’s crucial for me to create space for others to
contribute.
4. How You Plan to Apply These Insights in Real-Life
Situations
In future discussions, I plan to consciously encourage others to
share their thoughts and practice active listening by
summarizing their points before responding.

TASK THREE: Communication Strategies and Practice

1. Identify a Communication Challenge
One specific challenge I face is speaking up in meetings. I often
feel anxious and worry about interrupting others or not
articulating my thoughts clearly.
2. Research and Strategy Development
Techniques to Address the Challenge:
 Preparation: Review meeting agendas in advance to
formulate potential contributions.
 Practice Speaking Up: Role-play scenarios with a friend
to build confidence.
 Use of Notes: Jot down key points I want to share during
meetings.
Practical Tips:
 Set Small Goals: Aim to contribute at least once in each
meeting.
 Deep Breathing Techniques: To manage anxiety before
speaking.
Examples of Successful Communication: Leaders who
effectively engage their teams often share anecdotes and ask
questions to encourage participation.
3. Implementation
I applied my strategy in a team meeting at work. My goal was
to share an idea about improving our project workflow.
How I Implemented My Strategy: I prepared by reviewing
the agenda and writing down my key points. During the
meeting, I focused on my breathing and waited for a natural
pause to share my thoughts.
Outcome of the Communication: I successfully shared my
idea, and it was well-received. I felt more confident and realized
that my contributions were valuable.
4. Reflection and Adjustment
What Worked Well and Why: Preparation and deep
breathing helped me feel more at ease, allowing me to
articulate my thoughts clearly.
What Didn’t Work and Why: I still felt a bit rushed when
speaking. I need to work on pacing my delivery to ensure
clarity.
Adjustments for Future Interactions: I will practice slowing
down my speech and using pauses to gather my thoughts.
Overall Learning: This experience reinforced the importance
of preparation and self-awareness in effective communication.
Moving forward, I’ll continue to apply these strategies to build
my confidence in speaking up.