Communications Goal essay
IDST 100 Lab
Learning Portfolio September 20, 2013
The first goal that I am making for myself is really an ongoing goal for the semester, and I want to complete it by year end. I will also be reflecting on this in some of my future portfolios and SMART goals in the coming weeks. This goal is to improve my overall confidence in being able to speak and communicate with people. I grew up in a time and family situation when open communication, and especially dealing with emotional issues was less than ideal, and even frowned upon. Because of this, I have normally opted for staying quiet and not saying anything at all, rather than voicing how I feel about things, or even being able to communicate effectively without the fear of rejection and judgement.
Some of the key areas that I feel I need to work on are: letting go of that fear, and having the courage to say what I think without the worry of external judgement; identifying which types of situations make me uncomfortable and then changing my thoughts and inner dialogue accordingly; and slowing down when I am talking to people or having a conversation, as I tend to talk fast when I am nervous, trying to conclude the event. I also want to increase my vocabulary so that I am able to use the right words in conversations.
Page 2
Although it has only been a week since the first lab and I made this goal, I have been able to start practising these problems in a number of ways. One, of course, is the classes that I am taking here at the college, that are all helpful in my ability to get out and meet new people, but also at my part time job at the front desk of a local hotel. This position requires me to engage in small talk and casual conversations with the guests, that may not always be in my comfort zone. I have found that simple things such as always smiling and keeping eye contact make the conversation go more smoothly, and also can eliminate the awkward silences that can
Learning Portfolio September 20, 2013
The first goal that I am making for myself is really an ongoing goal for the semester, and I want to complete it by year end. I will also be reflecting on this in some of my future portfolios and SMART goals in the coming weeks. This goal is to improve my overall confidence in being able to speak and communicate with people. I grew up in a time and family situation when open communication, and especially dealing with emotional issues was less than ideal, and even frowned upon. Because of this, I have normally opted for staying quiet and not saying anything at all, rather than voicing how I feel about things, or even being able to communicate effectively without the fear of rejection and judgement.
Some of the key areas that I feel I need to work on are: letting go of that fear, and having the courage to say what I think without the worry of external judgement; identifying which types of situations make me uncomfortable and then changing my thoughts and inner dialogue accordingly; and slowing down when I am talking to people or having a conversation, as I tend to talk fast when I am nervous, trying to conclude the event. I also want to increase my vocabulary so that I am able to use the right words in conversations.
Page 2
Although it has only been a week since the first lab and I made this goal, I have been able to start practising these problems in a number of ways. One, of course, is the classes that I am taking here at the college, that are all helpful in my ability to get out and meet new people, but also at my part time job at the front desk of a local hotel. This position requires me to engage in small talk and casual conversations with the guests, that may not always be in my comfort zone. I have found that simple things such as always smiling and keeping eye contact make the conversation go more smoothly, and also can eliminate the awkward silences that can