End of Theme Essay C100
| C-100 End of Theme Essay | | DDE-ILE: C1719 February 2013 | | |
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There have been a myriad of topics covered during the Intermediate Level Education Common Core (C100) portion that are beneficial to Field Grade officers in the Army. These include classes ranging from symbology to organizational structure to individual development plans. After careful consideration of all the lessons introduced in the C100 module, the most important and beneficial class that officers should use during their time in the Army and long after they get out is C171 Effective Communication. Several areas will be addressed in this paper: the importance of effective communication, things to consider while preparing and delivering the message, and tips on enhancing communication skills. This paper will show why Effective Communication will assist Field Grade officers in their duties over the next 10 years. Communication is the process of exchanging information. Information is conveyed not just as words but tone of voice, and body language as well. Studies have shown that words account for 7 percent of the information communicated. Vocal tone accounts for 55 percent and body language accounts for 38 percent. To be effective communicators, Field Grade Officers must be aware of these forms and how to use them effectively.1 The importance of effective communication cannot be over emphasized. The old adage of making a good first impression is directly related to how one communicates. An officer’s future boss will form an opinion first, based on their body language and then within the first couple of sentences that are spoken or written. Most officers know this but in spite of the increased importance placed on communication, many officers continue to struggle with this skill and are unable to effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively.
1United States Coast Guard, Effective Communication. www.uscg.mil. (accessed 3
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There have been a myriad of topics covered during the Intermediate Level Education Common Core (C100) portion that are beneficial to Field Grade officers in the Army. These include classes ranging from symbology to organizational structure to individual development plans. After careful consideration of all the lessons introduced in the C100 module, the most important and beneficial class that officers should use during their time in the Army and long after they get out is C171 Effective Communication. Several areas will be addressed in this paper: the importance of effective communication, things to consider while preparing and delivering the message, and tips on enhancing communication skills. This paper will show why Effective Communication will assist Field Grade officers in their duties over the next 10 years. Communication is the process of exchanging information. Information is conveyed not just as words but tone of voice, and body language as well. Studies have shown that words account for 7 percent of the information communicated. Vocal tone accounts for 55 percent and body language accounts for 38 percent. To be effective communicators, Field Grade Officers must be aware of these forms and how to use them effectively.1 The importance of effective communication cannot be over emphasized. The old adage of making a good first impression is directly related to how one communicates. An officer’s future boss will form an opinion first, based on their body language and then within the first couple of sentences that are spoken or written. Most officers know this but in spite of the increased importance placed on communication, many officers continue to struggle with this skill and are unable to effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively.
1United States Coast Guard, Effective Communication. www.uscg.mil. (accessed 3
Bibliography: Heckers, John, “Effective Communication”, Colorado Biz. 2 March 2011 Stennes, Barbara, “Importance of Effective Communication”, Resources Unlimited. 21 June 2011 Military Humor Quotes, “Secure the Building”, www.military-quotes.com (accessed 7 February 2013)