Introduction

This reflection covers three of the most impactful and useful themes in the

Communications Foundation course. This course is of great value to student as it provides

important lessons on the types of communication needed to become a successful student and

future employee. There are three key themes discussed in this reflection including “Digital

Communications”, “Verbal Communication”, and “Listening Skills and Nonverbal

Communication”. This reflection will include an in-depth description of the importance of each

theme, how it is applied, and how students can become successful in learning these topics.

Theme 1: Digital Communication

The first theme of value and usefulness that was part of the Communications

Foundations course was the topic on “Digital Communication”. In this themes content, the class

learned about the importance of digital skills and how essential it is for success in the

workforce. Digital communications include the ability to write professional emails, memos, and

any other routine work-related messages being sent. When writing professional emails, it is

required that slang words and abbreviations are avoided. Young people were brought up with

technology and have become very experienced in the use of digital technology. Although,

according to the book “Professional Communication” (Ashman et al., 2019), having the comfort

with technology also comes with years of bad habits that are deeply rooted, causing an

unprofessional language that needs to be rewired in young minds.

 Netiquette and social media are also a major part of the “Digital Communication” we

partake in regularly. Again, according to “Professional Communication” (Ashman et al., 2019),

the information we post on social media accounts can leave a lasting impression, regrettable

ones not being so easy to undo. There has been plenty of circumstances in the celebrity world

where a post from years ago gets brought us, ruining the individuals reputation. It is the same

for individuals coming into the workforce. A potential employer may decide to look into your

social networks since it says a lot about individuals as a professional, and employers do not

want bad reputations effecting their organization.

By taking these lessons and applying them, a professional image is kept. From the email

practises from this course, students are able to send professional emails without errors,

keeping a professional tone that is sure to impress future employers. Also, having the logic to

monitor social media posts will keep from mistakes being brought up in the future. Eliminating

inappropriate posts will keep students’ professional image, leading to success in joining the

workforce. The most important advice for future student learning about “Digital Technology”

would be to check your social media accounts for anything that could possibly leave someone

with a negative impression, because it could cost them a job in the long run.

Theme 2: Verbal Communication

Another important theme taught in Communication Foundations is “Verbal

Communication”. This theme covers what types of communication needs to be avoided;

examples include cliché, jargon, slang, euphemisms, doublespeak, and offensive language.

These types of speech are unprofessional and may offend others. Being well-spoken and

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confident gives a good impression. Your tone of voice also impacts the listener. According to

“Soft Skills for the Workplace” by the Goodheart-Willcox Company (2018), the tone of your

voice is almost just as important as what you are saying, it is easier to get the message across if

there is a positive tone rather than a negative one. How you verbally communicate is a huge

part of what makes individuals successful in their career as everything you want, or need is

almost always done through verbal communication.

By learning about the barriers to communication, we can practice our professional

verbal communication and avoid these barriers. For future students, by avoid jargons, slang

words, and offensive language, they can adapt to a vocabulary that include proper English. By

practicing this at work and school, it will become easy as they enter into the workforce, which

will contribute towards a successful business future.

Theme 3: Listening and Nonverbal Communication

The last theme with the most impact and value is “Listening and Nonverbal

Communication”. In week six, under Theory and Practice, Dean states research suggest that

97% of communication has to do with the way we deliver our messages in various forms of

nonverbal communication. According to the article, “Nonverbal Communication Skills List and

Examples” by Alison Doyle (2020), nonverbal communications can include body language, eye

contact, and facial expressions, gestures or personal space. Being a good listener is also just as

important as being a good speaker. It is a huge part of the communication process. There is

passive listening, which is casual listening, you are not completely paying attention to what is

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being said; and there is active listening, which is when you are fully engaged in what another

individual is saying.

As a student, this theme has become a very useful one. For the future duration of

school, it will become essential to practice listening skills and nonverbal communication. To

improve listening skills, students should practice active listening skills. When listening to others,

including friends, coworkers, teachers, etc., students should put aside any distractions such as

their phone, use facial expressions and eye contact to show you are engaged, and wait until the

speak is done talking, and follow up with questions or comments to show your engagement.

For future students, practicing active listening, as well as paying attention to non-verbal

communications in their self and others, will help guide them towards a professional image.

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References:
Ashman, M., Dunphy, B., Stracuzzi A., Smith J., ECampusOntario. (2019). 6.1: Emailing; 6.2:

Netiquette and Social Media. Professional Communications: A Common Approach to

Work-place Writing (First ed., pp. 325-341). London, Ontario: ECAMPUS PRESSBOOKS.

Doyle, A. (2020, September 17). Nonverbal Communication Skills List and Examples. The

Balance Careers. https://www.thebalancecareers.com/nonverbal-communication-

skills-2059693

Goodheart-Willcox Company. (2018). Chapter 7: Verbal and Non-verbal Communication. In Soft

Skills for the Workplace (First ed., pp. 54-57). Tinley Park, Illinois: Goodheart-Willcox

Company.