For each of the following, circle the phrase that best describes your ability. Be honest!

~ In general, I can get others to do what I want them to while maintaining a good relationship with them.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I write clearly; people tell me they understand what I’ve written, even when the information is complex. (In other words, what kinds of grades do you get on college-level writing assignments?)

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I get written work done on time; I do not have a hard time meeting writing assignment deadlines.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ The written work I produce accurately reflects my ideas; I can confidently communicate my ideas on paper.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I seek help with my written communication; I get friends or family or teachers to help me with letters and/or important letters.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I know how to edit my writing; I know how to use punctuation and actually use it properly when I write.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I know how to edit my writing; I spell words correctly and know when I need to consult the dictionary.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I know how to edit my writing; I understand how to write in standard English, using accepted grammatical conventions.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I can accept responsibility for my writing errors, mistakes or weaknesses; I accept the criticism instructors, friends or family offer me concerning my written work, and I incorporate this criticism into revisions or improvements.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I speak clearly in one-on-one situations; people understand what I have to say, even when the information is complex.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I speak clearly in small group situations; people understand what I have to say, even when the information is complex.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I speak confidently in one-on-one situations; I do well voicing my opinion.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I communicate well in small work groups; I offer my opinions but listen to others.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I contribute often to classroom discussions.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I am comfortable and confident speaking in class.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I conference with my instructors when I need additional help.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I conference with my instructors as a matter of course; I meet with them even when there are no problems.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I communicate anger and frustration in ways that produce desired results for both parties; I successfully resolve problems with others and come to productive conclusions.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I can BS well in casual social situations with coworkers.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I can BS well in casual social situations with other students (other than my house-mates).

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I can BS confidently, and appropriately, in casual social situations with superiors (bosses, professors etc).

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ I communicate confidently with those outside of my own social group, including people of the opposite sex, from different kinds of living groups, from different ethnic groups, from different countries (yes, assuming you speak some of the same language), with differing political or religious values etc.

Very Well, Thank You         Proficient in  Some Situations But Not Others (Describe)         Need Work                     Suck Massive Big Time

~ Which of the above is your strongest communication skill?

~ What three skills above will you most need to improve in order to meet your own personal or professional goals? List them in order of necessity:

1)

2)

3)

~ What should you do to improve these skills? The question is not what should you think but should you actively do; how will you actively work to strengthen the weakness?

~ How will you know when you have succeeded in strengthening these weaknesses; what evidence will prove you have succeeded and that the change didn’t just occur in your own fantasy world?