Your Turn - Explore Communication

Reflect on what you’ve learned in this challenge and answer each question below related to the communication skill in the workplace. If you are not currently in a job, reflect on previous employment experiences. If you’ve never had a job, answer each question based on experience at school, home, or in a social setting. 

• Download the Touchstone doc (you’ll find the link on your course dashboard) and save it on your computer.
• Practice communication in one of these ways listed below.
• After you’ve practiced, open the Touchstone document and complete the reflection questions about the experience.
• Save your work. You won’t turn in the Touchstone document until after Challenge 5.

Here are some ways you can practice building your communication skill in your life right now. Select one to focus on for this challenge:

• Read writing that inspires you to think in new ways. Then, share what you learn with others online or in conversation.
• Practice explaining complicated ideas clearly and concisely. Twitter can help, as it forces you to keep your thoughts to 280 characters or less!
• Listen to podcasts or watch TED Talks to see how others communicate, or go to live talks in your community that will help you practice active listening.
• Recognize that there are opportunities every day to practice communicating, whether it‘s with your friends, relatives, or people in your community. All these life situations can easily translate into stronger workplace communication habits. Try reflecting by asking yourself: What am I really trying to say? What am I hoping to achieve by communicating with this person or group? Considering these questions can help you communicate more effectively and clearly and less reactively.