Portfolio of Communication
Enrolling for the course was my greatest horror based on the assumption that it is a complex one that would lead to an ultimate fail. Writing is something that I have always enjoyed throughout my academic life despite the fact that I always get disappointed. The communication efficiency has served as the utmost achievement I have achieved this semester, and I am very grateful. Unarguably, the legal profession today requires individual with the ability to skillfully and knowledgeable make reflections (Finch, 2013). Communication represents one of the most useful skills that is needed across different careers particularly within the Criminal Justice System. Reflecting on this course, I have come to the realization that my communication skills, particularly in writing, has generally improved. Throughout the course, I have evolved from a communicator with low confidence in a profession with unique writing skills. Thus, this portfolio seeks to demonstrate the communication skills that I have learned from this course as well as highlight some notable and essential improvements. The course has equipped me adequately with several communication skills such as confidence, clarity, and conciseness and writing skills as well as appropriate application of concepts as required.
Critical thinking and conciseness represent some of the most necessary skills for an effective communicator. Communication entails both written and oral skills. Every individual is likely to encounter issues while developing as the most successful communicator. My critical thinking and expressive skills have improved through the course. I have always boasted of being a critical thinker an assertion that emerged as inaccurate after joining this class. It is actually through this course that I have learned of the need and effective utilization of my critical and analytical capabilities. The improvement is shown by the assignment week seven assignment conducting an interview. The task required a formulation of interview questions on a friend which implies that critical thinking skills were necessary for determining the subject of the investigation first. The essay is a reflection of critical skills competency.
In the legal profession, presentation reports are very important in the analysis data or findings (Miller & Meinzinger, 2014). It is through this course that I have learned that effective presentations are precise and short. The ability to create successful presentations have evolved throughout the semester with the use of detailed notes and graphics. The improvement is generally demonstrated in week 2 PowerPoint presentation that addresses the subject of communication with the public. The slides are very brief and concise as needed with visible font and an appealing design. Also, the notes offer justification to the raised claims. It is also worth noting that before this course my confidence in communication both in oral and written reports was fragile. The weakness was attributed to the fact that I paid less attention to details and in most cases unable to efficiently interpret requirement. Through the course, I have learned the essence of confidence in being expressive. This is demonstrated in the hypothetical case report where the case was developed from self-thoughts and expressed firmly.
The ability to draft proper reports is also a skill that has improved over time. Week 9 police report has proven my enhanced abilities in developing compelling and convincing reports. Writing report is a necessary skill in the legal career, and thus, the ability to efficiently analyze the situation and come up with detailed reports is something that I am proud of. The course demonstrated that an effective communicator is an individual with the ability to show that adequate communication necessitates the ability to express concepts and ideologies confidently, precisely, briefly and adequately.
In conclusion, I have benefitted so much from this course, particularly with communication skills. With the increased ability to confidently and precisely communicate on reports and presentations, I cannot regret my enrollment to this course. Before this course, my communication experience was particularly weak, but it has advanced over time. I believe that the numerous assignment that this course has provided the opportunity for practice and enhancement. I believe that I am ready for more challenges given that I am equipped with the needed communication skills such as confide, critical and responsive skills. As a legal profession, the improvement I have acquired through the course is immeasurable.
References
Finch, E. (2013). Employability skills for law students. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Miller, R. L. R., & Meinzinger, M. (2014). Paralegal today: The legal team at work: the essentials. Australia: Delmar Cengage Learning.
