Basic HTML Version
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EARNING
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EARN
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ECOMING
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XPERIENCE
9: P
ERFORMING WHEN
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EING
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VALUATED
READING
Discussion of the Communication Methodology, continued
Step 9—Assess Message and Process
It is important to assess the message, the means of communication, and the entire communication process in
order to improve future performance. Written reports that identify strengths and areas for improvement and ask
for insight are helpful tools for assessment.
Jennifer called her aunt that evening to share about the presentation.
I’m SO glad that’s over! I can’t believe I forgot the top half of my notes and then spent nearly a
minute checkingmy purse and backpack for them. The other students seemed pretty patient, but it
was really embarrassing, especially when Professor Arbuckle told me to stop wasting time and just
get on with it! I think I did a decent job of presenting; I remembered to project my voice and once
I quit worrying about those notes, I actually remembered what I wanted to say. People seemed
interested, and I even saw a couple of people nodding though there was that guy who just yawned
and rolled his eyes when I showed the slideshow of famous teams. It didn’t help that Fred kept
smiling so much every time I looked at him, but it did remind me to remember to look interested
in what I was saying. I have a tendency to frown when I focus, so I guess it was good he’s such a
goof. I know I blew the pronunciation of a couple of the names; I feel really stupid about that and
wish that I’d spent a little bit of time checking how they should be pronounced. It was interesting
to have people ask questions afterward; I think I did OK in answering but still wish that I had read
all the material Fred found so that I could have responded in greater depth. They did appreciate the
Team Role Cards I handed out, and a couple of people thanked me afterward. Professor Arbuckle
just smiled, so who knows if that means he was entertained or what. I have no idea what our grade
will be, but I am looking forward to our final team meeting and assessment. I can do better than I
did this time; I know that. But maybe the others saw something I didn’t. It will be good to hear from
them.