Identify a specific communication behavior in a particular context that best exemplifies for you either a) a behavior that you can focus on for future enhancement with regards to competency or b) a behavior that you are currently in the process of enhancing with regards to competency.

Here are the steps in writing this paper:
1. Identify a specific communication behavior in a particular context that best
exemplifies for you either a) a behavior that you can focus on for future
enhancement with regards to competency or b) a behavior that you are currently in
the process of enhancing with regards to competency.
2. Identify the specific component(s) of communication competency that are the focus
of your enhancement efforts (effectiveness, appropriateness, or both) and the
related practice(s) (self-awareness, self-monitoring, adaptability, empathy,
vulnerability, accountability, cognitive complexity).
3. The steps taken (or steps to take) to enhance your communication competency.
After you have thought about the communication behavior and the aspect of communication competency and related practices, address the following items:
1. Describe the current SPECIFIC behavior (verbal, nonverbal, listening, or
combination) for enhancement. When describing the behavior, you will want to
identify
The specific behavior. You will want to provide detail regarding the behavior. For
example, listening is a very broad behavior. A more specific explanation would be
detailing how you have a tendency to only be a relational listener, and dont vary
the type of listening behavior you use. Additionally, you may also tend to engage
in stage-hogging and continually bring the examples back to your own
experiences.
The context: Where does this behavior occur? Is it only in one type of
relationship (for example, in your family), or does it occur across all of your
relationships? When does this behavior occur? Is it only during specific
interactions (for example, in conflict situations) or it is across a variety of
situations (for example, in conflict situations, when you receive compliments,
when someone makes a request of you).
2. Identify what aspects of competency are tied to the behavior. For example, going
back to my listening example, being flexible in listening styles would make one both
more effective and appropriate. Additionally, being more flexible in listening styles
would be a development in adaptability.
3. In order to make enhancements in behavior, it is important to consider both WHY
the behavior occurs and WHAT the effects are of the behavior. In explaining WHY
the behavior occurs as it does, you will want use specific course concepts and/or
theories to the origins of the behavior.
4. In order to make enhancements in behavior, it is necessary to have a HOW
statement. To get to a HOW statement, you should be able to clearly state: By
enhancing X behavior, I will be able to accomplish Y outcome. Therefore, you
should be able to identify goals regarding:
Self: How does enhancing this behavior affect how the other views you? How
does enhancing this behavior affect how you see yourself? Be able to identify
specific identity management outcomes (e.g., I will be seen as more intelligent
because…., or I will be seen as more caring because).
Relationship: How does enhancing this behavior affect the relationship? Be able
to identify a specific relationship outcome.
5. To be able to accomplish goals, specific action plans are necessary. What are your
communication action plans? Identify:
The specific verbal, nonverbal behaviors that will enable you to reach your goals.
Why are these behaviors more effective in accomplishing your goals than the
current behaviors?
The specific ideas/concepts/theories learned in the course that will enable you to
accomplish these goals. Be able to explain how and why these concepts will
enable you to accomplish your desired goals.
Paper mechanics:
1. Traditional paper format:
Introduction, Body, Conclusion
Full-sentences
2. 12 point fontchoose from Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman
3. There is not a specific length to the paper. The paper should answer all 5 of the
numbered items above. You should expect the paper to be a minimum of 7
paragraphsintroduction, paragraphs addressed 1-5, conclusion. These
paragraphs translate to approximately 3-4 pages.
4. You do not have to do research for this paperyou can reference the text and your
notes. If you use any additional source or if you use direct quotes for explanations of
concepts, then you will need to properly cite these sources.
5. Papers will be assessed on the ability to accurately apply course concepts to daily
experiences, quality of writing, and thoroughness of answers.

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