Improving Communication

Communication is a very important element within an organization.   In fact, communication is key to the organization’s success.   I have tested my communication skills with some online assessments and discovered my strengths and weaknesses.   I have researched ways to improve areas of my communication skills.   Becoming a proficient communicator will contribute to my success within an organization.
The online assessments I participated in asked questions about the way I communicate with others.   I was then asked to choose the best answer that described the way I believe I transmit data to others and how I receive the data.   Once the quizzes were complete, I was given a detailed explanation of my skills.   The outcome of each evaluation depicted me as having fairly good communication skills however there are areas where I can improve (“How Good”, n.d.).
There are several elements that go into being an effective communicator.   In the text, Baack discusses how communication varies among cultures these are catorgorized as lower-context cultures and higher-context cultures (2004).   “Lower-context cultures are characterized by explicit verbal messages where members value and have positive attitudes about words. The meaning of a message is mainly contained in the words themselves.”    The United States is considered to be a lower-context culture, while Asia is a higher-context culture (Baack, 2004).   “Higher-context cultures rely more on symbols and language with less explicit or spelled-out codes.   The meanings of these messages are mainly contained in the nonverbal components of the message” (Baack, 2004).   I would consider communication within an organization to be a combination of both context cultures.   A message can be sent using a direct verbal message, like in lower-context cultures, but components of higher-context cultures such as body language and facial expression are also very prevalent.  
One suggested way I can improve my communication skills is to be...