Life Lessons Courtesy of College - 9

Communication Is Key


With the impending graduation date looming over us, we approach the point where we need to start acting like the adults we are becoming. One key skill adults learn is the art of good and effective communication. Gone are the days where we were children and could cry or pitch a fit in an act to get what we wanted. No, now we have to use our words and be mature. Communication is not taught through text books or lectures, but rather through usage and practice. 

Coming into college, I had no sense of public speaking. I would get nervous standing in front of a class to present a project. After taking an "Intro to Public Speaking" class, I learned some effective skills that I could use and practice however the real skill I gained from this class was the confidence in myself and what I was talking about to no longer be nervous.This skill became very useful in the upper level classes I had to take for my major. In fact, one of my teachers actually complemented my presenting skills. I took this confidence to my internship this last summer when I had to present a project proposal to the head bosses at my office. I knew how to prepare and was confident in what I had with me that the bosses were actually impressed with me and my skills and eventually it turned out for the best with the full-time offer they gave me upon graduation. 

Public speaking isn't the only thing one learns in college. I learned how to conduct myself in a manner of professionalism and maturity when faced with conflict or situations I did not agree with. Younger and more immature me would have resorted to yelling at family or friends in times like this. However, with maturity I have learned how to calmly state what upset me and what I didn't agree with. This becomes important in the professional environment as well as you can not fly off the handle with things you disagree about. 

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