Improving Personal Communication

No matter how adept we become in written communication, there is always room to improve upon what we are doing. Research continually underscores the importance of quality academic writing, as “an important aspect of academic performance as well as of subsequent work- related performance,” (Kellogg & Raulerson, 2007, p. 237). I would like to improve grammar, style, and tone in my writing. In terms of grammar, I would like to focus on some of the mistakes I make most commonly such as run-on sentences and misplaced modifiers.

Stylistically, I could use some changes to my writing to avoid sounding the same in all my communications. I need to adjust the style for different classes, different types of communications such as emails versus essays, and formal versus informal writing. Similarly, I would like to learn how to master the art of tone in writing. When I read good writing, it seems the author is speaking directly to me. I believe that effective communication is achieved via a conversational tone.

Even the audience for formal writing is human and therefore requires a human tone. Finally, I would like to be able to write well for different audiences and different situations instead of only being good at one type of writing. I plan to work on the issues in my writing by practicing more, taking classes, and seeking feedback. I also believe that the more I read, the better my writing will become.

To become a better writer, it is important to analyze what successful authors do and try to emulate their approach. However, it can be tricky to emulate without either plagiarizing or losing one’s own voice. Taking classes and receiving formal feedback on my writing will help me to avoid the most common pitfalls. I can find my own voice through practice, which will increase my confidence in personal and professional communications. Another good way to improve my writing in general is to read my work aloud.

Reading my work aloud makes it easier to spot problems in tone, style, and grammar. Writing About a Community Problem Considering the scenario in which I am having a casual conversation with a friend about the need for sidewalks in the neighborhood so the children can get to school safely, I might encounter several challenges. One challenge would be speaking with someone who disagrees with my perspective. To overcome this challenge, I need to practice the art of active listening, which requires empathy.

Instead of shutting out the other person because I disagree with their views, I should take the time to write down or seriously consider what they are saying and the points they are raising. As Mayer (n.d.) also points out, when disagreements arise, the best strategy is to transform objections into strengths, using each point of disagreement as an opportunity to improve my own case.

If I detect logical fallacies in my own or others, I need to be able to explain what those are and articulate my discomfort rather than react emotionally. The art of persuasion depends on the ability of both parties to listen as well as speak, to be willing to have a dialogue instead of a monologue.

Another challenge I might have when writing a persuasive essay would be to maintain the optimal balance between pathos, ethos, and logos, all of which are essential for making a strong logical argument (Weida, Stolley, 2013). Pathos refers to the emotional power of my argument. In this case, it would be related.