Communication Skills Self-Assessment Comments
Definition: Communication skills encompass the ability to effectively convey ideas, emotions, and information through clarity, audience awareness, and responsiveness while maintaining professionalism and openness. Strong communicators use multiple methods to connect with others, adapting their approach to suit diverse audiences and ensuring messages are succinct, timely, and impactful. By being attentive, energetic, and persuasive, they excel in delivering presentations, coaching others, and fostering collaboration, empowering teams to achieve shared goals and organizational success.
Flexibility
Adaptability
Creativity
Accountability
Action
Bias for Action
Integrity
Self Management
Passion To Learn
Continual Learning
Continual Improvement
Creativity
Professional Development
Feedback
Punctuality
Attitude
Cultural Awareness
Emotional Intelligence
Survey Questionnaires with Communication Skills:
Survey 1 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 2 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 3 (5-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Survey 5 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 6 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 7 (5-point scale; competency comments; N/A)
Survey 8 (3-point scale; Agree/Disagree words; N/A)
Survey 9 (3-point scale; Strength/Development; N/A)
Survey 10 (Comment boxes only)
Survey 11 (Single rating per competency)
Survey 12 (Slide-bar scale)
Survey 1 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 2 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 3 (5-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Survey 5 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 6 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 7 (5-point scale; competency comments; N/A)
Survey 8 (3-point scale; Agree/Disagree words; N/A)
Survey 9 (3-point scale; Strength/Development; N/A)
Survey 10 (Comment boxes only)
Survey 11 (Single rating per competency)
Survey 12 (Slide-bar scale)
The statements below can be used in your self-assessment (self-feedback) or performance appraisal as examples to demonstrate your "communication skills". Having good communication skills means you are aware of the target audience and adjust your message appropriately. You are open to receive communication and are attentive to others. People with good communication skills are willing to express themselves and open to ideas from others. They are responsive when others are seeking information. It is important to be clear, concise and accurate in your communications.
Audience Awareness
Audience Awareness is about how someone shapes and delivers their communication before and during an interaction. It reflects their ability to choose the right medium, adjust language and terminology, tailor tone and style, and present information in a way that fits the needs, preferences, and background of the audience. This skill is proactive and strategic: the communicator anticipates what the audience needs (clarity, simplicity, detail, confidentiality, urgency) and adapts accordingly. Audience Awareness is fundamentally about designing communication for maximum impact by meeting the audience where they are.
- I chose the communication medium (ie. email, voice mail, memo, project document) that reflected the needs of the content. (ie. urgency, confidentiality, content scope)
- I adapted language and terminology to meet the needs of the audience.
- I considered the audience in how the communication is presented.
- I understood the preferences of the intended audience.
- I understood and adjusted presentations to the needs of the audience.
- I understood and adjusted delivery of communications to maximize impact.
- I tailored the language, style, and medium of communication to meet the needs of the recipient.
- I used multiple methods of communication.
- I tailored writing to the intended audience.
- I tailored oral communications to the intended audience.
- I explained complex concepts clearly, using terms/style appropriate for the audience
Available
Available refers to a person's presence, accessibility, and responsiveness. It captures how reachable and approachable someone is--whether they maintain an open-door policy, keep regular communication with the team, are visible and dependable, and make it easy for others to come to them with questions or issues. The emphasis is on being present and ready to assist, both physically and digitally, through consistent check-ins, clear availability signals, and a supportive, approachable demeanor. In essence, availability answers the question: "Can I reach you when I need you?"
- I was approachable, dependable, and ready to assist when needed.
- I maintained an open-door policy to be available for answers and guidance when needed.
- I kept an open-door policy to provide support and guidance.
- I communicated regularly with the department.
- I was someone anyone could go to when they had a problem or issue.
- I frequently communicated with the team.
- I set my on-line status to "available" to indicate they are available for communication.
- I kept open and regular communication with others.
- I was approachable and accessible when needed.
- I marked my status as "available" to signal I was open for communication.
- I am visible and approachable; is there when others are in need.
- I am visible and approachable.
- I kept open and regular communication with team members.
Attentive
Attentive is the ability to listen carefully, stay present, avoid interrupting, ask clarifying questions, and demonstrate genuine interest in the other person's perspective. This skill is reactive and relational: the communicator focuses on understanding the speaker's ideas, emotions, and concerns, and responds thoughtfully to show that the conversation matters. Attentiveness is fundamentally about absorbing and engaging with what others say in a way that builds trust and understanding.
- I listened to others' points of view with an open mind
- Asked follow-up questions as needed.
- I listened actively & speaks clearly and directly.
- I listened attentively and without interrupting team members and customers
- I listened attentively and responded thoughtfully, showing I valued the conversation.
- I accurately attended to/understood ideas which are exchanged.
- I am listening to both sides in employer/employee disputes
- I listened carefully.
- I understood the core issues of the conversation.
- I took time to listen to others
- I listened and understand
- I listened effectively.
- I listened well
Open
Open describes how a person communicates once that interaction begins. It reflects their willingness to articulate thoughts and emotions clearly, maintain eye contact, face the person they're speaking with, and engage in direct, honest dialogue. Openness also includes receptiveness (welcoming feedback, input, and concerns from others) and expressing their own concerns transparently. It's about emotional clarity, two-way communication, and genuine engagement. Openness answers the question: "When we talk, are you candid, receptive, and engaged?"
- I welcomed input and suggestions from others.
- I was open to receiving feedback from others.
- I was willing to express my concerns to colleagues.
- I was willing to communicate issues and concerns to colleagues.
- I made eye contact with the people I spoke with.
- I articulated ideas and emotions clearly to others.
- I faced the person when speaking or listening to engage in direct communication.
- I maintained eye contact to foster direct communication.
- I was willing to accept feedback from others.
- I am effective in communicating thoughts and feelings to others.
Responsive
Responsiveness emphasizes engaging and acting upon information received. It includes addressing questions or concerns accurately and promptly, overcoming barriers to communication, and acknowledging understanding through active listening techniques. This dimension is about not only listening effectively but also providing meaningful and timely answers or solutions that reflect the needs of the speaker.
- I am an effective listener who is responsive to information needs.
- I addressed issues of key importance to stakeholders.
- I responded to questions with accurate and complete answers
- I received and answered questions - on the spot and have a willingness to address the tough questions.
- I took on challenging questions and provided instant answers.
- I listened effectively and responded to new information.
- I overcame barriers that prevented effective communication.
- I responded to critical concerns of stakeholders.
- I acknowledged an understanding of what the other person is saying.
- I used active listening techniques (e.g., paraphrasing, reflecting, open-ended questions) to ensure successful communication
Clarity
Clarity focuses on organizing ideas logically, explaining concepts in a straightforward way, and ensuring the listener or reader grasps the message without confusion. Someone demonstrating clarity structures information well, articulates ideas fluently, simplifies complex topics into digestible parts, and uses language that is accurate, appropriate, and comprehensible for the audience. The emphasis is on intelligibility--the message is complete, coherent, and logically presented so the audience fully understands what is being communicated.
- I delivered information in a straightforward and comprehensible manner.
- I communicated clearly and get to the point without unnecessary details.
- I speak clearly, fluently, and in a compelling manner to both individuals and groups.
- I presented information in a clear and logical format.
- I articulated ideas clearly and assertively.
- I clarified problems logically, simplifying complex matters into digestible parts.
- I delivered information in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
- I communicated a clear understanding of the subject at hand.
- I demonstrated clear verbal and written communication skills
- I created reports that are clear and persuasive.
- I organized ideas for better clarity.
- I wrote in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate grammar, style, and language for the reader.
- I communicated clearly and concisely in writing (e.g., professional correspondence is well-organized, to the point, and uses correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar)
- I consistently spoke clearly.
- I clarified complex or technical information.
- I clarified words or statements to gain better understanding of the message.
- I communicated project information accurately and clearly.
Succinct
Succinct is about communicating efficiently through brevity, focus, and the elimination of unnecessary detail. Someone who is succinct distills complex ideas into their essential components, highlights only the key issues, and delivers instructions or explanations in a brief, streamlined manner. The emphasis is on economy of words--the message is tight, focused, and free of extraneous information, allowing the audience to grasp the core point quickly without wading through excess content.
- I deconstructed complex issues into understandable segments.
- I made the complex simple.
- I transformed complicated ideas into simple ones.
- I distilled complex ideas into simple, understandable components.
- I eliminated unnecessary details when giving instructions.
- I produced written content that was both succinct and orderly.
- I delivered clear and concise instructions.
- I communicated with clarity and brevity.
- I provided straightforward and brief directions.
- I presented issues, ideas, and strategy concisely and clearly.
- I was able to communicate ideas effectively and succinctly to both individuals and groups, in any setting.
- I conveyed ideas confidently and succinctly.
- I focused communications on the relevant key issues.
- I expressed ideas clearly and concisely to individuals and groups, in both formal and informal settings
- I explained issues logically, breaking down complex issues into manageable pieces of information
- I wrote in a concise and organized manner.
Effective
Effective emphasizes impact and comprehensiveness. It encompasses broader elements of successful communication, including preparing influential presentations, addressing critical issues, and using non-verbal cues effectively to complement verbal exchanges. This dimension reflects the ability to adapt communication styles to different audiences and situations, ensuring the message resonates and achieves its intended purpose.
- I communicated effectively with colleagues and customers
- I am an effective communicator
- I communicated effectively with all levels of the organization.
- I effectively and regularly communicated regarding issues that are critical to the team
- I took steps to prevent interruptions when important issues are being discussed
- I used effective non-verbal communication (e.g., eye contact, nodding, gestures, etc.)
- I communicated effectively with colleagues.
- I effectively prepared and deliver presentations influentially.
- I communicated effectively.
- I communicated well
- I communicated effectively with colleagues and partners.
Communicates With Superiors
Communicates With Superiors focuses on engaging with higher-level leadership effectively and confidently. This dimension emphasizes clear and professional communication with management, providing updates on progress, achievements, and goals, and maintaining seamless communication across all organizational levels, including external stakeholders. It reflects the ability to ensure that leadership is well-informed and aligned with team efforts, fostering trust and collaboration at the executive level.
- I communicated with department leadership
- I kept the supervisor informed about achievements and milestones.
- I confidently interacted with all tiers of the organization.
- I confidently communicated across all organizational levels, including external stakeholders.
- I facilitated seamless communication across all management levels.
- I effectively engaged with everyone from the CEO to external partners.
- I have the confidence to communicate effectively to all levels (from ceo down) of the organization, external customers, suppliers, as well as the senior counsel of other companies.
- I engaged in clear communication with both senior and junior management.
- I informed supervisor about progress made on goals and objectives.
- I reported progress on goals to the supervisor.
- I communicated effectively with management, both upward and downward.
- I communicated with college leadership
- I have the confidence to communicate effectively to all levels (from ceo down) of the organization.
Coaches Others
Coaches Others centers on mentoring and developing team members through feedback and guidance. This dimension emphasizes providing constructive feedback, enhancing communication skills, and delivering impactful training to help others grow and succeed in their roles. It highlights the role of a leader or mentor in empowering employees by showing how their work aligns with organizational goals and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- I coached others and provides feedback on the use of different oral communication styles for different audiences
- I conducted impactful training sessions.
- I coached others on their written communication skills
- I mentored others on enhancing their written communication.
- I readily offered feedback, even if it involved tough critiques.
- I was willing to give feedback to others even if that feedback was critical of their approach.
- I delivered influential training.
- I communicated to employees how their jobs/ works/ goals relate to organizational goals
- I showed employees how their work contributes to the success of the organization.
Confirms Communication
Confirms Communication is about the quality of the exchange--verifying comprehension, summarizing key points, paraphrasing questions, recapping action items, and checking throughout a conversation that everyone is aligned. This skill prevents misunderstandings by actively confirming what was said, what was meant, and what needs to happen next. Someone strong in this area closes the loop during discussions, making sure clarity, shared understanding, and execution are all secured before the conversation ends.
- Checked for understanding throughout conversations or group presentations/discussions
- I verified understanding throughout discussions.
- I provided followup information and sought to avoid misunderstandings.
- I ensured comprehension during conversations or group presentations.
- I summarized the question to verify comprehension.
- I recapped action steps from meetings to ensure clarity and execution.
- I summarized or paraphrased the current question to confirm understanding.
- I reviewed any "action steps" resulting from meetings or conversations before concluding to ensure clarity and that plans will be executed
- Checked for understanding throughout conversations or group discussions
Communicates Goals/Vision
Communicates Goals/Vision emphasizes strategic communication tied to organizational direction and objectives. It focuses on articulating corporate initiatives, project goals, and the vision of the organization in a way that aligns efforts and inspires teams. This dimension highlights the leader's ability to set expectations, communicate progress on business goals, and ensure clarity regarding resources and organizational priorities.
- I communicated the vision of the organization to all employees
- I communicated goals of project, resources required, resources available, etc. to the team
- I communicated Corporate initiatives in a relevant and actionable manner to employees within my organization.
- I wrote appropriately within organizational guidelines and values.
- I communicated progress on business goals to team and upper management
- I let people know what is expected of them.
Sharing
Sharing centers on distributing information and fostering collaboration. It involves informing others about changes, developments, or ideas, discussing concepts with peers, and explaining the reasoning behind actions and decisions. This dimension emphasizes openness and the flow of information to enhance mutual understanding and teamwork.
- I communicated crucial information to others.
- I shared important information with others.
- I notified others about developments in plans and goals.
- I provided the reasoning behind choices and actions.
- I communicated concepts and ideas to others.
- I discussed ideas and concepts with peers.
- I updated others on changes or progress in plans and goals.
- I informed others about changes or developments in plans and goals.
- I explained reasons behind decisions and actions.
- I shared concepts and ideas with others.
Professionalism
Professionalism focuses on conduct and demeanor in communication. It involves maintaining a respectful tone, using polite language, and exercising self-control, ensuring interactions are always appropriate and considerate. This dimension emphasizes creating a positive impression, fostering mutual respect, and avoiding behaviors that undermine others or the conversation.
- I presented my message with professionalism.
- I am professional at all times--never ridiculing, mocking or undermining peers or subordinates.
- I used polite language and shown respect for others' opinions and time.
- I maintained a formal and respectful tone, avoided use of slang or overly casual language.
- I maintained self-control in conversations.
- I maintained good contact with others when speaking.
Timely
Timely is about when communication happens reflecting a person's ability to respond promptly, meet communication-related deadlines, and share updates or changes quickly enough for others to act on them. Timeliness is about respecting others' schedules, ensuring information arrives when it's needed, and preventing delays that could disrupt work. Timely focuses on speed and responsiveness--getting the right information to the right people at the right moment.
- I responded in a timely manner, respecting deadlines and others' schedules.
- I communicated changes to team members in a timely manner
- I communicated company/market changes to appropriate team members in a timely manner
Expertise/Competence
Expertise/Competence highlights technical skill and proficiency in delivering communication. It includes using tools like software and graphics to clarify complex ideas, handling difficult messages appropriately, and preparing communications that meet legal or technical standards. This dimension focuses on the accuracy, effectiveness, and capability required to convey information clearly and professionally.
- I used software, graphics, or other aids to clarify complex or technical reports.
- I prepared effective external communications, using basic familiarity of legal requirements and limitations
- I delivered difficult messages to co-workers in an appropriate manner
- I supported communication systems recently implemented.
- I dealt with difficult situations calmly and confidently.
- I delivered difficult/sensitive messages to co-workers in an appropriate manner
- I used correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Energetic
Energetic focuses on delivering messages with enthusiasm and vibrancy. It emphasizes the speaker's ability to convey excitement, passion, and a sense of urgency, which captures the audience's attention and conveys the importance of the message. This dimension highlights the tone, conviction, and energy with which communication is presented, often serving to inspire engagement and positivity.
- I delivered messages with personal energy, enthusiasm, and conviction.
- I delivered messages with energy, enthusiasm, and conviction.
- I conveyed important reports with a sense of excitement, passion, and urgency.
- I conveyed priorities with right sense of urgency and importance.
Persuasive
Persuasive centers on influencing and motivating others to take specific actions or adopt ideas. It involves using logic, articulation, and motivational techniques to convince others effectively. This dimension emphasizes the content and strategy behind communication, ensuring that the message resonates and leads to desired outcomes.
- I am persuasive and articulate when communicating.
- I used ideas and perspectives to persuade others.
- I am an effective and motivating communicator.
- I demonstrated persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives.
- I inspired others to take action based on my communications
- I demonstrated persuasiveness in pursuit of objectives.
Presentations
- I delivered presentations.
- I presented clear and persuasive information in reports.
- I gave clear and convincing presentations.
- I delivered effective public presentations.
- I prepared and delivered presentations.
- I delivered effective presentations.
- I effectively delivered presentations to teams, large groups, and diverse audiences
- I delivered well-prepared, informed, poised and succinct presentations.
- I am comfortable and effective as a public speaker
- I delivered influential presentations.
- Effectively delivered presentations.
- I prepared and delivered effective presentations that are influential.
Performance Feedback
- I conducted regular performance feedback discussions with individuals and teams
- I provided feedback in a helpful and respectful way, focusing on improvement.
- I wrote complete and developmentally-oriented performance appraisals with clear goals, using SMART criteria
- I implemented performance appraisals focused on employee development using SMART criteria