1. BUILD YOUR SKILLS: WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES AS A COMMUNICATOR? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses as a communicator helps you set priorities for self- improvement. Ask yourself the following questions. Then put a W by the items that require the most work, a P by those that need polishing, and a U by those you can use to the fullest right away.

2. Reading _____ Do you read fast enough for your work? _____ Are you able to pick out and remember key points? _____ Can you vary your approach to reading to match different types of reading situations?

3. Listening _____Are you able to focus your attention on what a speaker is saying? _____Are you able to put aside your preconceptions and judge the speaker's message on its merits, regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the ideas or like or dislike the speaker as an individual?

4. Listening _____Are you able to analyze the speaker's message and ask questions to test its logic and accuracy? _____Can you identify and recall key points of a speech to your satisfaction? _____Are you satisfied with your ability to take notes during a lecture?

5. Engaging in Casual Conversation _____Are you confident in conducting casual, social conversations? _____Can you think of interesting things to say to keep up your end of a conversation? _____Do you listen empathetically to the other person and draw her or him out?

6. Engaging in Casual Conversation _____Are you comfortable talking with a wide range of people, including those who differ from you in background, age, and interests? _____Do you give the other person a chance to talk too?

7. Engaging in Casual Conversation _____Do you ask good questions? _____Are you sensitive to the other person's reactions?

8. Interviewing _____Do you prepare adequately for interviews by developing a list of questions to cover and by preparing answers to anticipated questions? _____Are you confident in interview situations? _____Are you able to remain objective in difficult interviews?

9. Interviewing _____Can you draw out the other person? _____Are you able to give and receive criticism effectively? _____Are you relaxed in interviews with people who outrank you or have more power than you do?

10. Interviewing _____Can you use different types of questions to obtain the information you want? _____Are you able to match your interview style to the situation? _____Are you considerate in interviews with people in a subordinate position?

11. Dealing with Small Groups _____If you are in charge, do you lay the proper groundwork for the meeting by preparing an agenda and making necessary arrangements well in advance? _____As the leader, are you able to keep the group focused on the business at hand?

12. Dealing with Small Groups _____Are you able to build consensus among group members? _____Are you able to summarize results and assign responsibilities? _____As a group participant, do you make useful and constructive comments?

13. Dealing with Small Groups _____Can you facilitate interaction by balancing the contributions of group members? _____Are you sensitive to the needs and concerns of other group members? _____Are you familiar with the rules of parliamentary procedure?

14. Delivering Speeches and Presentations _____Are you able to plan a speech or presentation that is suitable for various situations and times? _____Are you able to control your stage fright? _____Can you speak clearly and distinctly so that people understand you?

15. Delivering Speeches and Presentations _____Do you sound natural and engaging? _____Are you able to use visual aids effectively in a speech or presentation? _____Can you handle unexpected or hostile comments effectively? _____Can you deliver a speech from notes?

16. Writing Letters, Memos, and Reports _____Do you have an adequate command of basic grammar and punctuation? _____Are you able to vary the style and tone of your writing to suit different situations? _____Can you write clearly, accurately, and concisely?

17. Writing Letters, Memos, and Reports _____Are you able to organize messages logically and persuasively? _____Are you familiar with different formats and their uses?

18. Writing Letters, Memos, and Reports _____Can you construct tables, charts, and other illustrations to supplement your writing? _____Are you careful about editing and proofreading your work?