Interpersonal Communication
OPTIONAL FINAL (Choose final comprehensive exam or paper)
Final essay – 50 points possible
Interpersonal Communication Competence Reflection
Format: 3-4 pages, double-spaced. 12 point type.
For this final reflection essay, you will discuss your own interpersonal communication competence and what you’ve
learned throughout this course. Using examples from your own self-monitoring, feedback from others and concepts
from the text, you will discuss how you have applied the information and also how you will use it in the future.
I. Introduction(one paragraph) – 5 points
A. Define communication competence and the traits and skills needed to be a competent communicator.
(Cite source)
B. Provide a thesis that summarizes what you found the most beneficial throughout this course and how
you will use this information in the future to become a more competent interpersonal communicator.
II. Body (six paragraphs) – 30 points
A. Using specific references from at least three different assessments you’ve taken over the course of the
class, describe what you’ve learned about your communication competence and insights you’ve gained.
B. List and explain your goals you had for yourself in the beginning of the course. You should refer to the
worksheet you completed Week 1.
C. Discuss 3-5 interpersonal communication concepts (i.e. perception, self-concept, listening, etc.) that you
found the most interesting and/or beneficial to understanding communication competence. Include
text references.
D. Discuss 3-5 skills (i.e. perception checking, “I” Statements, active listening, etc.) that you have used and
will continue to use. Give examples from your own experience (describe the skills and provide examples
of situations and outcomes where you used the skills).
E. Discuss 2-3 challenges you think you might have in your interpersonal communication in the future. Be
specific and focus on what you now know you need to improve, according to self-monitoring, feedback
from others and self-assessments.
F. Provide explanations of how communication competence helps a communicator in different contexts:
work, relationships, etc.
III. Summary (one paragraph) – 5 points
A. Summarize what you’ve learned that will help you become more competent in communicating
interpersonally.
B. If you were to give advice to someone about the importance of effective interpersonal communication,
what would it be?
FORMAT – 10 POINTS (please proofread!)