Key Skills Statement Personal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Key Skills - Personal Statement Example I did not arrive in the meeting place with only an idea of the project but with a properly-researched topic. The first meeting for example, I already had the idea on what I want and yes, how I would do it. In that way, I did not have a hard time explaining to my mentor my ways and means for the project. More than just knowing what I wanted to do for the research paper, I also had the inkling on what the topic is about and how I would gather facts or information for the project. The advantage for this was that the mentor for his part knew specifically how he would correct me in the plan that I presented. The flow of the conversation was also clear and uninterrupted. The second meeting where we talked of my completion of the gathering of information and my working halfway also became fruitful. He did not expect a totally completed project, however, with the help of a list containing updates on my completed research in word format made it easy for him to critique what I have done and therefore, it also became easier for him to suggest new ways of improving the process. The third meeting where I considered the grandest because it entailed the biggest preparation became a challenge. Of course, I did not come out with unfinished project. I came out with my masterpiece, a presentation of my hard labor with the complete information and explanation on the topic that I chose, that was the sign of my preparation. One of the factors that helped me discuss properly the project with my mentor was proper questioning. It became very significant because that was where my doubts and the unknown information of the next step got answered. I would like to illustrate the meaning and significance of questioning through the exact words of Owen Hargie (2003) from his book entitled "Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory, and Practice" page 116. "The question is a key constituent of the DNA of interactional life. In our communication courses we use an exercise in which we ask four volunteers to come to the front of the class. We then instruct them to carry on a conversation about 'the events of the week'. The only rule is that no one is allowed to ask a question. Two things happen: first, the interaction is very stilted and difficult; second, someone very quickly asks a question." The mentioned statement above tells exactly of the power of questions as the main helper to getting work done. And because questions are mainly any statement that attracts answers, it doesn't mean that all questions had to be said. Some of them can be heard in a simple "hmmm' or a simple pause. This is also called the non-verbal questioning which can be said to be the automatic signal to uncertain questions or simple hesitation to raise questions. During our discussion, nonverbal questions were unavoidable. There were times when I hesitated to directly state my case of doubt on a topic but it sure could be read from my eyes and simple remarks like what I mentioned a while ago. Nodding of the head is another example of these nonverbal acts (O. Hargie, 2003, page 116). But then again, from the discussion that we had, what is certain to have made great advantage was the direct questioning where it addressed specific questions on the technical part of the project. My questions for my mentor were not the only time that I had to use the process. I also had to use it to my interviewees so I could gather information.