One of the biggest eye-openers for me was the breakdown of communication types like intrapersonal (talking to myself), interpersonal (talking with one other person), group, organizational, and public communication. I used to lump them all together as just 'talking,' but now I notice how differently I act and speak in each situation. For example, the way I speak to my lecturer is completely different from how I chat with my best friend.

This topic made me more aware of how I present myself and how I receive messages from others. Since learning this, I’ve made small changes like listening more actively during team discussions or paying attention to my body language when I’m trying to express an opinion. It’s already helping me feel more confident and connected in conversations. Whether I end up in teaching, management, or creative work, this foundational understanding of communication will be something I carry with me for life.

We talked about the concept of avowed versus ascribed identity, and I immediately thought about how people sometimes label me as 'quiet' or 'serious.' That’s their perception, but inside, I know I’m more thoughtful and observant. This mismatch made me realize how much I’ve been misunderstood and probably how I’ve misjudged others too.

I also found the perception-checking strategies very useful. I started applying them in everyday situations, like asking clarifying questions when I sense someone’s upset instead of assuming. It’s helped improve a few friendships and made me feel more empathetic.

In the long term, understanding how identity and perception work is going to help me build stronger, more authentic relationships. Especially in the workplace, where collaboration with people from different backgrounds is common, this awareness will help me navigate conversations with sensitivity and respect.

What really stood out to me was how language is symbolic and arbitrary. That explains so many past miscommunications I’ve had especially in texting. A short reply like 'okay' can sound totally fine to one person and passive-aggressive to another. Since learning this, I’ve become more mindful in how I phrase things and when to use emojis, explanations, or just pick up the phone.

Learning to be assertive was a game-changer. I’ve always been someone who avoids conflict and often says “it’s fine” even when it’s not. Practicing assertive language has helped me speak up in group projects without sounding bossy. I recently used it during a misunderstanding about task distribution, and we resolved it quickly.

Verbal communication is definitely something I’ll keep working on. It’s such a vital skill in every area such as school, work, even relationships. I feel more equipped now to express myself clearly and respectfully.

One key takeaway was that nonverbal communication often carries more weight than verbal. That reminded me of a moment when I told a friend “I’m okay,” but I was crossing my arms, avoiding eye contact, and clearly not okay. It’s no wonder she didn’t believe me.

I’ve started noticing other people’s nonverbal cues too, especially in group settings. When someone leans back or avoids eye contact, I try to gently bring them into the conversation. I also learned about personal space how standing too close can make someone uncomfortable, depending on the culture or relationship.

Nonverbal awareness is going to help me in future roles where I lead or manage others. Being able to read the room is a powerful skill that can make a real difference in team dynamics and trust-building.

We learned about the five stages of listening: receiving, understanding, remembering, evaluating, and responding. I realized I often skipped straight from hearing to responding, missing the other steps in between. I’ve started practicing these more deliberately like summarizing what someone said before replying or resisting the urge to interrupt especially when my friend is telling me something important or any story.

One small but powerful change I made was putting away my phone when someone talks to me. It sounds simple, but the difference is huge. People open up more when they know I am really paying attention.

This lesson taught me that good communication isn’t just about talking but it’s about being present. In any career, especially ones that involve people (which is basically all of them), this will be a major advantage.

It made me think about a friendship that slowly drifted away last year. If I had understood the deterioration stage better, maybe I could have had an honest conversation earlier. Now, I am more open to check anything out when things feel off.

We also explored how important it is to meet emotional needs through communication things like affirmation, appreciation, and understanding. I’ve started expressing those more intentionally with my loved ones, and I think it’s making our bonds stronger.

Whether it’s friendships, family, or romantic connections, this lesson reminded me that relationships are built through consistent, meaningful communication. That’s something I plan to carry with me always.

I learned that in every group, people take on different roles which is some lead, some support, and some just distract. In past group projects, I noticed I often became the harmonizer, which I'm trying to keep everyone on good terms. But now I’m learning to balance that with being more assertive when needed.

We also learned strategies for decision making, managing conflict, and keeping communication open. I recently tried these during a group assignment, and it felt more organized and fair. Everyone had a chance to contribute, and we actually finished ahead of schedule.

Group communication is going to be huge in the workplace. This topic helped me become not just a better teammate, but someone who can help steer a group toward success.

One idea that stuck with me was the concept of assimilation such as how new employees adapt to a company culture. It made me think about how I’ll behave when I enter the workforce. Will I speak up? Will I follow or challenge norms? This lesson gave me a framework to think through those questions.

I also liked comparing formal and informal communication. I used to think casual chats weren’t important, but now I see how much influence they have in shaping workplace dynamics. I have learned to be more mindful of what I say and how I say it even in informal moments.

This understanding of organizational structures and communication channels is going to help me adjust quickly and navigate professional life with more confidence.

We explored five conflict styles, and I realized I often default to accommodating, even when I don’t agree. It made me reflect on times I let resentment build up because I didn’t speak up. Now, I’m working on being more collaborative and focusing on solutions where everyone benefits.

Just last week, I had a minor disagreement with a friend. Instead of backing down, I used what I learned: I acknowledged their point, shared my feelings calmly, and we worked it out. It felt mature and freeing.

Knowing how to manage conflict will be crucial in both personal and professional life. It’s a skill that takes time, but I’m already seeing the benefits.

I started thinking about how I interact with classmates from different backgrounds. There were moments when I felt confused by their behavior, but now I realize I was judging from my own cultural lens. This lesson helped me shift that perspective.

I especially appreciated learning about cultural dimensions like high context versus low context cultures and how those shape everything from emails to meetings. It made me realize that what feels rude or awkward to me might just be someone else’s norm.

In a globalized world, this cultural awareness is essential. Whether I travel, work abroad, or just collaborate with diverse colleagues, I want to be someone who respects and adapts. This lesson gave me the tools to do that.