Rate your communication skills
Open, honest communication skills sit at the core of all healthy relationships, both in your personal and business life. First, it’s important to be aware of your communication style and tendencies. Then, you can work on improving those areas that may cause conflict or misunderstanding in your relationships.
Part 1: Self-audit
- Rate your communication skills below, scoring each skill on a scale of 1 to 6 where 1 = low and 6 = high. This is for you, so be completely honest with yourself. Come of the skills relate to your skills overall. Others relate to workplace skills. If you are not currently working, think of your last job or think about the last time you worked with a group where you apply those skills.
COMMUNICATION SKILL | SCORE | |
1 | I make a good first impression. | |
2 | I pick up underlying feelings from others. | |
3 | I get my ideas across to others. | |
4 | I communicate openly even when things are tough. | |
5 | I don’t talk too much. | |
6 | I can draw out others in conversation. | |
7 | I stay open to others’ ideas. | |
8 | I give clear instructions to others. | |
9 | I can ignore the hostility of others. | |
10 | I speak up for my own opinion. | |
11 | I give clear presentations to a group. | |
12 | I can stay silent when necessary. | |
13 | I listen attentively to criticism. | |
14 | I persuade others to do what I want. | |
15 | I give clear feedback to others on what they have done well. | |
16 | I understand others’ ideas. | |
17 | I leave discussions that don’t involve me. | |
18 | I interview others effectively. | |
19 | I gather information from others. | |
20 | I put people at ease. | |
21 | I can put others’ negative comments out of my mind. | |
22 | I let others know how I feel. | |
23 | I contribute effectively at meetings. | |
24 | I come across well when I’m interviewed. | |
25 | I build rapport with others. | |
26 | I get others to accept my ideas. | |
27 | I pick up the audience’s reaction to my presentation. | |
28 | I help a meeting progress. | |
29 | I convey my feelings to others | |
30 | I can decide when it’s best not to make comments. | |
31 | I understand when someone is upset. | |
32 | I find out about other people’s interests | |
33 | I can make conversation easily. | |
34 | I communicate my emotions clearly when I choose to. |
Overall Communication Score [maximum score 204]: ______ [give raw score and percentage]
- 90-100% - You’re a natural communicator and could help others improve their communication skills. Continue to hone your skills.
- 75-89% - You have good communication skills overall. Consider your scores for each area to find where you can improve. You could benefit from expert coaching.
- 60-74% - You could improve your communication skills. Consider your scores for each area to find where you could improve the most. Seek training and expert coaching.
- Below 60% - It’s time to work on your communication skills. Seek training and expert coaching to build your confidence and foster better relationships that arise through clear and open communication.
Key Skill Areas (give percentage)
Active Listening [maximum score 42]: ______
Clarity [maximum score 30]: _____
Confidence [maximum score 48]: ______
Personal Style [maximum score 42]: ______
Sensitivity [maximum score 42]: ______
Part 2: What Did You Learn?
Set aside some quiet time to consider your results.
Which category scored as your strongest set of communication skills?
———————————————————–
Which category scored as your weakest set of communication skills?
———————————————————–
What surprised you about your results?
———————————————-
What would you like to work on most?
———————————————————–
What help and cooperation from others might you need to improve your communication skills?
———————————————————–
What is the next step you can take this week to improve your communication skills?
———————————————-