Overview

Communication skills are soft skills that so many employers want their new hires to have. Communication skills are more than just being able to hold a conversation. It is one of the most important skills that you need to develop to become successful. Communication includes speaking, listening, writing and reading effectively. It is becoming much more important now as we are moving to working in a global, virtual world. Mind Tools has a simple test with an evaluation that will get you started in understanding your level of skill.

Instructions

You will be shown 15 statements. For each statement, rate on a scale of five (5 being very often, 1 being not at all) how it best describes you. Please answer questions as you actually are (rather than how you think you should be), and don't worry if some questions seem to score in the "wrong direction".

1.) Statement: I try to anticipate and predict possible causes of confusion, and I deal with them up front.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

2.) Statement: When I write a memo, email, or other document, I give all of the background information and detail I can to make sure that my message is understood.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

3.) Statement: If I don't understand something, I tend to keep this to myself and figure it out later.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

4.) Statement: I'm surprised to find that people haven't understood what I've said.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

5.) Statement: I can tend to say what I think, without worrying about how the other person perceives it. I assume that we'll be able to work it out later.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

6.) Statement: When people talk to me, I try to see their perspectives.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

7.) Statement: I use email to communicate complex issues with people. It's quick and efficient.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

8.) Statement: When I finish writing a report, memo, or email, I scan it quickly for typos and so forth, and then send it off right away.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

9.) Statement: When talking to people, I pay attention to their body language.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

10.) Statement: I use diagrams and charts to help express my ideas.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

11.) Statement: Before I communicate, I think about what the person needs to know, and how best to convey it.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

12.) Statement: When someone's talking to me, I think about what I'm going to say next to make sure I get my point across correctly.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

13.) Statement: Before I send a message, I think about the best way to communicate it (in person, over the phone, in a newsletter, via memo, and so on).

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

14.) Statement: I try to help people understand the underlying concepts behind the point I am discussing. This reduces misconceptions and increases understanding.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)

15.) Statement: I consider cultural barriers when planning my communications.

(1 = Not at All, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Very Often)