Week 02 – Page 2 – BLOG 6050

Starting Line

Assessing one’s own capabilities and qualities is not easy because it requires honesty in admitting not just one’s strengths but also the weaknesses. However, in this exercise, I was forced to do a quick self-reflection as a media writer and determine the areas that still need improvement.

Among the qualities listed, which quality would be the one that you need to work on the most? Why?

“Interested in and loves people” is a quality I have to work on the most because I tend to feel too self-conscious and uncomfortable around people I don’t know well. Although I do feel very interested in getting to know various kinds of people, I still find my people skills to be a little lacking.

Given your ratings, what keeps you from getting that 1.00 self-rating?

I’m aware that most of these qualities still need more effort on my part in order to truly develop them. I think the reason why I still have problem with developing these qualities is because I got used to putting mediocre effort in the things I do. Another reason is that I simply have much to learn as a media writer and that the experiences I had as a campus journalist in high school barely cover everything I still have to develop under this course.

Among the skills listed, which skill have you developed the highest competency? What contributed to the development of that skill?

Organizing information is a skill that I think I have developed the highest competency as compared to the other skills listed above. I owe the development of this skill to the experiences and learning I acquired during my years as a science and technology writer, and as a campus journalist in general. Often, we were given loads of information on a certain topic which was why we had to develop the skill of sifting the most important parts only, before organizing them until all of the information are organized by relevance and connected with each other.

Among the skills listed, which skill would be the one that you need to work on the most to develop? Why?

Proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices is a skill I would like to work on the most in order to develop it because I admit that my experience as a media writer is limited to writing only and that I barely had any exposure to other tools/devices that were not necessary in writing.

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My imagination quality is lacking, I need to work hard and find the creativity within me to improve my imagination. Despite calling myself a graphic artists, there are still times when I can’t think of a good theme or design. So I then produce some low quality output, however, if given enough time, I can improve and make it way better than before. The other qualities are high, but I still couldn’t say it’s worth 1.0 because I am not the finest at those qualities. This is why I want to study communication courses, to improve on these areas and improve as a communicator.

I believe that my proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices has the highest competency. I’ve been exposed to communication devices for as long as I can remember and I have been working hard to fully understand each device. But I need to develop more on my writing skills. I do know how to create a good written output, but I lack the ability to apply it.

Despite my flaws, I am improving on my weak through my strong skills and qualities. I am still studying how to be the best version of myself as a communicator. I am a work-in-progress, and I am loadin-..

INBOUND: MEDIA WRITER

Among the qualities you listed, which quality would you need to work on the most?

It would be my love to read. It is something that I do on a regular basis. I need to work on reading prevalent and relevant issues and articles more.

Given your ratings, what keeps you from getting that 1.00 self rating?

I strongly believe that I still need to cross a bridge that connects my mediocre qualities to be a development communicator. I still have a lot of lessons to learn from my journey on this new environment that I have set myself into.

Among the skills listed, which skills have you developed the highest competency? What contributed to the development of that skill?

The skill that I have the highest competency in is through gathering data. I have been immersed into such work where communication and research skills are necessary for the betterment of the outcome.

Among the listed skills, which skill would be the one that you need to work on the most to develop?

I would really need to work on my proficiency in in the operation of communication tools/devices as I have not met the basic skills in accessing and manifesting such skills needed for this course. I am yet to explore various software applications and the usage of hardware for effective media writing.

Among the qualities listed, which quality would be the one that you need to work on the most? Why?

Among the qualities listed, I think I lack resourcefulness the most. I am not able to deal with difficulties and new situations skillfully and promptly. Sometimes I find it hard to adjust with new situations since I am used to what is easy and superficial. I find it hard to devise ways and means to be able to meet situations and I always tend to choose the less time-consuming, and effortless path. As a media writer, I lack strategizing innovatively and I am not flexible in gathering information and facts. Realizing this, I would like to work on this quality, since lacking resourcefulness, also reflects the quality of the output I make. I would like to work on my capability of gathering information from various sources and figuring out every means of getting a story. Besides using this quality in media writing, I would also want to apply this in daily life.

Given your ratings, what keeps you from getting that 1.00 self-rating?

The reason why I did not give myself a grade of 1.00 is because I don’t think I possess every quality enough. Sure, I have a little of each, but I believe it is not close enough to excellence. The lack of time, interest, and motivation keeps me from developing these qualities. When I produce a writing output, sometimes due to time constraints and loads of work to do, I opt for the easier way of finishing it, my goal changes from producing a good and quality output to just submitting before the deadline. Lack of interest is also one challenge I tend to face when writing especially if I don’t find the topic to be of great meaning to me, I lack the motivation to write it and my inquisitiveness and perseverance go low. To develop these qualities, I think I have to develop my time management skills first and expose myself to a variety of writing prompts so that I would be able to widen my interest and allow myself to find meaning in those.

Among the skills listed, which skill have you developed the highest competency? What contributed to the development of that skill?

I think my most developed skill would probably be organizing information. When I write, I enjoy ranking the pieces of information I’ve gathered to create a smooth and easy flow with proper writing transitions. I got to develop this skill because every time I write, I always begin to divide my data into an outline so that I would know which concepts belong to the same group and which ideas need to be stated first. I myself prefer articles and essays that have good introductions and endings because it has its own way of captivating its readers into reading the whole piece. Being exposed to these kinds of works, I was able to adapt writing styles that helped me construct my own.

Among the skills listed, which skill would be the one that you need to work on the most to develop? Why?

Among the skills listed, I want to be more proficient in the operation of communication tools/devices. I think that being able to just write isn’t enough especially if it will not reach respective audiences. Through this skill, I would be able to create and promote my works through different mediums, make tasks more efficient, reach a larger and more diverse audience and get feedback from them, and improve my created output to suit my audience’s needs.

A brief assessment as a Development communicator in-training

Among the qualities listed, which quality would be the one that you need to work on the most? Why?

Interested/loves people because I do not have enough confidence to speak to anyone in a snap, I somehow mostly speak only when spoken to.

Given your ratings, what keeps you from getting that 1.00 self-rating?

My procrastination and disbelief. I tend to undervalue myself in terms of any skills I have, pondering unto others and being jealous of their confidence.

Among the skills listed, which skill have you developed the highest competency? What contributed to the development of that skill?

Probably gathering information in terms of observation. I believe my personal trait of being an observant person contributed to that skill.

Among the skills listed, which skill would be the one that you need to work on the most to develop? Why?

Validating and clarifying information because I tend to overlook that part and I easily say that more things are important in writing, but it can make or break your written works as media writer.

Self-assessment As A Media Writer

It takes more than anything to become a good media writer and a person can’t just transform into one with just a wave of a magic wand. Personally, I still can’t consider myself as a good media writer despite having joined in numerous journalism workshops and contests from elementary until today. And as I entered college, I realized how weak I was as a writer and a communicator and I think that I should start really reevaluating my skills and qualities as a media writer.

Here’s how I rated myself according to my qualities:

Among the qualities that I listed, I think that I need to learn on becoming more critical-minded, more imaginative and more interested in reading. Since three fields got a score of three, I should focus on improving them so that I could become a better media writer. Being intelligent and having an alert mind would help me in writing wiser and more logical works. Being more imaginative would make me more creative and innovative or go outside the box in order to avoid being too predictable and boring as a writer. Lastly, it is important for me to start reading very often so that my vocabulary would improve and I could acquire new knowledge.

In terms of skills, I believe that I really have to improve in organizing information and writing clearly effectively. These two are important so that I could deliver a message clear enough to be understood by the audience or readers. Since writing is the most basic skill a writer must master or at least be good at, I have to practice writing very often and identify my weaknesses in writing so I could work on them.

Given my ratings, the reason why I can’t get a 1 point easily is that I lack confidence about a certain quality or skill since I don’t often write a lot. That is why I need to become more passionate and determined in improving so that not only would I get high grades in school, but I would also grow as a writer.

My Assessment

Among the qualities listed, which quality would be the one that you need to work on the most? Why?

One of the qualities that I need to work on is to read more. I do believe that I read, however, I do think that I need to read more other than school readings like journals, articles, etc. When I read, I usually get tired of reading the same thing, which usually results in taking a lot of breaks in between readings.

Given your ratings, what keeps you from getting that 1.00 self-rating?

I do believe that my capabilities are not yet fully achieved, hence why I cannot give myself a 1.00 rating. I do need to improve on my skills, not only in terms of the physical skills, but as well for the mental skills. The lack of focus or attention is one of the sole reason why I cannot give myself a score of 1, since I do really need to improve on my attention or focus- seeking skills. I am still in my first year of college, which gives room for improvements, however, I am aware on what I need to do to make myself grow the skills and qualities that will make me improve.

Among the skills listed, which skill have you developed the highest competency? What contributed to the development of that skill?

I can operate the communication tools effectively since I am a nerd for technology, which greatly helps in the development of the specific skill. the interest and the love for technology vastly improves the skill of operating the communication tools.

Among the skills listed, which skill would be the one that you need to work on the most to develop? Why?

The skill that I really need to work on is writing clearly and effectively. My writings are usually focus on one subject, due to my teachers in my previous schools emphasise on the main subject of a writing. However, I do notice that sometimes my writing tend to fall short or bend in the topic, which can result to not writing clearly and effectively.

Still a work in progress

Among the qualities listed, which quality would be the one that you need to work on the most? Why?

That would be the “loves to read” quality. I read articles about news stories and some entertaining stuffs but I don’t really read books like novels because I find it boring or maybe it is not included in my set of interests but I would like to work on it because I need it to gather more knowledge which can be used in the future.

Given your ratings, what keeps you from getting that 1.00 self-rating?

It is that there were times that I made mistakes which led myself not being able to meet the qualities all the time. For example, there was a post in facebook where a kid was involved and it got a lot of attention from the audience. But it turned out, the photo was from a post of another parent and the photo of the kid was just used to garner fame.

Among the skills listed, which skill have you developed the highest competency? What contributed to the development of that skill?

That skill would be the “gathering of data” skill for our thesis adviser has taught us back then on how to gather the right data for the research.

Among the skills listed, which skill would be the one that you need to work on the most to develop? Why?

It would be the “writing clearly and effectively” skill for until now, I still have no confidence in my writing.

Image references:

https://www.google.com/search?q=qualities+images&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=1z9zFblUMcQtuM%253A%252CX8M8fsQykf43cM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kTnvBRlmSDKtQPcIaNwt_Bs6pxkFw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjriuv70fjkAhVOUN4KHZAnDG0Q9QEwAXoECAUQBg#imgrc=1z9zFblUMcQtuM:

https://www.google.com/search?q=skill+images&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=ER8X23LtOPFN2M%253A%252C-3tXxbdTYZd7eM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kQmB6kH47dkv4f9wb7YbnzbEYKC2w&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiUxZ_7xvjkAhVVa94KHS5JCKcQ9QEwBXoECAcQDg&biw=1536&bih=754&dpr=1.25#imgdii=_KZFz8fusWrO7M:&imgrc=ER8X23LtOPFN2M:&vet=1

Character Creation: Choose, Cultivate your Qualities and Skills

We build our characters from scratch and we train our skills to reach certain standards, because being a media writer is a continuous process of self-improvement and requires non-stop adaptation to both our surroundings and to people.

In this field of work, we produce certain information that is relevant in regards to the improvement in the life of the people and the environment. Media writers aim to contribute in any and all aspects of development, and to disseminate pertinent and timely information as a way to help people make informed decisions and raise awareness in certain topics.

To be able to achieve these goals and to not lose track of our objectives as Development Communication writers, we need to first have:

(1.) PASSION FOR SERVING THE PEOPLE

Always keep in heart and mind that as development communicators, their first and foremost reason for being in this field of work is because they are agents of facilitating and initiating development— in any and all aspects possible. They produce relevant and timely information to the people that will help in the improvement of lives and the environment.

Moreover, media writers breakdown complex data and researches in a way that makes it easier for their target audience to understand.

(2.) Truth and Accuracy as Foundation

Media writers base their works in gathering all sides of the story using every possible method that they can. Truth and accuracy is the foundation of all media writers, this is where their perceived credibility is born. Media writers presents facts, they re-asses and scrutinise the gathered information.

Verification and clarification of information, and consideration of the way they organised the text before publishing it needs to be taken into consideration since it can greatly affect they way the people regard the media writer. They present information in a way that captures the interest and maintains the attention of their intended audience.

(3.) Persevering in the face of adversity

There will always be times when media writers will experience great difficulty in gathering information, writing it, and even in the process of publication and information dissemination. The road of being a media writer is never easy, that’s why one should never give up when they face roadblocks along the way. Use various methods in resourceful ways and exhaust every possible options that has in order to successfully jump over the hurdles that they experience.

You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it.
Octavia E. Butler

In terms of skill or competence, the first thing that one should cultivate is to be able to write clearly and effectively. What use are all the information that we have if we’re not even able to string together a sensible article that could satisfy and persuade the readers?

All would have been in vain if the audience disregarded the produced output after just one glance.

Am I Qualified?: A self-assessment of my skills and qualities as a media writer

It is really important to do self-assessment before moving to a more serious path towards media writing. After accomplishing the assessment, I found out what I need to work on the most, where I should inprove myself, and somehow, how to deal with these weaknesses.

So here’s the result of my self-assessment for the qualities of a media writer together with my responses to the follow up questions given.

Among the qualities listed, which quality would be the one that you need to work on the most? Why?

I really have to work on the habit of reading. It’s not that I do not read books. I do but I don’t enjoy reading. I lack concentration when tasked to read very long texts. I easily get sleepy specially if it is nonfiction.
Also, I think I have to work on with my attitude. I am not so industrious. I don’t know why. I wanted to accomplish things but too lazy to work. I really hate myself most of the time.

Given your ratings, what keeps you from getting that 1.00 self-rating?

I did not give myself a 1.00 self-rating because honestly, I know I am not good enough. I know I need to learn things and grow. But if I’d be talking about giving myself the rating nearest to 1.00 (which is 2.00), maybe I gave that to myself because I know that is where I excel. I am imaginative that I think about possibilities, either positive or negative. In that part, I know it is worth it to believe in myself that I am good at it.

Now, here’s my assessment for my skills. ^_^

Among the skills listed, which skill have you developed the highest competency? What contributed to the development of that skill?

I believe I developed the highest competency in writing clearly and effectively. Despite not being articulate, I write in a way that it will hit my audience.

Among the skills listed, which skill would be the one that you need to work on the most to develop? Why?

The HUMSS strand I took on senior high school, where we were taught how to communicate with different kinds of people, how should we address them, and how we could make them understand us, contributed to the development of this skill. Furthermore, my personal goal to reach out people helped me to write effectively and clearly. I need to work on gathering the data. I was used to just look on the internet instead of browsing books or articles because it’s too tiring for me too read. I also lack the experience on how to know if it is a fake news or not.

I don’t mind giving myself low ratings for the qualities and skills above, on the other hand. This would actually serve as a reminder for me to keep track of myself. Maybe after a month, I will asses myself again to see if I improved or not. Still, hoping for the best to come! 😊❤