Although it is possible to gain fame and fortune without the ability
             to communicate (as perhaps was evidenced by California's recent elections,)
             communication skills define one's ability to persuade and influence people.
             Today it is necessary to be able to communicate well in person and over
             the phone, given that most businesses regularly feature lengthy telephone
             calls and corporate travel. Because some communications skills are of
             value to us at certain times and not at others, auditing one's own skills
             requires that they be broken down into strengths and weaknesses at verbal
             and non-verbal levels. I will attempt to audit my own ability to
             communicate by assessing my own abilities in these categories.
             One of my principal verbal skills is that I am able to convey
             information in a way that others can understand; others describe me as
             clear-headed and comprehensible. This is essential in a team setting, as
             authority usually comes to rest in the hands of whoever can successfully
             illustrate concepts and goals as well as urgency and the rationale behind
             decisions. One who has the ability to convey information successfully is
             one who can communicate with a better degree of certainty. In situations
             where I don't have authority, it is just as important to relay analytical
             data to others and to present myself as competent.
             I'm considered excellent at verbal communication in terms of written
             correspondence. I usually communicate with others by e-mail or instant
             message, so I'm able to sound professional and eloquent prior to meeting
             someone. Many consider this to be an especially useful skill because many
             are averse to the use of e-mail or use sloppy grammar when writing short e-
             mails or instant messages to their colleagues.
             I'm also very easy going and approachable. This allows me to interact
             with large numbers of people. In an office setting, knowing and ge...