Putting New Skills to the Test

At the beginning of this semester, I had no idea I would learn so much about social media and how to properly use different sites for professional purposes. It just so happened that I was able to put most of these skills to the test right away! I was at first skeptical about Twitter. Not knowing how the site worked was a little overwhelming. As the class continued I slowly began to understand the purpose of Twitter and how to tweet.  Only being allowed 140 characters makes sure you are as concise as possible and only presenting the important information. During the past three months, I was able to practice using Twitter for professional means, not only through ALES 204 but also through promoting the Canadian National College Finals Rodeo (CNCFR). I tweeted during each college circuit rodeo, letting my followers know how the rodeo season was unfolding. From this, Northlands retweeted many of my tweets in hopes to spark interest in the public for CNCFR. I really have enjoyed communicating this way and will continue to use Twitter after the completion of ALES 204.

I have had a personal account through Facebook for quite a while, but had very little experience using it for professional means. I found creating a professional Facebook page to promote yourself has its advantages; it can also put personal information into the wrong hands.  Even though I have concerns with a personal professional Facebook page, I have found using Facebook for a company or association can be an extremely successful way to provide the public with information. Information about the company or association such as the website, email and contact is displayed for all to see. Weekly, important dates and reminders are sent out using wall posts can be sent out. This allows the public to stay informed and allows the general public to see what a company or association does.

Briggs, N. (2012). CTV Edmonton Interview-Youtube [Screenshot]. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com

Public speaking, presentation and interview skills learned during ALES 204 were fantastic! I quickly got to put these skills to the test, once again, promoting the CNCFR. I was approached by CTV Edmonton, Shaw TV Edmonton, CFCW Radio and the Edmonton Journal to do interviews about my experience with the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association and about the CNCFR. Using the interview and public speaking skill taught throughout the semester, I was able to answer questions confidently and professionally. Fellow ALES 204 student Chelsea has also put her public speaking skills to the test as a part of the University of Alberta Athletics. She agrees that you must be confident while public speaking and the way to get there is practice with the help of the skills learned through ALES 204!

Being able to directly connect what I have learned through ALES 204 with the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association has really proven how beneficial both social media and communication is in today’s society. I have been able to connect with each and every piece of class material presented. Overall, this class has given me the opportunity to enhance my communication skills and I look forward to using these skills in the future.

Comments on other ALES 204 classmates blogs:
Cassandra
Jami
Clara
Loana
Cassandra