Who Am I as a Communicator?

How I thought of myself as a communicator and the results of the evaluation were pretty much the same. They both concluded the same thing. That I am a pretty good communicator, trusting and aggressive listener and debate facts and do not attack the person. I am not comfortable communicating in all situations, which i knew before these assessments. The 2 people i had complete the assessments on me where my sister who is 7 years younger then me and a friend I have know for 2 years and lived with for about 8 months. They both came to the same results that I did. The only difference is that they did not score the same exact numerical value that I did but they scored a numerical value in the same level, except for on the listening assessment where we all said I was in Group 1. I did not find it that shocking or amazing that their evaluation of me was the same as I reported on myself. I am a pretty open book and it is easy to get to know me and 'read' me. I really did not have any surprises. We all evaluated the same results I thought we would.

One insight I gained was that because i am 'empathetic and concerned toward others emotions when listening, that my judgement can be compromised and thus I am too trusting of others' (Rubin, R. B., Rubin, A. M., Graham, E. E., Perse, E. M., & Seibold, D. R., 2009). I found that to be interesting. This will cause me to take what others say at face value and not investigate it further or really read what they are saying. I tend to accidentally let others walk over me at times. I think that in a professional aspect I will have to not worry as much about stepping on anyone's toes and just worry about collaborating together effectively to get the job done.  

Something else I found to be insightful was how we use attributes to (personal characteristics) to explain why someone says something the way they do, especially when it is not typical of their normal schema. For example, a guy I hadnt talked to in over a year because he had commitment issues recently contacted me. He just missed us being friends. I am a big talker and love to text and he didnt used to be too keen on texting a lot. We talked on the phone today and before we said goodbye he said' text me tonight.' I didnt know how to respond or what to think. im like 'say what? u are telling me to text you?' Makes me wonder why... its not his normal (old) behavior.... i have no idea why.  I dont think people will always respond the same way to every situation or interact. There are tons of attributes that will cause someone to act, behave or speak a different way that is not their norm. This will keep me on my toes when working with children and other professionals in the field. There might not always be an attribute to explain why or it might be hidden.

Communication and Culture wk 3

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?

In some regards I do. When I interact with children i crouch down to their eye level so that they feel equal, so to speak and i discuss things with them differently then I would adults. I do not interact with a lot of diverse groups or individuals. I am a nanny so I pretty much just interact with the child and parents. When i went on a date last weekend i notice that i interact and communicate differently with him then other dates or individuals. He uses proper English and is an (old school) gentleman. Its quite interesting and cute and refreshing. I try to be more polite and proper like him and not use slang words. 

First off I have to respect the individuals I interact with and listen to what they say. If I do not really hear them and empathize with what they say how can I not only develop a strong relationship but effectively communicate.

I need to be open-minded to other cultures, their traditions. communication differences, body language signs and social etiquette.

Lastly I think i is extremely beneficial for me to start from now implementing Milton Bennett  “Platinum Rule”: “Do to others as they themselves would like to be treated” in every interaction I have.   

Language, Nonverbal, Listening Wk 2

I watched the show 'How I met your mother'. I have seen it a few times but it is not a show I watch weekly or even monthly. 

• What do you think the characters’ relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?
• What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing?

 

There are 5 main characters. Barney, Ted, Robin, Lily, Marshall. Lilly and Marshall are a couple. They live together, are very attracted to each other and care deeply about each other. All 5 characters are friends and seem to really enjoy each others company. They sit close together, make eye contact when talking, hug each other, high-five each other, laugh at each others jokes. They are all interested in each others lives and care about each other. Ted is excited, happy, shocked, and determined. Lily and Marshall are in bewilderment, shocked, determined, happy, and exasperated. Robin is happy, excited, devastation, and confused.

• What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?
• Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well?

I did not think that Robin was interested in Ted and that Barney was a good Samaritan type person.  No they would not have. I was wrong on both accounts.  

Actors/actresses get so into the moment I feel it is generally easy to tell what they are feeling and communicating. It can be difficult to discern which emotion exactly  person is betraying without verbal indicators. People can misread non-verbal ques and even misunderstand verbal interactions. Communication is a tricky process and because of how the mind works many interpretations can me be made. 

What Is Communication?

One of the most competent communicators in my life would be my father. He is a salesman and thus communicates with a variety of people and has to be experienced in the act of communicating. He really knows how to communicate with people so they 'see' his viewpoint and want to do business with him. He is a great guy. He has several clients he has to meet with and discuss the product, what it will do for them, what this company offers, etc. He has to implement proposes, projects, etc and be able to speak in-front of a small group or people. He is friendly, honest and attentive. He will do his best to answer any questions you may have or find out the answers. He generally makes eye contact, firmly shakes your hand upon meeting you and gives you all of his attention whenever possible. My father is great at getting his point across and explaining things in a variety of ways so that different individuals can understand. I would model his communication skills because they are professional, respectful, receptive, open-minded and productive.