Who I am as a communicator

After comparing the results, I was surprised that all 3 of us evaluated me almost the same. I scored a 68, 61, and landed in group 1. My dad evaluated me and I got a 69, 60, and group 1. My friend’s results for me was a 68, 60, and group 1. I was surprised that my father evaluated me as he did. He has not seen me in a small group setting; he only knows that I am quiet and shy.

2 insights about communication from this week: 

From O'Hair & Wiemann (2012):

1  I learned that self-concept, who we think we are, has an impact on the way we communicate with others

     I learned about the concept of self-monitoring in which we learn how to present ourselves to others in certain situations based on the environment and the people who are in our surroundings

Both of these insights might have an effect on my professional work and personal life. For # 1, if we truly identify and learn who we actually are, we can learn certain ways that best work for us when communicating with others. (Ex. Colleagues, students, family, strangers). For # 2, if we pay close attention to the people we communicate with and the environment in which we communicate, we can learn the best ways to present ourselves in certain situations. For example, if we see a hostile parent coming into our classrooms after school, we can implement self-monitoring and know how to present ourselves in that situation (calmly, not hostile which would probably escalate the conflict)

                                                                  References                                          

O’Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/ St. Martin’s.

Different Ways of Communicating

• Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures? If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

Yes, I do find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. I always thought I was the same no matter who I communicated with, but that is not the case since I have really evaluated myself. When I am with my family or close friends, my communication with them is very relaxed and informal. On the other hand, when I am around colleagues, people I am not familiar with, or even in public, I am more formal and not very relaxed as I am around family and close friends.

Based on what I have learned so far in this course, I could communicate more effectively by being mindful of my body language, gestures, eye contact, and the Platinum Rule while communicating with others. I have already started practicing these strategies.

Communication Skills (t.v. show blog)

The show I chose to watch: The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

• What do you think the characters' relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?

The women in this show seem to be close friends, but there is one that sticks out of the group as being bossy and not very liked by the other women.

• What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing?

The women are on a private bus and are about to go on a road trip. Many of the women were late showing up, and once they were about to leave, the “friend” who seems bossy stands up in the middle of the bus and starts yelling at the other women. Many of the women yell back, and one of them stands up and confronts the bossy friend by yelling back at her. The facial expressions show me that the women are annoyed with the bossy friend.

Now, watch the show with the sound turned on.

• What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?

I assumed that the women were all friends and that there was one of them that was not liked by the others. I was right!

• Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well?

I think so, only because I would know the characters and the situations the characters might be in during the show.

What I learned: Facial expressions and gestures/ body movements can teach you many things about a person/ people.