Communication Evaluation

 

This weeks assignment allowed me to  gain a better understanding of how I view myself and how others view me as a communicator.

Surprisingly, I came to the conclusion that depending on the type of relationship that I have with individuals determines the way in which they perceive me as a communicator. Consistent communication builds relationships and helps others to understand an individual better. Taking a look at the Communication Anxiety Inventory my husband and friend viewed me as a communicator that has low communication anxiety. Based on their perception of me I feel very comfortable communicating in most situations and feel confident in anticipating such encounters. My self-report defines me as one who feels a bit uneasy in some communication situations. Based on this information I have established that the perception that others may have of me relates to the type of relationship that we may have together. Social interaction is key to developing one’s self concept because when you communicate with others, you  receive evidence that  you can then use to develop, confirm, or change your self-concept(O’Hair & Wiemann,2012). During this week I also gained insight that though our self-concept strongly influences how and when we communicate with others, when we interact with others, we also get impressions from them that reveal how they evaluate us as a person and as a communicator.

 

  References

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. (2^nd ed.). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's

Communication and Culture

I often speak differently depending on the group of people and the setting that I am in. The jargon and the tone in which I use varies.  I try to consider the reactions as well as the body language that I my receive from others when communicating with them. With some of my colleagues I speak in a more professional manner and us different verbiage than what I use when speaking to my friends. Even with some of my older family members I also speak different with them.

In my opinion I put forth a great effort to be an effective communicator with individuals and specific groups. When I am speaking with ESL Learners I focus more on what they are saying and proceed following up with what they are saying.

Three strategies that I could use to be an effective communicator with people or groups:

1. When speaking to different groups of people make sure that your language is clear and relatable. Language should be intelligible but in simple terms so that others are able to interpret what you are saying. You know what you are saying but do others understand.

2. Get to the most valuable point when speaking to others. Do not get off subject of the message that is truly to be gotten across. This can confuse the person that is being spoken to.

3. Be a good listener and let others also speak. It is important to show interest in the other person and also allow them to continue to the conversation. It is important not to dominate the conversation and allow others to equally offer input into the conversation.

Communication Skills: Language, Nonverbal, Listening

Laverne & Shirley – “Not Quite New York”

Original air dates: 11/18/1980

 

When reviewing this assignment I thought what I could possibly watch that I typically don’t. I honestly just flipped through the channels and where it landed is what I decided to watch. I do believe that my remote controlled landed on one of the best sitcoms to air during the 70’s to early 80’s.  This was the perfect show to watch and observe the reactions, body language and expression of the characters.   

 

 

 

Watching this show with no audio was a very interesting experience. Being that I am very inquisitive about those in my surrounding this is something I do often. I often find myself observing others who might be in deep communication or an altercation making assumptions according to their body language and some lip reading. In real life my assumption are often right for the most part but in the case of interpreting what is going on during this episode of Laverne & Shirley-“Not Quite New York” I was completely wrong.

Being that I know very little about the show I assumed that the two ladies were sisters who had just moved in to a new apartment with each other. The show begins with a visit from what I thought were there parents who themselves had just come from a visit.  In this portion of the show it appeared that one the girls was upset because she was given a small instrument and the other girl was given a large guitar.   The girl that was given the small instrument about the size of a handheld maraca was so excited until the other girl received her guitar.  The girl who received the small instrument face instantly went from excited to an expression of disappointment. As the show goes on I quickly came to the conclusion that these two were friends who were comfortable with sharing their emotions with one another. Watching the on mute I consistently observed a lot of smiles and excitement. There was even a time when the two girls witness a guy falling from the window. They immediately comforted each other with hugs, shoulders, and patting’s of the back.   The show continues on with what appears to be an earthquake and from here I become really lost with the plot.

Watching the show with audio was a really fun show which helped better depict the emotions and the body language that I read.   

For me my aha moment was that body language-nonverbal communication says a lot and it speaks just as loud as verbal language.

While watching the show on mute there was also a scene in which a friend grabs one of the stuff animals off the sofa. Instantly the reaction of I believe it to be Shirley changed, kind of a snarling look. She became very territorial and Laverne immediately picked up her facial expression and removed it from the friends hand and handed it over to Shirley.

This was another great example of nonverbal code that  sent a message without words.

 

An Effective Communicator

 

                 "Understanding that we are all more powerful than we know -- that we are all connected to something bigger than ourselves -- is the real conversation I want to have. In many ways, it is the only conversation, I believe, truly worth having," Oprah Winfrey

           The first person that came to mind when I think of effective communication is Oprah Winfrey. The quote simply states it all. For twenty six years Oprah Winfrey has hosted her own internationally talk show. She has had the opportunity to interview and communicate with individuals from all over the world and all circuits of life experiences. Within these twenty six years Ms. Winfrey has build relationships and shared them with us all. She has manifested into one of the best communicators that the world publicly knows. Over the years she has communicated to me that conversations or more that just words but a deeper meaning of understanding others and yourself. Not only does she communicate effectively with those that she interviews or communicates with but she provides inspiration and knowledge that is essential to their daily living that many can relate to.

          Observing her style of communication she provides an environment that is welcoming first and is open to listening to the thoughts and comments of others. Very seldom have I ever seen her over talk someone or force her thoughts on others. She’s allows one to speak and be heard. For these reasons I believe  is why she has been so successful. She has actually allowed the openness of speaking and being heard along with the comfortability to do so. Like Ms. Winfrey I want others to feel comfortable with speaking with me because I am going to allow them to speak and be heard. Often times the only thing some people need is to be heard without others passing judgment and or speaking over them. Like Ms. Winfrey displays effective listening skills I too want to learn to be an effective listener. Effective listening skills are a key component to effectively communicating with others.