Who Am I As A Communicator
How Do Others Perceive
Me As A Communicator
Effective communication is essential to all
relationships. Not only what you say but
how you say it determines how others view you. I think the assessments that we were required
to take for this assignment were very good.
It was fun finding out how we view ourselves versus how others view
us.
The first assessment was communication anxiety
inventory which during my self-evaluation, I scored a 33. This was at the low level or at the very top
and stated that I am comfortable communicating in most situations and show confidence
when anticipating such encounters. When
evaluated by my sister the score was 29 and when evaluated by my colleague the
score was as 33. It was interesting to
see how our perceptions were very much alike in regard to my anxiety when
communicating with others. I find it rather
stress less speaking in front of large or small groups of people. I felt that the scores depended on how well
these people know me and what type of relationship we have.
The
second assessment was verbal aggressiveness
scale which during my self-evaluation I scored a 58 which was at the
moderate. At this level I maintain a good
balance between respect and consideration for other’s viewpoints, I argue
fairly, regarding the facts of the position rather than the person who holds
it. When evaluated by my sister and my
colleague the scores were 54 and 56 which were at the moderate level where mine
was also. If at all possible I try to
avoid arguments, conflicts or confrontations.
If they do occur, I always try to be fair and not be judgmental toward
any of the parties involved. I am not
perfect, but I do try to do right by people in all types of situations.
The
third assessment was listening styles
profile which during my self-evaluation as well my sister and my colleague
placed me in Group 1 which was people –oriented. This means that I am concerned with the
emotions of others. This listening style
helps me to build relationships but at the same time can interfere with my
judgment because I put too much trust in others. These assessments did not surprise me at all
because this is the way that I am.
This
was an exercise that helped me realize the areas where my strengths and
weaknesses are in various areas of communication. I have also come to realize the ways in which
others perceive me.
I found this exercise to be quite beneficial. Like you, my scores were in a similar range. I believe as educators, we must find the balance by effectively communicating with others and have a level of empathy that will allow us to comprehend others thoughts and feelings. Our job is to serve the people and we can't serve people appropriately if we are not communicating effectively. There has to be a level of mutual respect, understanding, appreciation and collaboration between educators and families in order to produce positive change. Cornell West stated in his book Race Matters, “None of us alone can save the nation or the world. But each of us can make a positive difference if we commit ourselves to do so. (p. 109)”. Our dedication to make positive change in the field incorporates effective communication, unity and hope.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your results!
West, C. (1994). Race matters. Vintage Books. New York: NY
I found this exercise to be very interesting. I found so much out about how others think of me. I was very shocked honestly but it shows how others perceive us.
ReplyDeleteHi Kesha. I also tend to be a person who shies away from confrontation. While I think this is a pretty common feeling I also find myself at a disadvantage at times because of it. Sometimes my desire to keep everything even keeled means I accept things happening to me that I do not actually enjoy. In education, I think we need to be okay with a certain level of confrontation. When talking with parents or administrators I need to be able to advocate for the children in my care. Sometimes that means having tough or awkward conversations. Your notes about keeping an open mind and trying to be fair and non-judgmental are great. We may encounter difficult communication situations but we get to choose how we handle ourselves. I thought it was really interesting that the people rating you had scores so similar to your own. It's great that other people are able to see you the way you see yourself or want to be seen.
ReplyDeleteHi Kesha,
ReplyDeleteI think the results of my tests also depended on how well others knew me. I had my eighteen year old son take the test and he felt I was slightly more verbally aggressive with my communication when it come down to getting things done. I also scored myself to be placed in group 1, like you, but others put me in group 2. This activity was very interesting and I enjoyed learning more about myself. Thanks for your post.