Evaluation of the Communicator

According to O’Hair & Wiemann, 2009.  As a communicator I am influenced by both cognition and behavior. Cognition refers to those thoughts which I possess about myself and others whereas behaviors refer to the verbal and non-verbal messages and it affects behavior.

In my opinion, I think all three assessments produced the same categories of results. The similarity in the results was shocking to me. The two people who evaluated me was my sister who is an hair stylist and the other one was a co-worker. However, the two do possess a clear idea of my strengths and my weaknesses. They are fully aware of my reactions to various situations. While they were completing the assessments they both agree on the same thing pertaining me and also it made so much easier for them two to provide such similar assessment.

 One difference I observed was the variance on the continuum. According to my sister’s assessment of me and assessment on the Communication Anxiety Inventory (CAI) were both on the lower side of the scale with a difference of 1. My co-worker assessment of me on the CAI was towards the higher end of the continuum when I compare my co-worker assessment to mine on the CAI there was a notable difference of 6 (Rubin, Palmgreen & Sypher, 2009).

The two insights I have gained throughout this week about communication are:

1.      Self-Presentation requires communicators to find the appropriate level of self-monitoring for the situation and the people involved in order to communicate successfully. Being aware of this on a professional and personal basis will always help me to monitor the signals from the communicators so that interest is sustained in order for the desired objectives will be achieved.

2.      Self-Disclosure refers to the amount of information one share with others. It can be considered tool for confirming our self-concept or improving or self-esteem (O’Hair Wiemann, 2009 cited Miller, Cooke, Tsang & Morgan 1992). Both on a personal level and a professional level care must be exercised in terms of the quality and quantity of information that is shared because one can lose the respect of others should the lines become blurred and that can be very dangerous.

As a teacher and a communicator, I will work hard toward the areas of strengthening my weaknesses so that I will be a better communicator.

References:

O Hair, D, Friedrich, G. W., & Dixon, L. D. (2011). Strategic communication in business and the professions, Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Ruibin, R. B., Palmgreen., P., & Sypher, H. E. (Eds.) (2009). Communication research measures: A sourcebook. New York: Routledge

Week 3

As I think about other cultures and groups, I do find myself communicating differently both verbally and non-verbally. When using verbal words I find myself speaking louder, in a clear tone pronouncing words carefully. When it comes to my non-verbal communication in regards to others of different groups and cultures I find myself smiling more, and alternating between eye contact and no eye contact. I will use what their non verbal language is saying and seemingly mimic their movements.

I was aware of the speaking clearly and louder, but not of my non-verbal interactions until I really focused on my interactions this week.

In my school we have a family who is from Spain and we will try to use clearer words, I also found myself avoiding any slang that Americans use as to convey the wrong message about their child's day.

I also find myself becoming very aware of my own difference. I notice any words I think I say differently then others I work with, and how I hold myself in the classroom; such as the placement of my arms when I am talking. I found that I seem to not know what to really do with my arms when I am interacting with other cultures. The unsure feeling makes me want to cross them across my chest, but I know this would seem negative and possibly send a message that I was uninterested in their family. I also utilize active listening, restating what they asked in or said to me back to them with my own words added.

O'Hair, & Wiemann. (2009) Real Communication: An Introduction. Bedford, St. Martin

Communicating Skills and Styles

I had a chance to look at Basketball Wives because my friend told me it would be something interesting to watch.

What do you think the characters’ relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?
After watching the show, I can tell there is something going on between the women right off the back. Shauna seems nice but always crying and at times acts like she is really bad with the rolling of her neck and her tone of voice. All the basketball wives in this reality show look mean but they all are very verbal.

What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing? Some of the wives seem to be expressing anger by throwing up their hands, pointing their fingers in each other faces, crying, and hurting each other feelings. Shauna, which is Shaq’s wife, always seems to be the one who has the big head and is so quick to catch an attitude. She’s always the first one to cry and the one who would use bad language.

What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed? Looking at this program the women are very loud, back stabbers, and even not so friendly towards one another. The women do not know how to communicate very well because there is too much mess and no one is really listening to one another and the only way they seem to get their point across is by cussing one another or even word bashing each other. The women in this show are very hostile.

Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well? No because some of the shows I watch they communicate by using their words not throwing punches, or even bashing one another, and if they say something that will hurt another person feelings, the characters try to come back and apologize and try to figure out a way in which they can communicate better.

With my experience in communication, a person has to be careful how they say things because people can take things the way they want to.

What is Communication

My mother comes to mind when I think of a person who demonstrates competent communication within a particular context. She displays strong communication skills. On many occasions when I would sit and listen to my mother as she talk, just the tone of her voice would capture my attention. It was never a time in which my mother was not certain of what she was talking about. When speaking with her children, she would provide information that was resourceful and reliable. Proving information that is accurate is always a positive so that we can believe in what one is saying. She was very proficient and always used a great choice of words. She would use direct eye contact which made me feel connected to her as she spoke to me. Even when others spoke while she talked, she would stop what she is saying to give the other person a chance to be heard. She nods her head when she is in agreement with what others or saying. She never lost her concentration and was always able to say what the other person said and offer advice if necessary. This made me realize that not only was she a good communicator but also a good listener.

I hope to be an effective communicator like my mother so that I will be able to capture the attention of a crowd. I used to be very shy when speaking in front of a group of people but not anymore. I want to be able to give each person direct eye contact as I speak so that we can connect with one another. Being able to connect with others as you speak can build trust which would build meaningful relationships that can have a lasting impact on the lives of children and families.