Communication Styles

One thing that surprised me the most about the evaluation from myself and my colleague and friend was that each of our results were very similar, which lets me know that my friends perceptions of me are very similar to my own. I have learned that my friends have accepted me for who I am. My friends and colleagues relate to me on many levels. “Competent communicators are motivated to enhance their ability to relate to others and to accept others as they are” (Beebe et al., 2011, p. 107).

I learned that my friends view me as more of an action-oriented person but I see myself as a people-oriented individual because I have grown to accept the value and importance of empathy and respect during communication and interactions. 

The second thing I learned from these evaluations is that I am both uneasy and comfortable in communication situations depending on the context, the people and whether or not communication will involve speaking out to a larger crowd. I tend to be nervous and anxious when I have to speak amongst larger crowds of people. I am more comfortable speaking amongst smaller crowds and engaging in personal and intimate conversation with diverse groups of people, on one on one basis. 

Yes, I find myself communicating differently with different people from different cultures, races, and ethnicities. I try to use the "other-oriented" approach and positive verbal and nonverbal cues when communicating with everyone. Often times our schemas and perceptions are different due to our environments and upbringing, therefore things may be misinterpreted or can possibly come off as offensive. To limit the possibility of being rude or offensive, I try to treat people with the respect that I THINK they would desire in order to feel as though they have my undivided attention. I feel as though instead of following the PLATINUM RULE, and treated others how we want to be treated, we should strive to treat others how we think they would like to be treated. When communicating, I always attempt to think and feel what the other person may be thinking and feeling because I understand the importance of empathy and respect when it comes to effective communication.

 I normally do not watch the television series, FRIENDS but while silencing the TV and viewing the communication skills and relationships of the characters I was able to conclude that everyone was happy, friendly and engaged with what one another. Two of the characters seemed to be in a serious relationship seeing as though they sat extremely close to one another. Seems as though the characters were casually drinking champagne and sharing opinions and laughs amongst one another at a friend's apartment or home.

Based on the nonverbal behavior, it looks as though they are expressing excitement, gratitude and sarcasm, maybe a few casual jokes amongst one another.

I assumed that the characters were friends, very happy and excited about something seeing as though they were toasting and drinking champagne. The energy in the environment was upbeat and very positive. They made eye contact with one another, smiled and displayed attentive listening skills, gestures and body language helped me to conclude that something exciting was happening. When I turned the sound on I learned that friends had all gathered to celebrate the engagement of 2 other friends (the ones that were sitting very close to one another) but they all seemed to be in a rush to get on with their lives and go home. Monica (the fiancé) made the engagement all about her. Apparently Monica and her fiancé wanted to head home to be intimate with one another and it turned out a little awkward because he apparently experienced an erectile dysfunction. My assumptions were pretty close, I could tell that something was being celebrated according to the characters body language and plot but of course, I believe that they would have been correct If I had been watching a show in which I was more familiar with.

I learned from this assignment that body language, gestures can be interpreted differently by different people, it is all about perception. I would tell my colleagues, as professionals we must remember to be respectful, attentive listeners and keep in mind that nonverbal behavior can cause discrepancies within communication. According to (O'Hair et al., 2011, p. 113) "It is important to interpret a speaker's nonverbal cues correctly in order to receive the optimum amount of information; as well as giving the speaker nonverbal cues to show that you are comprehending (or not comprehending) the message". Schemas effect the way we communicate and interpret things around us.


Reference:

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

WHAT IS COMMUNICATION??!!

My mother demonstrates effective communication as a parent and business owner, she owns 2 child care centers. She listens effectively while displaying attentive body language as she communicates. According to O'Hair et al., (2015) "Behaviors based on social understandings that help communicators achieve their goals" (p.17). My mother displays empathy, understanding, and attention as she communicates with others. During family and work related meetings, she makes sure that she lays down the rules and regulations without offending the employees with body language, words, inappropriate gestures etc. My mom demonstrates effective listening and communication skills, so that the person that she is communicating with does not feel insulted, offended or as if their opinion or views are unimportant. She is a respectful communicator, keeping in mind race, culture, views and opinions of others. I would like to model some of my communication behaviors after my mother because she has successfully been able to communicate with others successfully, with listening and responding.



Reference:

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J.  (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's