Week 4: Being Evaluated As A Communicator

I found the experience of evaluating myself as a communicator very simple. I only looked at the positive things. I know that I am a great listener. I am also polite most of the time.  Having someone else evaluate me as a communicator was a bit challenging because I was able to look at myself from differing perspectives. The two people who evaluated me as a communicator pointed out two important weaknesses.
1. They found that I was extremely shy.
2. They also found that I was too passive and avoided participating in debates.

 Teachers should not be shy. Teachers should not be too passive because they are the voices of many children! After hearing their opinions, I agree that I have a long way to go in becoming an effective communicator!

Week 3: Effective Strategies for Communicating Across Cultures

 

I find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. Sometimes I find myself being passive to avoid saying anything that may be offensive to the other person.  I tend to be more attentive.

1.      I think it is essential to develop active listening skills to understand what is being said.

2.       I am more patient and curious to learn more about the person’s language, religion, parenting style, musical selections and childhood.

3.      I avoid using any type of slang or jokes that can be interpreted as offensive. I don’t allow any prejudice and stereotypes to interfere with my communication. I treat each person as an individual by applying the golden rule.

These things are important because there is an increasing amount of diversity in our schools, neighborhoods, families and workplace.  The main goal is to help others feel valued, respected and loved through meaningful relationships!

Week 2: Observing Communication on Television

I chose to watch a reality show called The Bad Girls Club for the first time. While watching the muted episode, I thought the girls were family members getting into physical altercations about something sensitive. Based on the nonverbal behavior that I observed, these girls were expressing anger toward each other. The scene was chaotic. I made the assumption that these girls were wild, rude and lacking in self control. I think my assumptions would have been correct and incorrect if I had been watching a show that I knew well. It would depend on the individuals that are being observed. After watching the episode twice, I have the clear understanding that violence is the worst form of communication. Patience, respect and consideration for others will help me to be a more effective communicator!

Week 1: Demonstrating Competent Communication Within A Certain Context

My sister Courtney is a wonderful mother to 4-year old Melody. She has demonstrated competent communication skills through her parenting style. She recently witnessed her daughter having a verbal altercation with a playmate about a toy. Courtney calmly explained to both girls that it is always good to share some materials with others. She stated "I have a good idea......I understand that there is only 1 bicycle available to ride.....Melody....Allow your friend Minnie to ride the bike for 5 minutes.......Then you will also ride the bike for 5 minutes.....This is how we solve our problem....This is a great time for sharing." Both girls smiled and continued to play, remembering Courtney's instructions and following directions. This is an effective communication skill known as compromising. This is also teaching social skills to young children. Courtney was very patient and enthusiastic while speaking to both girls. She encouraged them to work as a team. She was teaching both girls how to make good choices. I would want to model some of my own communication behaviors after this person because Courtney's communication behaviors revealed positive results. This communication behavior supports children developing meaningful relationships with each other. Children often imitate behaviors displayed by their parents or adults. According to O'Hair & Wiemann (2012), "Most of the skills we need in order to communicate must be learned." Courtney's daughter (Melody) has applied this effective communication behavior to her daily life as she plays with her friends.

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