Who Am I As a Communicator

For my evaluations on myself as a communicator I ask a friend from work and a friend from church to do the evaluations. To my surprise my evaluation about myself which I did first was very similar to the results that were received when done by my two friends. The major differences were between the scores on the Communication Anxiety Inventory, myself and my friend from church placed me in the elevated category, while my friend from work placed me in the moderate. I believe the reason for the difference is because while I am at work I am not in the position to be speaking in public or otherwise very often if at all, while at church I have been in leadership positions and it would be more noticeable in the church forum.

Two insights that I would have gained this week would  include:

1. Schemas are a very deep rooted contribution made to our perceptions of people or things around us. It is very interesting to realise and understand the smallest or biggest things that have taken place in our lives that cause us all to view things differently. Though we view them differently that mean or make anyone better than the other.

2. It is important to know that although we have our perceptions, we must still have an open mind to other people's perceptions. This will assist in having effective communication within the early childhood field, with families, colleagues, etc. Though taking this stance may cause difficulty when working with others since they may not have the same mind set, one must still work with the other to come to a common ground without simply dismissing another's point of view.

Communication is vital in every aspect of our lives, do not take it for granted when there is effective communication, for that is one commodity that is difficult to come by. 

Culture & Communication

Communication must take into consideration each individual, because everyone will be different. Each individual one may come into contact with is different in their culture and the way in which they communicate. Some persons will be straight forward down to earth individuals then others will be soft skinned, and easily hurt by words or even nonverbal communication. 

In communicating with both types of persons a few strategies that can be considered are, being understanding, listening, and responding accordingly. Being understanding is in relation to treating others the way they would want to be treated, and in order to do such one must have an understanding of a person's situation and reality. Everyone is not the same, therefore everyone cannot be treated the same, hence different ways of communication. Listening is important if one is going to know how a person feels or even understand their situation. Listening also allows for one to respond accordingly and appropriately to a person's emotions, and the situation. 

Communication is key in every circumstance, and whether we speak it or show it what is communicated will be transmitted for interpretation. Therefore say what you mean and mean what you say.   

Assumptions in Communication

The television show that I chose to watch was "Tyrant. Upon watching the very first episode of the series without sound the assumptions that I made were that, there was an american family going to visit an out of state war like country for reasons that were connected to the father of the american family. Upon arrival to the country, it seemed that the american family was well known by those who greeted them, and those who greeted them seemed to be of high importance within that country, king or such like, because the roads were cleared for their passing. The picture was filled with anger, almost everyone in this episode was angry with someone, slaps were shared, deep stares given, etc. Love and comfort was shown between the husband and wife of the american family. The adult male american seemed to be the son of the king, and the looks exchanged upon arrival did not seem to be excitement but rather just let me get this over with. The guy who greeted him at the landing strip seemed to be his brother, who was second in command after the father, as that was how it depicted in the flash backs of the american male. His brother seemed violent from the way he treated his lady, the outside women, and those that worked for him.

Upon watching the show with volume, most of my assumption were correct. The american guy did not want to go to the country, he was going for his nephew's wedding. His wife thought it would be good for him to make it alright between him and his father, but she really did not know about the circumstances behind him leaving that country to make his life in America. I was not able to decipher the plot of the entire story line, that is where words play an important role in communication.

It is interesting to see that without sound, much can be derived once one is very observant in the behaviour of the characters. You can tell the relation or lack there of, or the intensity of the relationship between individuals. Both verbal and nonverbal communication plays a very important in communication itself. Nonverbal allows one to see what is not being said, and what is said either confirms or refutes what was seen. Both sides are equally important in communication.

Competent Communication

 I believe a competent communicator I know would be a male friend of mine. He always seems willing to listen in any given situation even if the point that you are making is not one that corresponds with the situation. He understands the fact that everyone will have their opinion, and although their opinion is different to his he still sees the need to hear them out. Eye contact, humour where necessary, understanding, accepting, are good attributes that he possesses in his daily communication with others. He is able to realise when he may be wrong and stand corrected. Communication in his life comes in handy when dealing with his children, wife, friends, colleagues, but especially with teenagers and young adults who seek him for advice. In giving advice his listening attributes are necessary in order to know the situation is his advising about. Also he keeps a calm spirit in situations where many would get agitated, upset and loud.

From witnessing his competent communicator, one attribute I would love to attain is that of maintaining a calm spirit through any given situation. Calm in the sense that though the situation may upset me, I am still able to listen effectively and give necessary responses in the appropriate tone of voice.