Blog Assignment Week 4:

Blog Assignment Week 4:

The differences were not significant between how I evaluated myself and how others did. We all agreed that I use the people oriented listening style. I fell in the moderate section in the verbal aggressiveness scale on each evaluation. The one difference was my colleague rated me as displaying mild communication anxiety. I was slightly surprised. I was rated as low anxiety from my husband and myself. My colleague however perceives me as uneasy in some circumstances. For example in public speaking or in large groups I seem less confident and a little uneasy. Otherwise she feels I have little anxiety. The most important idea I learned was the power of perception. We do assume whether we want or not based on appearance and first impression. To be effective communicators we need to be aware of that as well as any biases we have.

Josie Zbaeren

Communication...

· Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?

· If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

I do communicate differently depending on whom I am talking to. I am more relaxed and casual with close family and friends. I am more formal with the Dean or VP of the college. I correspond openly with my mentor (we share the same beliefs, values and career paths). If I am unsure of others lifestyles, cultures or beliefs I try to understand them or their point of you not to offend anyone. I try and respect everyone.

Josie Zbaeren

Learning About Communication Skills

The show I watched is Dance Mom's. I chose this television show because I have wanted to watch it but have not had the time. I love to dance!  

Watch the show with the sound turned off.

What do you think the characters' relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating? I think that they appear mad at each other especially the instructor and the dance moms. There is a lot of pointing at each other, eye rolling, and standing way too close to each other. The children look at the instructor when they are active in the class however not when she is talking to them. They look down with slumped shoulders.

What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing? Again, they appear to be mad. The girls often look sad at the studio however while on stage they look as though they enjoy the dancing. They smile and change expressions as they move. Some smile after performances and others cry and hug other adults, which I assume are their parents.

Now, watch the show with the sound turned on.

What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed? My assumptions were somewhat right. The people on this show are angry a lot! The parents are unhappy with the way in which the teacher talks to their children. With that being said they continue to keep their children at her (Abby Lee) studio. The children are fierce competitors but fearful of disappointing their coach. They cry if they are not perfect in their performances. There is little fun connected to their hobby.

Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well? As I said some of my assumptions were right. The adults are mad but what I missed is how inappropriate they are. None of the adults are teaching the children anything great. I will not watch that show again!

Josie Zbaeren

 

Effective Communicator

The person in my life that is an effective communicator is my Pastor.  The behaviors that make him an effective communicator are he speaks with emotion, confidence, and is appropriately animated (not too much and not too little). He makes eye contact with the listeners. He stands with a presence. He is knowledgeable and compassionate. He can use humor to keep everyone’s interest. He speaks clearly in a group or one to one. His communication follows this principle, "advocates truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason as essential to the integrity of the communication," (O'Hair & Wieman, 2009, pg.15).

I would like to be half the teacher he is. I want others when I teach at the community college to believe me, trust what I am saying is truthful and useful, and I want to do it in a way that brings them joy as my Pastor does every Sunday and every other time he speaks to his congregation.

Josie Zbaeren