Communication quiz

The quizzes we took this week focused on listening styles, verbal aggression, and communication anxiety. I asked a co-worker and my son to take the same quizzes (about me, not them) and then we compared answers.  In many ways our opinions were similar. However, I feel that I look and act very nervous when communicating with a group. I think I tend to blush and sometimes stammer. My other test-takers, though, indicated that they viewed me as being very comfortable communicating in group situations. I guess my body language shows a higher level of confidence than I really possess - I was happy about that.  :  )

Insights:

1.      I have learned that the messages we think we are conveying are sometimes perceived quite differently by other people. Therefore, it is important to get our true meaning across in communication.

2. I have learned that body language and facial expression are equally as important in communication as the spoken word is. Therefore, we need to be aware of our body language, as well as the body language of others when we are communicating.

Communication style

My communication style definitely varies with different groups. If I am speaking with the staff at my center, I tend to be very definite in what I say. I want them to listen carefully and follow my direction. At home with my children, I communicate in a similar style but also can relax and joke around. It’s a lot more casual. If I am speaking with someone from a different culture, I am much more tentative in my speech – I want the other person to take control of the conversation. I tend to ask a lot of questions and try to convey a feeling of goodwill.  I want them to feel comfortable with me, and understand that I am a respectful and receptive communicator.

Right off the bat, these strategies for communication come to mind:

When listening to someone, don’t talk to other people, look around the room, check text messages, or interrupt!  Let the person finish speaking, listen carefully to what they are saying, and make eye contact with them while they talk.

Pay attention to your facial expressions and body language. Either can give messages that reveal more than you want to, or that may be misleading and / or confusing.

Try not to be judgmental. We all have our own beliefs and feelings about things - that individuality should be accepted and respected.

Communication

My son Jake is a great communicator, which is kind of interesting as he is actually very shy. He presents his ideas clearly and factually. There is rarely drama of any kind with him. He listens well and thinks about what he hears before replying. He is willing to consider opinions and ideas that may be different from his own.

I admire him for those excellent communication skills.

His brother, father, and I all tend to be loud, dramatic, and somewhat pigheaded. This can lead to arguments, with everyone trying to be heard at one time. Stressful! Jake usually listens calmly in the background during these episodes. When he speaks up, however, we all stop talking and listen attentively to him. Generally speaking, his observations and opinions are well thought out, and a solution or compromise is quickly found.