Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Week 4- Who Am I as a Communicator?

This week I has the opportunity to participate in three quizzes that evaluated me on communication anxiety, verbal aggression, and listening styles. After, I took each quiz, I had my mother and my friend/co-worker take the same three quizzes to compare their opinions in those areas. My mother, my friend/co-worker, and I all three had identical scores on the verbal aggressiveness and listening styles, however we all indicated different scores on the communication anxiety quiz. I see my self as being fairly comfortable speaking with others I don't really know and speaking in small groups, but my mother and my friend however see differently. My body language and tone of voice must be indicating how nervous I truly am speaking in front of groups. My hands sweat, my voice cracks, and my body feels like it shacking all over. The good think out of this is that I now see how my body language can be sending a different message than what I am saying and that I truly try to be a respectful to others as possible.

My insights:
1.) I have learned that I need to be more aware of my body language as it could be sending a different message than what I am trying to say and this can cause misunderstandings and confusion. I need to learn to relax and take a deep breathe because it is important to get the message across effectively as possible.
2.) I have learned that I am very respectful of others and their thoughts and I truly take the time to listen to them and probe questions for more information. I want to have all the facts before responding because you never want to give the wrong advice to children or families.

4 comments:

  1. Britanie, I really like the way that you evaluated on communication anxiety, verbal aggression, and listening styles. The way that you and the others taking the quizzes were amazing, I see that you and I are alike when it comes to speaking in front of a group. My body language and tone of voice shows that I'm very nervous.

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  2. Hi Britanie,

    Great post!


    My hands used to sweat too. I remember being in a public speaking class in college and the professor telling me to calm down. When I presented and she saw that I was passionate about my topic she gave me some really great tips. The best tip was, to use the anxiety as a force to draw from. When it build up in your system take a deep breath and think of the best thing you have ever experienced in your life and act as if you are speaking about that experience.

    It worked for me, I hope it works for you.

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  3. Britanie,

    You have made a great post. I feel that the things that you learned about yourself by completing this activity are priceless and they are useful in your future.

    I also feel that the comment that you made about body language is key in communication without speaking. I too, have to watch how I act and look when talking to people.

    Thanks for the insight.

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  4. Britanie,

    I depend on body language when I communicate with others so I can relate to what you are saying. Great post!!

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