Communication Skills

Think about the similarities and differences between how you evaluated yourself as a communicator and how others evaluated you.

I do not think that I am a good communicator, but I am always involved in situations where individuals are asking for my advice. Many times I have wonder why people value my opinion so much, because sometimes even I cannot pronounce words as clearly as I would like too. After listening, observing, and giving advice throughout different conversations, most people would say I am a good communicator. Individuals would let me know that they felt much better since they came over to communicate with me. Most people that ask for my advice think I am funny, smart and compassionate (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2012)

The one thing that surprised me the most is when people tells me I am a good communicator and tells other individuals that I do not know to come and talk with me. My family members love asking me questions concerning situations, because they know that I am going to tell it like it is. Sometime they would say “I knew not to ask you, but I also knew you would tell the truth”. I try not to give negative comments when communicating with people because I do not want to send out the wrong message. When communicating with people, they observes the words you use, facial expressions, body movements, clothing and gestures (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2012).

The insights I have gained about communication this week is to learn to be the best communicator possible. “The most obvious parts of any communication situation are the communicators, the individuals who are engaged in communication” (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2012, p. 23). Also, through communication, people can learn about each other. Communication can build up individual’s self-esteem, self-motivation, self-efficacy, and self-concept (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2012). Persons can communicate in several different ways with all cultures such as e-mail, blog, face book, letter, fax, cell-phone, etc. It is very important for professionals to listen, communicate, and to understand other people differences. This can help to build positive relationship between all parties that involved.

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

COMMUNICATING WITH DIFFERENT CULTURES

I have found myself communicating differently around people of different cultures because I did not understand their English or what they were talking about. I did not give up because I was interested in learning more about them. I became friend with a young in 2007 in nursing school and it took me quite some time to pick up on what she was saying. We both laugh because she knew I was struggling to figure it out. So, we decided that when I could not figure out what she was saying, she would write it down on paper.

Strategies for effective communication

First verify own perceptions of any prejudice or bias behaviors. Everyone is different, but unique in their own way. Showing empathy toward other people feelings will help them to communicate more openly. If we are going to understand the feelings of others, we must put our own feelings aside. Lastly, listen to the communicators and get a good understanding of what is said. In most cases we hear, but we do not listen well. An effective communication requires all parties to respect each other differences.

Show on Communication

While watching General Hospital a daytime soap opera on TV with the sound turned off, I can tell that there was much tension between the man who looked to be the father, the two women which one looked to be the mother, a younger lady that might have been a girlfriend and the two young men who looked to be his sons. From the way, the man was looking and walking he appeared to be drunk and very upset about something. They all used nonverbal communication such as hand movement, eye-to-eye contact, walking, sitting and leaning across the table. Nonverbal communication is ambiguous, and you can pick up on clues about the meaning of behavior from the situational context (O’ Hair & Wiemann, 2012). One son went up the stairs, and one of the young men went up to talk with him, and the other one left with the young lady and one of the older women while the other woman stayed there.

After watching General Hospital with the sound on, my expectation was correct. The father (Sunny) upset because his fiancée (Connie) was murdered supposedly by his oldest son real father. One of the young men was his biological son and the other one was his adopted son. One of the oldest women was his ex-wife, which was also his son’s mother, and the other one was his fiancée cousin. If I had been looking at a show that I usual watch my expectations would have been the same.

I noticed a lot of sadness and emotion going on between close family members when watching this show. I have learned that some people show feelings and emotions through verbal and nonverbal communication. Many people find themselves unable to communicate well when it comes to their own emotion; they might express their frustration with family members by yelling at them (O’ Hair & Wiemann, 2012). Professionals should show passion and understandings in the early childhood field in order to promote relationships and gain respect from young children and families.

Reference

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

Bottom of Form

Show on Communication

While watching General Hospital a daytime soap opera on TV with the sound turned off, I can tell that there was much tension between the man who looked to be the father, the two women which one looked to be the mother, a younger lady that might have been a girlfriend and the two young men who looked to be his sons. From the way, the man was looking and walking he appeared to be drunk and very upset about something. They all used nonverbal communication such as hand movement, eye-to-eye contact, walking, sitting and leaning across the table. Nonverbal communication is ambiguous, and you can pick up on clues about the meaning of behavior from the situational context (O’ Hair & Wiemann, 2012). One son went up the stairs, and one of the young men went up to talk with him, and the other one left with the young lady and one of the older women while the other woman stayed there.

After watching General Hospital with the sound on, my expectation was correct. The father (Sunny) upset because his fiance (Connie) was murdered supposedly by his oldest son real father. One of the young men was his biological son and the other one was his adopted son. One of the oldest women was his ex-wife, which was also his son’s mother, and the other one was his fiance cousin. If I had been looking at a show that I usual watch my expectations would have been the same.

I noticed a lot of sadness and emotion going on between close family members when watching this show. I have learned that some people show feelings and emotions through verbal and nonverbal communication. Many people find themselves unable to communicate well when it comes to their own emotion; they might express their frustration with family members by yelling at them (O’ Hair & Wiemann, 2012). Professionals should show passion and understandings in the early childhood field in order to promote relationships and gain respect from young children and families.

Reference

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

Communication

Communication skills are very important it gives us the privilege to listen and understand communicators differences. I have this friend who is very effective in her communication skills. She works with young children and families at DHR. Her communication skills are great. Her family, co-workers, church members and the children at the center enjoys talking with her. She has his unique talent, passion, respect and loves that draw people close to her. There are many times I had to call her over to talk with my mental challenge son. The minute he would look up and see her coming, his face would have such big smile. I would like to model some of my own communication behaviors after my friend because she approaches all young children and families with respect and kindness. I have already learned many skills from her and will be learning more.