Who Am I as a Communicator

                   When I think about myself as a communicator compared to what others think about me, I know that I am a good communicator and I am always conscious of how people (friends, colleagues and family members) are perceiving the message that I send to them. I recognize that I have weaknesses in my communication, verbal expression and listening ability but knowing that others have and are aware of individual weaknesses imply that I am not alone and have the chance to improve. This week's assignment has taught me that I should always be aware of how I am communicating with others either personally or professionally.
                    My reality is that I pay attention and listen carefully to people to make sure their values and principles are heard and implemented. I was surprised that my listening style profile was considered as a people  -oriented listener for all the three profiles. I am glad that my empathetic nature shows through my listening skills in both the personal, friend, and colleague's assessment.
                    The insight I gained this week is to continue to show respect, compassion and not to pass judgment on people based on my first impressions. I need to be more confident in myself, be comfortable in speaking in public, develop a communication skill that is clear as well as build relationships with people who are my listeners so they can receive my message clearly.

COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE

Communication is the process by which individuals use symbols, signs, and behaviors to exchange information (O'Hair & Wiemann (2009). The most interactive relationship I have developed all my life is with my family, friends and my colleagues. In a setting with colleagues or professionals I use eye contact, proper hand shake and proper English. We communicate differently with people from different cultures and settings. When we educate ourselves to know more about people’s culture and their unique nature we would appreciate them for who they are.

I find myself communicating differently with people from different cultures. Since I took the culture and diversity course I have been cautious of my communication with people from different cultures.

I communicate differently with people from different settings but the strategies I use in communicating better is by listening to others, showing respect to others so that when a child grows up seeing people helping others, they too become helpers” (Gonzalez-Mena 2010). And finally we need to be empathic with others by improving the lives of people when creating problem solving environment.

 References

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

 O'- Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2009). Real communication. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

          I always watch people's body language whenever they talk to me but this course has awakened my subconsciousness to always watch people's body language, facial expression and other gestures when they are talking to me. I found out that sometimes the body language and the verbal communication do not always match in a conversation.
           I watched a scene of the program on the television Castle when the lady detective was hanging on the edge of a wall and was about to fall, that was so scary looking from the expression on her face, it appeared as if she was stirring death in the face. The other detectives were suspicious of the lady but her body language and speech showed that she was innocent.
           The body language and facial expression of a person tell alot about the intention of the speaker (communicator) who might be misunderstood. We really understand people better by their non verbal communication. People need to be aware of how they present themselves to others because actions speak louder than words.
           

Competent Communicator

One of the competent and effective communicators in my life is Oprah. As I have watched her shows over the years she has made talking to people appear easy. I would like to model some of her communication behaviors because she finds a way to address people with sincerity and makes sure she leaves the individual with something to contemplate for discussion. It is necessary that we display good communication skills to our parents as well as to our children. It is important to show respect to colleagues and accept their opinions as well. Oprah communicates effectively with others by preparing and practicing to discuss every aspect of how to overcome your short comings and equally focus discussion on the past experiences that highlight your strengths.