Evaluating my Communication Skills

As I think about the similarities and differences between how I evaluated myself as a communicator and how others evaluated me; it is clear that those who are dear to my life perceived me in the same form as I see myself. I always knew that some individuals would examine me for who I am, while others develop their own concept in a different/new light. The one thing that surprised me the most would have been the fact that the individuals evaluation was parallel to my own analyze of who I am and how I communicate to others.

This outcome was shocking because I have realized that I am representing myself in a true appearance, and that those who are familiar with my character our interpretation balanced out equally. I have always viewed myself to be a sympathetic communicator by being affectionate and caring in order to completely understand another person’s conditions in life.When perceiving others, we often try to explain why they say something or act in a certain way, especially if their behavior does not exactly fit our existing schema (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2012, p. 40).

However, I believe that in order to be a competent communicator we must refrain frombeing narrow minded and forming the idea that others might not have the potential due to their situations and/or circumstances. We cannot be blinded by our own circumstances, socioeconomic, or geographical experiences for it might cloud our perception of other people’s reality (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2012, p. 36).  We must make better sense of the world so that our perception may be accurate and valid. We have to begin to look beyond the obvious and to refrain from developing our thoughts solely on what is easily recognized. However, there are more hidden factors that are complex and powerful; and in order to become aware of the world around us we must become interested in learning what is below the surface of a person’s true character, and not only focusing on what is easily seen.

I can benefit from this knowledge in my professional and personal life by ensuring that I am appreciating everyone’s identity and to not discredit or marginalize any person who appear different from myself. Everyone wants to feel visible and that they belong; therefore, implementing inclusiveness is vital in this profession and in life as well.

Reference

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

Different Strategies of Communication

          Different situations force us to use different strategies of communication. I find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. While conversing with neighbors, friends, and family; I am able to be my true self. I can relax, live life without trying to appear so perfect and put together. I am allowed to express who I am inside and out without being concerned with being judged or picked apart. My language does not have to be “correct” and informal speech is acceptable.

While being in the workplace I have to be sharp and punctual. I have to communicate in a way that appears as though I am competent in my work and error is not pleasing. Meeting the minimum requirements is not satisfactory and I must remain sure and free from doubt in regards to conversing with youth and their families. I have to be at my best and fully conscious in a professional manner. While working with children/families I must be understanding, patient, compassionate, and considerate in the way I communicate.

Three Strategies

Three strategies I could use to help my communication to be more effective with others would be:

-     To stay empathic and sensitive to the perception of others, while remaining mindful and responsive to their way of thinking.

-     Stay open-minded to families in order to ensure that they feel visible and respected.

-     To uncover my own biases while being open that people have different perspectives. To ask questions in order to better understand a family and/or situation.

Television Show- Toddlers and Tiaras

For this assignment I tuned in with my nieces and we watched a show called, “Toddlers & Tiaras.” The experience was very entertaining because I have always heard of this program; however, I never took time to watch the episodes. Nevertheless, after watching a piece of the segment, I attempted to figure out the family’s relationships based on their nonverbal communication. I suddenly realized that the little girls communicated with their parents and pageant coaches by throwing tantrums and/or fits. I observed a lot of facial expressions that insinuated that the girls were at times unhappy and irritated. I noticed one girl who stormed out the room with her hands folded, and with her lips pooched out due to being upset about a situation. It appeared that no matter how out of line the children were; the parents obeyed their little girl’s demands, and allowed for them to react in negative ways when things did not go the way they anticipated. The parents demonstrated praise and excitement for their little girls by presenting; smiles, hugs, high fives, cheering, etc when their child did a great job and their body language displayed feelings of defeat when their child did not perform to their best potential.

Now, I watched the same scene with the sound turned on and concluded that my observation was accurate. One family seemed as though their relationship with their little girl was based on doing what she wanted and to give in to her wants. Another family allowed their child to misbehave when things did not go her way. When the little girls became upset with how things were going throughout the pageant; consequently, it lead to yelling, temper tantrums, rage, and frustration. One little girl demonstrated a sudden burst of anger, and pointed her finger firmly; with her face frowned ordering the camera crew to “get out of my face.”

The assumptions that I made about the show would have most likely been the same had I watched a show that I knew well. The nonverbal communication displayed in the show appeared evident that the children experienced feelings of being upset and uncomfortable in certain instances. I was aware that something went wrong; however, during my observation I was unable to decipher what occurred specifically.

I have learned that communication involves more than two or more people conversing back and forth. We have to be conscious of a person’s nonverbal communication and to be willing to listen and/or observe behaviors of others. Communication can have ample meanings and may supply different explanations as well. We have to be able to communicate in numerous ways in order to be effective and competent while working with others.

 

A Competent Communicator

       When I think of someone who demonstrates competent communication within a particular context, I would describe my grandmother, who is a devoted and a loving pastor, Eldress Mary Henderson.

 Her behavior allows her to shine so bright because she is truly knowledgeable in the things that she says and represents; as well as, displaying the type of lifestyle that is parallel to her beliefs. She talks on a level that allows her to be understood and she never places herself so high that she cannot understand others. My grandmother’s passion guides her ability to be transparent in the things that she says in regards to Christ; and due to her faith in Christ, it provides her the confidence to preach about who God is. My grandmother has the ability to retain the attention of others when she preaches because her love for Christ sparkles through as she delivers her message and/or sermons.

I would greatly want to model some of my own communication behaviors after my grandmother because when she speaks, she speaks in order to reach out to others; which kindles her passion for God. She enjoys preaching and she is happy to be an example for Christ. She has shown me and has taught me to stand strong in the things that I truly hold dear to my heart and believe.

 

 

 

Professional Hopes and Goals

               One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds will be that diversity will be conceptualized and experienced positively. We all hold value and worth within ourselves; however, I hope that one day we can refrain from marginalizing a group of people in order to ensure the gain of another.

“As competitors in this race, we can win only as much as others lose; to ensure that there will always be someone behind us, we divide humanity by race and accord some groups more power than others” (Ramsey, 2004).

We can all be considered “winners” in society; but, we must address and improve our way of thinking in regards to family diversity. Programs must be created to ensure inclusiveness and a fair chance for all children. We need to be open to the fact that people are different from ourselves; however, it should not be viewed as being indifferent or abnormal.

          One goal I will like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is that no child feels alienated due to their race/background. I would like to ensure that all cultures receive the same recognition of importance in order for all children to feel comfortable and free to express themselves. We must come together with love and with a willing heart to offer a peaceful moment to the world, because love is the greatest gift of all.

Thank you

             I will like to say thank you to all of my colleagues for your support, thoughts, and dedication. As we continue this journey, I hope that our hearts continue to expand with the desire to make a difference in young children’s lives. Nevertheless, let’s continue to change ourselves for the better, so that we will be able to lead by example in regards to making this world a better place.

 

Reference

Ramsey, P. G. (2004). Teaching and learning in a diverse world (pp. 3–6). New York, NY: Teachers College Press.