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.