Communication Evaluation

What is the one thing that surprised you the most? Why? 
One thing that surprised me the most was that between all three tests there was only one section where the score was different from mine. In the Verbal Aggressiveness, my mom and I both got around the same score, where as my husband's score for me came out differently.

What other insights about communication did you gain this week? 
I have realized that to communicate effectively there are many things you need to do and ways to interact and communication can positively and negatively influence your relationships with others. 
I have also realized that how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us can be so different. I think it also depends on how well they know you. When first meeting someone, communication can be unclear or misunderstood because we all communication things in different ways. On the same hand, it can still be foggy with someone you know well. My teammate and I always laugh because we share our ideas, and we think we're speaking differently but then after much conversation and debate, we are actually trying to say the same thing, we've just chosen different words and a different way of presenting it. Communication can be difficult, but if you find ways to be effective, you can get your ideas and opinions across to others.

Different Communications

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures? If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

When I think about communication in my life, I believe my communication does differ depending on who I am talking to. When I'm at home with my family I am myself, I let loose, I'm not afraid to express my opinion and ideas. I listen, give advice, and act silly. When I'm a work, I am myself, but definitely more professional and not as eager to share my opinions or speak my mind to colleagues. In regards to my students, I feel I can be myself more with them but I do communicate in simpler terms that I know they will understand. I also try to be very patient and model what it's like to live the "Golden Rule". I also don't mind laying on the floor with them and teaching or acting silly. My co-workers don't always see that silly or "let go" side of me. When I am communicating with people older than me, I try my best to be mature and act my age, rather than the silly, somewhat childish things I do with my Kindergarteners. (Those who know me well, know I'm young at heart.) I think that for everyone, you communicate differently. Some people need more detail, and some less. Some need touched or stronger eye contact where as others can communicate while doing other things. For me, it just depends on who I am talking to.

As I watched an episode from The King of Queens tonight, I learned that facial expressions can say a lot about the way someone may be feeling, but can also be misleading. I also learned that the way in which someone is behaving, doesn't mean that they are necessarily feeling a certain way. Using eye contact is important when you want someone’s attention and want them to listen to you or hear you. Some people talk more with their body, (mostly upper) moving their hands, arms, heads while others talk more with their facial expressions, and some use both.

As I was watching, there was a part where the character Doug was packing a bag, as his wife Carrie was sitting on the bed folding clothes. Doug then began seem like he was angry. He was moving his hands and frowning as he was talking to Carrie. Carrie then seemed to become angry back, and started throwing her arms around as she talked. Doug then stomped out of the room and Carrie jumped up to follow him. They both came back and he continued to pack. As he did, Carrie placed her hand on her heart and began to cry as she talked.

I then turned the volume on and as I watched the same part, they actually weren’t fighting, they were discussing the fact that they had to babysit their best friend’s children for the evening. Carrie was worried that she wouldn't do well because she’s not privy to children.

I think this helped me to realize even more that what we presume, or do not listen to, can cause misunderstandings, and things can be taken in a different way. This can lead to further difficulties when it comes to working with children and their families and trying to build strong relationships.

Communication and Collaboration

For your blog this week, think of someone (e.g., family member, celebrity, politician, friend, or professor) who demonstrates competent communication within a particular context. What behaviors does this person exhibit that make him or her effective? Would you want to model some of your own communication behaviors after this person? Why or why not?


I have chosen to focus on my friend and teammate, Joni. She is a great communicator and has taught me a lot when it comes to communication. She listens when someone else is talking, giving them her full attention. She waits until they are finished talking to respond. She also chooses her words carefully and communicates in a respectful manner, whether she is happy, angry, sad, etc. When it comes to communicating during a disagreement, she always does so in a respectful way, by telling what she hears the other person saying, or repeating what they say back to them. In regards to children and their families, she praises, gives words of encouragement and advice, and does so in a kind and caring way. For example, this year she has a 5 yr old boy who seems to really struggle with anger. She had a conference with the family and expressed her concerns in a meaningful way, as well as listened to the mother's concerns, making suggestions for how they could work together to help the child. When it comes to email, she is formal, appropriate, and uses a positive tone. I have learned a lot from Joni, especially when it comes to confrontation, because we both tend to avoid it. She has taught me how to speak about how I'm feeling when in a hostile situation by using "I feel" statements and politely saying you will talk with that person once they are respectfully able to discuss the issue with me.