Comparing communication styles

I asked my sister and coworker to evaluate my communication anxiety using an inventory.  The results from my personal inventory revealed mild communication anxiety, known as "situational."  My sister and coworker evaluations revealed low communication anxiety.  This information didn't surprise me because they have both seen me communicate in small group and public speaking events.  I believe I am able to "hide" my nerves/anxiety in these settings because they are mild.

One thing that somewhat surprised me were the results of the listening styles profile.  When I evaluated myself  I was in the people oriented group; however, my coworker placed me in the action oriented group.  This prompted me to reflect on the ways I can communicate in various settings.  I discovered that I am an overall people oriented listener; however, I do tend to be an action oriented listener in the professional setting.  In the future I intend to blend the two styles to maintain an effective, yet empathetic listening style at work.

Experiences in Communicating with Diverse people

At my workplace, a Title I school in an urban area, I interact with diverse people on a daily basis.  Many of the people I communicate with are economically diverse, ethnically diverse, and have diverse language abilities.  I often find myself speaking slightly slower and using more animated hand and facial gestures than I normally would, when I'm communicating with people whose first language is other than English.
 
According to Beebe  there are a few strategies I can try to improve my intercultural communication competence (2011):
 

• Develop an appropriate knowledge:  taking the time discover how others use communication codes (verbal and nonverbal).  Asking questions and listening, all the while taking in cues about their norms, roles, and rules.

• Develop motivation:  to develop a desire to improve from within.  Be mindful of cultural differences and use self-talk when uncomfortable feelings arise.

• Develop skill:  to increase awareness to the communication behaviors of others and adapt one's behaviors in order to increase communication effectiveness (other-oriented).  Being aware of the thoughts, perspectives, and emotions of others when I am communicating.

Reference:
Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Communication Observation

Keeping Up with the Kardashians is a show I have never watched, but have heard about for years.  I watched an episode with the sound on and off in order to make comparisons of their verbal and nonverbal communication.

With the sound off, the character's seem to have a fun and loving relationships with one another.  They smile, hug,laugh, and make eye contact when speaking to one another.  At times they express some personal opinions based on their eye movements (eye rolling), facial expressions (lips pursed) and body language (hands on hips).  They seem to have personal and professional relationships with one another because I saw them in the home setting and in a professional meeting setting. 

With the sound on, I discovered my assumptions about the Kardashians were mostly correct.  They demonstrate a loving and caring relationship, as a family.   When they talk with one another they listen and make eye contact.  I learned they sometimes struggle to balance their personal and professional relationships, but through consistent communcation they work through it!

Communication Behaviors

Competent communication, requires active listening, appropriate body movements (language), and appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication.  In my current position, I work with a mentor who supports me in my fairly recent new role as a Master Teacher.  She demonstrates competent communication skills by exhibiting particular behaviors that make communication with her effective.  For example, she makes consistent eye contact with the person/people she speaking with, asks clarifying questions prior to answering questions to ensure she understands, and remains focused on the topic by eliminating distractors (cell phone, email, etc.).  I model many of my communication behaviors after her because  through observation people have a positive response to form of communication.  They often feel "listened to" and respected whenever they communicate with her.  I strive to have the same impact on the people I communicate with on a daily basis.