Assessing my communication styles
This week I evaluated my
own communication techniques based on Communication anxiety, Listening style
and Verbal aggression. Then I had my
mother take the same assessments about me. Our results were very similar. That was encouraging to me, because it shows
that I have a good concept about my own communication strengths and weaknesses.
I found the Listening style chart, describing the
different listening styles, helpful in more ways than one. I discovered that I have a people-oriented
listening style. I am tuned into
feelings when I listen. I also realized
I am often dissatisfied when I talk with people of different listening
styles. I think this is because I don't
feel that that they have heard and validated my feelings. I think this is a good awareness. When I really need someone to listen to my
feelings I can go to a people-oriented listener. When I really need to focus in to complete a
project, I can look to an action-oriented or content-oriented listener to help
me out.
I can also learn from these types of listeners that
there are times when it would be good to follow their example because a different
way of listening may be useful in a certain situation.
I was aware of how much
I have changed over the last several years in the area of communication
anxiety. I think it is partially to
getting older. We tend to joke that we
care less and less what people think of us as we get older and I am finding
that to be true. I have also consciously
worked on my self-esteem and communication skills through therapy and support
groups I have attended. At one time I
was a people pleaser and had a terrible time speaking up to myself. My score on the verbal aggressiveness scale
shows that I am at a moderate level. I
have learned to find a balance between being kind and polite and letting others
walk all over me. I am so happy about
these results.
This was a great assignment for finding out more about myself and
reflecting on my communication skills.
Verbal Aggressiveness Scale
Listening Styles Profile
Wow Wendy!
ReplyDeleteWe hit the same mark in each assessment. It was a fun exercise and it shed some light in a few areas that I was aware of but couldn't quite put into words. What I found most interesting is that being people oriented could mean that we put too much trust into the person which hinders or impairs the judgment of the content given. I guess while we are empathizing we must still be alert to the information being provided to depict between accurate data or exaggerated data.
Wendy
ReplyDeletegreat post, this active also help me to understand my strength and weakness. I also discover that I a people - oriented person. Also it would be very helpful if we could learn how to switch back and forth between a content person and a people oriented there are time when a content style is need.