Improving Communication
Communication is a key to success. We communicate every day verbally and nonverbal to co-workers, people on the phone, and to our family. How well we communicate can affect how well we are understood by others, and the kinds of relationships we build. I discovered that I need to be more effective in my communication if I want to reach my goals. My biggest weakness is with nonverbal communication, which is a major part of daily communication. I have difficulty maintaining eye contact with people which affects my ability to listen. By working to use verbal and nonverbal communication together, I can improve my communication skills.
When someone is talking to me I don’t give eye contact which takes away my attentiveness. In some situations I think my opinion is better before having even heard what someone has to say. By rejecting other people’s opinions or feelings I miss out on information that could really help me. When I am having a conversation and I haven’t taken the time to fully listen I often respond negatively. Conversations become really frustrating when no one understands each other. In a conversation if both people only speak and listen they are not exchanging meaning. They simply exchange words and gestures, which are left to interpretation. “This means that communication is always flawed to some extent” (Ellis, 235).
The Essay on Interpersonal Communication People Nonverbal Behaviors
In every society nonverbal communication is one of the most powerful tools that a person can use to interpret the message that is being delivered. Even though verbal communication is fairly straightforward, nonverbal communication allows others to sense the true emotions of the person that is expressing them. For example even though a person may say that they are not irritated, their usage of ...
I understand that in order to improve my communication I have to change the way I listen and the way I speak.
Listening is a choice. You can choose to ignore someone if you don’t like what they have to say. However, once you choose to listen there is a nonverbal side and verbal responses that make it easier. Some techniques that stood out for me were being quiet, display openness, and suspend judgments. Listening quietly can help a situation because the person speaking gets to finish saying what they need to say. The person listening should also allow some time to pass before responding so they can process what was said and form their response. “If you respond before a person is finished, you might miss the end of the message, which is often the main point” (Ellis, 237).
Facial expressions and body position play a big part in a conversation. It’s best to eliminate those kinds of distractions so the person knows you’re listening, and open to what they have to say. As a listener, the goal is to fully receive a person’s message. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with the message. The key to effective listening is, understand before giving your opinion.
When you speak, sometimes emotions affect what you’re really trying to say. “A conversation should begin with the intention to reach common ground with your listener” (Ellis, 239).
Communication style plays a big part in how people communicate with each other. It’s the difference in having a nice conversation, and a big blown out argument. People with different communication styles can make negative assumptions about each other. By using “I” messages instead of “you” messages, it takes the blame and judgment out of the conversation.
In the past I have been rude to people, and never cared about the affects it had on my relationships with people. Now that I understand what communication is, I can change the way I listen, and speak. This will help me identify my support systems and aim towards higher success. Most people have weaknesses in communication, whether it is language barriers or attitude. The important thing is to be open to creating meaning with someone, and sometimes agreeing to disagree.
The Essay on Model A Depiction Of Communication Message Person Meaning
Chapter 1 Communication- the process of understanding and sharing meaning. Process- an activity, exchange, or set of behaviors that occur over time. Understanding- perceiving, interpreting, and comprehending the meaning of the verbal and nonverbal behavior of others. Sharing- an interaction between people in order to exchange meaning. Meaning- the shared understanding of the message constructed in ...
Works Cited
Ellis, Dave. Becoming a Master Student. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2009. Print.
