Communication in Action (Week 3)

   
I do find that I communicate differently when I am with different groups in my community.  First, I find myself being really modest and reserve when I am in church.  I am always smiling and greeting people with a handshake.  I do not share to much about my personal life, and I do more listening than talking.  Second, I find myself more laid back when I am surrounded with fellow military spouses waiting at the bus stop.  We talk about our personal life and use slang.  Third, I realize that I communicate differently when I talk to my son's teacher.  Even though I am a teacher myself, I listen attentively and remind myself of my role as a parent.  We have communicated via email that we are partners in my son's learning. Fourth, I also notice that I communicate differently with Korean people.  I can only say a few words in their language, so I say them when I pass a person by and smile.  I use a lot of nonverbal actions to communicate with the Koreans here in general.  Overall, I do not think about how I communicate with different groups of people, but I obviously do.  However, I feel that it comes naturally.

Communication in Action (Week 2)

            This week I watched an episode of Army Wives with the sound off and then turned on.  When I watched it without any sound, I could tell that the characters were all very close.  I saw a lot of hugging, smiling and touching.  These people did not look like family, but they obviously felt like one.  I had to rely on a lot of facial expressions to tell me what they were feeling and expressing.  Through this, I could see happiness, distress, sadness, and anger.  I had a general grasp about what was really going on, but the lack of verbal communication made it really hard to understand the characters.

            I watched the episode a second time with the sound turned on, and what a difference that made!  I was able to hear all the details about each character and the plot.  I really got to know the characters this time around, and I could even sympathize with them! I do believe that my assumptions would have been even clearer and correct if I had been watching a show that I watch regularly. 

            This assignment was really insightful and beneficial.   I realized how important verbal communication is because I really did not comprehend crucial details with the sound off.  However, I realize that nonverbal communication can speak volumes, so I am really taking a step back to examine myself in this area.  Overall, I have to say that there needs to be a balance between nonverbal and verbal communication skills and cues in order to really be an effective communicator.

Role Model in Communication

Hillary Clinton is an excellent communicator.  I have admired her since I was a little girl when she was our First Lady.  She has spent decades in front of the public, and in my opinion she is an expert in the communication field.  She speaks clearly, fluently, and from the heart.  She is not passive, and you will always see her make eye contact with her audience.  When she walks, she does not slouch, but she carries herself with dignity.  I would without a doubt like to model her communication skills.