The three tests that we took this week that measured communication anxiety, verbal aggressiveness, and listening styles were really beneficial! I scored a 36 in anxiety which seems like a good balance, and I scored a 77 in verbal aggressiveness. I ended up in group one which is people-oriented in my listening style.
The one thing that surprised me the most was that the two people who measured me in these areas were so similar! I was really anticipating some differences. My closest friend had the same score as me in anxiety and listening, while my husband was just a few points off of my score in verbal. The similarity really surprised me because I expected that I was going to be more critical of myself as a communicator when in reality I was right on target.
I did learn this week that I need to work on my verbal aggression. I had no idea that I was aggressive until I took this test, and I was stunned when I saw my score! I can specifically recall two events this week when I did resort to personal attacks, and I really can't recall if I said anything hurtful. Since I am an educator, I am really going to work hard on biting my tongue because next time this incident could involve a small child.
Since my scores were nearly identical among all three tests, I turned to facebook to poll my friends. I asked them what they thought of me as a communicator as well as to share any weaknesses or strengths. I was really shocked that only a few responded. I think this could have been because they did not want to hurt my feelings. Anyhow, the ones that responded shared that I am very direct, informative, and I am not afraid to share anything. This could be similar to my verbal aggression. They continued to say that I am a really good listener which coincides with me being people-oriented. Overall, everything that was said directly reflected my scores!
Hello Stacey
ReplyDeleteYou are right, it is very important that we be aware the intensity of aggression we present in our communication, particularly when working with children and families. We need to remember that we are the models to follow for many and there is a fine line between being direct and not afraid of anything and actually not taking into consideration others feelings or ideals. It is important to speak out, and share our ideas, but also to do it in a way that we do not offend the dignity of others and also consider their points of view as important as ours.
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI was surprised at the difference that myself and my 2 people found with our responses.I have learned that I also need to work on my Verbal Aggressiveness. However, the other 2 areas were very similar.
I enjoyed this assignment, it taught me something about myself that I had no idea and that is that I can be aggressive without me knowing.
Hi Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that the other people I asked also had similar results. I think that my evaluation of myself was a little more critical but it was interesting to know that two people from two different parts of my life (family and work) perceive me in similar ways.
I thought that these evaluations were really insightful and like you point out, show us where we can improve as communicators. You make a really good point that understanding our communication style is so important because we work with young children who are watching how we communicate. They pick up on so much and we don't want to be in any negative or unprofessional situations with them!
Great post, thanks for sharing!
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI think this week tests were eye -openers for me to see where I stand as a communicator. my tests results were similar but I have to work more on my communication anxiety . My listening style is the same as yours but my verbal agggressiveness results were mild and moderate. As educators , we should show more empathy and be good listeners.