week 4

 I have always considered myself to be a good communicator and this weeks assessments seem to back up this assumption.   For as long as I can remember my intrapersonal skills were always highly developed.    A crazy aunt I had once told me it was because of the fact that all my planets were in the sign of Pisces.  She believed this made me naturally compassionate and empathetic. My score on the anxiety communication disorder test was low; I was grouped as a people orientated communicator with a verbal aggressive score of moderate that stated that I am balanced.   Instinctually my communication style was based on the platinum rule.  The platinum rule in communication basically says that instead of behaving the way you feel would be effective, exhibit empathy and interact mirroring behavior that resonates with the other participants.  The platinum rule forces an individual to break out of his or her own perspective.  By acknowledging the different schema we all bring to the table sets the stage for effective communication to occur.   When a shared understanding is in place behavior and speech is less defensive which can lead to many positive outcomes.  When an individual feels that they are respected then they usually mirror the same behavior.   These skills have really helped my in the classroom.  I currently teach in a middle school in North Philadelphia.  Many of the children reside in less then desirable home environments.   Having spent extensive time studying human behavior, I have been able to successfully maintain an excellent rapport with students and co-workers alike. As a result, there is a strong level of trust that develops which allows me to provide direction in working towards realizing shared goals and objectives.  It is through our self-presentation that we let others know more about ourselves.

It was very interested to assess the results of the same assessments on my personal communication style as seen by others.  It was nice to see that how I mean to communicate is what are truly experiences.  I gave the assessment to my partner teacher in school and the other one to my 14-year-old daughter.  My partner teacher answers almost mirrored my own.  He agreed with the assessment that I am people orientated, balanced in my aggression and rarely did I display anxiety when I was communicating.  My daughter on the other hand had a different perception of my aggression.  She perceives the use of sarcasm in any altercation as cruel.  I do have a tendency to be very sarcastic.  I think I am hilarious but her perceptions help to make me more aware of sensitive feelings.  Her assessment made me more cognizant of how to effectively communicate during times of agitation.