This week we were asked to think
about the similarities and differences between how we evaluated ourselves as
communicators and how others evaluated us on the Communication Anxiety
Inventory, Verbal Aggressiveness Scale, and the Listening Styles Profile. I
asked my husband Steve and one of my employees, Susy to take the assessments to
help me learn more about my communication ability.
All three of us agreed that I keep a
good balance between respect and thought for others’ viewpoints, and the
capability to argue impartially by tackling the facts of a position rather than
the person possessing that position. We also all feel that I am people oriented
and am empathetic and affected with the emotions of others. I learned that this
listening style may at times hinder my judgment because I tend to be very
trusting of others.
Susy and I both reported that I feel
relaxed communicating in most situations and feel confident in anticipating
such meetings. Steve’s evaluation of my communication anxiety however showed
that he perceives me to be a bit uncomfortable in some communication situations
and somewhat more self-assured in other contexts. I found this interesting
because Steve and I have been together for more than thirty years and he can
sense when I am uneasy in any situation. In reflection, I would say that I love
“center stage” but do experience some anxiety prior to public speaking.
Earlier this week I found out that
my college track coach passed away and it was difficult to breathe for the
remainder of the afternoon. Coach McGuire was one of those people who changed
the trajectory of so many young lives with his amazing inspiration and ability
to lead by example. One of the main reasons I went to college and then
completed my degree was out of respect for Coach. He made it clear with his
actions how much he truly cared about all of his athletes both on and off the
track. The next day I spoke with his daughter and let her know that I would
love the opportunity to speak at his memorial. She said that would be great so
I have been preparing what I will say. I’m sure there will be over 500 people
in attendance and I am a bit anxious because I want to make sure I convey my
gratitude to his family and also accurately portray Coach’s legacy. O’Hair and
Wiemann (2012) explain that we all use language to express our feelings, but
being competent at it necessitates that we do so in an appropriate and
effective way. The functional competency of expressing feelings is primarily
relational and I want to make sure that I let everyone know how much I cherished
Coach with the emotions I express.
References
O'Hair, D. & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: an introduction, Boston, MA: Bedford/St.Martin's
Christine,
ReplyDeleteSpeaking at Coach McGuire's memorial service is a perfect example of when we may experience communication anxiety. Communication anxiety does not just mean being nervous about speaking in front of people. Communication anxiety can stem from wanting to get a message across to a group of people, but fearing you will not be able to find the right words to say what you want to say. I wish you luck as you give your speech at Coach McGuire's memorial service.
Christine,
ReplyDeleteThis week I had my husband and preschool assistant take the three tests.
The communication anxiety inventory was the test where our scores differed the most. Marilyn scored me in the low level because when she sees me interact with parents and coworkers she thinks I always seem comfortable and confident. My husband on the other hand scored me in the elevated level because he usually sees me outside of work and sees my communication anxiety when it comes to talking to people I do not know or in front of crowds of people I do not know. I find it interesting that both of our husband's scored us a little bit higher than our coworkers. I would say they know us better well. You will do a great job at your coach's memorial service!