For your blog this week, think about the similarities and differences between how you evaluated yourself as a communicator and how others evaluated you. What is the one thing that surprised you the most? Why? What other insights about communication did you gain this week? Choose at least two to share with others through your blog and consider how each might inform your professional work and personal life.
As a communicator I usually evaluate myself pretty hard. I have learned that as an individual you are your biggest critic. Before I present in any environment I always read over, read aloud and review the topic and information that I am going to state. I feel this is the best way for me to present and stay within a timeframe.
When I spoke with others, I found out that others seem to give me an excellent review when it comes to communicating. That have stated that I am extremely energetic and present in a way that those who are not comfortable in large crowds can feel comfortable. This was shocking because that was always my hopes, but I wasn't sure if I was actually meeting my own expectations.
After reading the selection this week, I learned that I am self-denigration. "Self-denigration is criticizing or attacking yourself. I often pinpoint on what I did wrong or what I could have done better. Pinpointing on the negative does not improve or add to my success.
The next session that I learned that was sparking to me is self-actualization. "Self-actualization is the feelings and thoughts you get when you know that you have negotiated a communication situation as well as you possibly could." For example, I have a teacher who does not understand the purpose for incorporating the HighScope curriculum in a head start classroom. She has not received the proper training and have only received negative comments from seasoned teachers who believe the way they were taught is better.
Reference
O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real
communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.
