Who Am I As A Communicator

This week we were asked to have two people assess our communication skills so that we may perceive things in a different light.  I asked my husband of 9 years and my coworker of 5 years to help me with this week’s assignment. 

Looking at the results I found that I am a people oriented person.  I value people’s opinions and input.  I am also very empathetic and show concern for other people’s emotions. 

I also scored at the moderate level in verbal aggressiveness.  I was taken back by this outcome because I think I am more assertive and not aggressive.  I feel that the two can be confusing. 

What really made me think were the different results in communication anxiety.  I do not like public speaking and I shy away at any possibility of it.  However, when I feel comfortable in the group or have knowledge on the subject at hand I tend to speak up a lot more.  My husband and coworker scored me better than what I did myself.  In their eyes I am better at public speaking than I thought. 

I know these skills will help me in communicating with friends, family, colleagues, and students.  I tend to speak more when I am comfortable and I am quiet when around people I don't know.  I have some things I need to work on in order to become a competent communicator.  The best way to get there is through patience, preparing, practice, and being positive!