2 Interpersonal Communication Assignments

Module 2 Lesson 2 Assignment: Perception Checking

Pre-Assignment (Things you should consider to prepare for this assignment):

· Read your textbook on how to check your perceptions with others (Chapter 4)

· Why should we check how we perceive what someone does or says to us?

· What are some consequences when we don't check our perceptions?

· Remember, in order to check our perceptions correctly, we must understand that our first interpretation might be incorrect.

Assignment: Read each scenario below as if these scenarios personally happened to you.

1. For each scenario, construct your perception checking conversation as follows:

· Describe the behavior you noticed

· What is one way you have interpreted that behavior?

· What is another way you have interpreted that behavior?

· End your sentence with a question asking the person to clarify their behavior.

Sample Scenario: Your best friend usually laughs at your corny jokes. The last few days however, she hasn't been happy or laughing at your jokes as usual, and you feel like something is off. You and her are having lunch, giving you the opportunity to communicate with her. 

Sample Answer: "You haven't laughed that much in the last couple of days (describing the behavior you noticed). It makes me wonder if something is bother you (first interpretation) or just in a hurry (second interpretation). How do you feel? (request for clarification)

 

Assignment Scenario #1: You made a suggestion to your boss about how to improve efficiency at your job. You thought it was an excellent suggestion, however, your boss has yet to get back to you, and it's been over 10 days. 

Assignment Scenario #2: Your friend usually goes to dinner with you every Tuesday night to catch up and have drinks. However, when asking her if trying a new place to eat is okay, she has yet to respond to your phone call, and it's been over three days. Eventually, you see her at school, eating lunch.

Assignment Scenario #3: Your roommate, who is usually very tidy, has not done the dishes in four days. He knows this annoys you because you have talked about it in the past. Every time he sees you, he disappears into his room. Eventually, he comes out of his room and is studying out in the living room.