Interpersonal Communication essays

Name Name

Speech 205

Section I

February 19, 2009

Communication is a skill we use every day without thinking. That is the problem with

most communication. We always partake in it, but rarely think about what is it that we are trying

to convey. Good communication is a skill, and as with any skill one must acquire the proper

tools and knowledge to refine that skill. Confident in the belief that I was a good communicator

and had acquired the proper tools needed to exceed in the field of communication, I was soon

faced with evidence proving that I needed improvement in several areas. I always thought of

myself as an above average communicator, but I never took the time to test that theory until

recently. In one of my college classes the professor had the class participate in an experiment

about communication. In this experiment people close to the subject (family, spouse, friends,

etc.) were asked to evaluate the subject’s communication skills. Being the subject, I now had the

opportunity to view my communication skills through the eyes of others.

My mother and I had very similar views on my communication skills. Although my

mother seemed to believe that I am anxious and tense. She also believed me to be predictable and

at times prejudiced. For those reasons she found that I was rarely trusting of others. It is my

opinion that my mother thinks of me as being more like her than I actually am. I may be at times

predictable; however, I believe that I am rarely prejudiced. As for me being trusting of others, on

this point she is way off. I tend to be very trusting of other which in the past has caused me some

problems.

My older sister viewed me as being difficult to get to know. This came as a surprise to

me because I thought of myself as being easy to know. When I asked her about it she explained

that I am kind to others, but I will not reveal my true self until a firm bond of trust has been

established. I must say that she was correct in her analysis. She also viewed me as rarely being

self-confident. Again her response came as a shock to me until I placed myself in her shoes. As

an older sister I go to her with my fears and problems and for this reason she viewed me as less

confident than in reality I am.

My youngest sister revealed more than I expected. I had expected her to view me as rude,

moody, and selfish. She surprised me in the experiment by seeing me as rarely selfish, very

honest, and kind. She did think that I was some time irritable, rarely patient, and closed minded.

This was precisely what I would expect from her considering our rocky relationship.

This experience has shown me areas in which I can improve, and a unique look into how

I have been perceived. Although we all agree that I am honest, good natured, intelligent, with a

good sense of humor, we all agree that I have room for improvement in my communication

skills. This experience has been insightful and I am extremely glad that I had the opportunity to

see myself through the eyes of my family. It has taught me how differently I can be viewed and

how differently I communicate based on the kind of relationship I have with others.