For the most part, I felt that my self-evaluation matched
well with those who evaluated me. I am aware that I have communication anxiety
in public speaking and large group situations. I think what surprised me most
was that those who evaluated me scored me a bit higher in competence in this
level. Perhaps I am more effective than I think, or maybe we are just more critical
of ourselves. Of course I am aware I am anxious but possibly this is not as
apparent to those who I present to. In terms of verbal aggressiveness I fell in
the moderate category in all cases. I also scored fairly well in listening
although there was indication that I trust too much. In the second two surveys
my colleagues scored me equa with my own. My colleagues also choose to evaluate
themselves for fun. I was interested to find that they scored similar to me as
well. Those one who did score with less communication anxiety also grew up as
one of 5 sisters and was a performer. It was insightful to consider maybe even
a larger family may help us feel comfortable speaking to groups. I found it
interesting when reading the text this week that we can become aware of our own
mindlessness by certain signs such as reduced cognitive activity and inaccurate
recall. I also found it insightful that we can sabotage our own communication
through self-denigration. This information can be helpfully to me professionally
by reminding me to be cognizant in meeting with faculty and to use positive
thought in self-preparation for speaking engagements.
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! My self evaluation also resulted in a high score regarding communication anxiety, especially in group settings. Public speaking courses have helped but not alleviated this challenge. I found your analysis interesting- that we are either more effective than we think or that we are simply more critical of ourselves- and I think you are right on both counts. Perhaps when we start being less critical of ourselves our anxiety will decrease!
My scores turned out very similar to yours. I was rated in the moderate group for the communication anxiety. My score was higher in this category than those that rated me. I feel that we are often more critical of ourselves. I was rated as people oriented in the listening styles. I too am very trusting of others which can lead to big disappointment. I was in the moderate range as well for the verbal aggressive. Interesting to see that someone else had the same results.
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that you allowed your colleagues to evaluate themselves regarding their communication. It is important to take what we learn and present it to others so they can learn from us. I now work as a nanny; therefore, I am not able to share my information with my colleagues. Now, I share what I have learned with my family, friends, and my colleagues at Walden. Taking the communication evaluation, taught me how important it is to be empathetic to those who are speaking. The test revealed that I need to work on my aggressive responses to others. I realized, before the evaluation, there are some things I need to correct, in order to become a great communicator in the field of early childhood. My sister told me, after I asked her to grade me that I respond differently to the public than I do with my family. I guess she was saying that I need to lighten up; I am too hard on my family. As stated, it is important to know one’s self and how he or she communicates; I see you have learned a lot about yourself through this activity. I have also learned about myself; I hope it is enough to make a positive change regarding my ability to communicate with others.
Lah-Lah