Comm 2110: Interpersonal Communication
This class was incredibly helpful with my interpersonal communication as well as completing classes for my degree. I learned about new skills. I also learned the importance of using such skills in your everyday life whether it be at work, school or the store. They are always beneficial especially when used correctly. I was happy to do an assigned journal during the semester in order to improve my non-verbal communication. I have certainly noticed some differences in the way I communicate which is very pleasing. Dr. Clark was great when I needed to contact her. Interesting class.
During my first marketing meeting in my new position, I made sure to be very aware of my strategies in this assignment. I chose to focus on my regulators (Beebe, 2011, pg.193) first. I intently listened to the ideas being passed around. I made sure to use specific facial expression to show my feeling towards what was being said. I knew this was going to be crucial in my success in this position. I’m excited to continue this process for the next few weeks and hopefully longer.
Date: 10/14/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #2
I had another weekly meeting today. I really focused on my eye contact today. Making sure to illustrate my interest and respect for my fellow coworkers (Beebe, 2011, pg. 192). In the past I found myself looking straight ahead when I would be explaining an idea rather than engaging with those I was talking with. I felt as though my eye contact was certainly better but could still use some work. I know it won’t be a quick adjustment.
Date: 10/17/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #3
I had a meeting about the website I’ll be helping to design today. It was with my boss and the graphic designer at my work. I had some ideas on how the website should look. I focused on my illustrators today (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193). I made sure to voice my ideas as confidently as possible. I felt as though I showed some progress in displaying my assurance and confidence in the ideas I shared. The focus on my illustrators certainly helped in voicing my opinion.
Date: 10/21/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #4
Today I had a meeting with a client for the production company I work for. This was probably the hardest challenge yet. I really had to focus on all three strategies during this meeting. I not only had to illustrate (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193) confidence in myself but the company I work for as well as the services we provide. I also had to make sure to keep my regulators in check by being eager to talk about the great company I work for but also make sure I keep eye contact with the four people in the room that I’m speaking with (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193). I’m terrified of being on the spot so it felt like I did better than I typically would but still have some work to do.
Date: 10/24/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #5
Slowly but surely making progress. It never really occurred to me how much non-verbal communication plays a role in our day-to-day lives. We use all of the non-verbal codes in most conversations we have. Everything from emblems, illustrators, affect displays and so on (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193). These couple weeks have made me more aware to how crucial this aspect of communication plays in general. It’s been helpful already.
Date: 10/28/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #6
Facial expression is one non-verbal code I feel as though I’ve always been fairly good with. However, I decided to pay a bit more attention to it this week during my weekly marketing meeting. The face is “capable of 250,000 different expressions” (Beebe, 2011, pg. 195). I figured I would use that non-verbal code once throughout this process to test most of them out and see which ones need work. I made sure to look interested, confused when I was, in agreement or disagreement. It seemed as though it was the best non-verbal thus far.
Date: 10/31/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #7
“Whether you choose to look at someone or avert your gaze has an enormous impact on your relationship with that person” (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193). I never realized how true this statement was until I really began paying attention to nonverbal communication. I have noticed my relationship with my coworkers I meet with weekly has improved. We communicate well and hold eye contact while having a productive conversation about projects we are or will be working on.
Date: 11/4/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #8
Adaptors have been brought to my attention while doing this journal. Adaptors being “behaviors that help you adapt to your environment” (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193). Once you begin working you adapt certain behaviors based on your workplace. I have noticed my behavior within the meetings I have each week. My behavior is more professional while at work. You know what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior while at work. Usually people won’t discuss personal matters or anything of the sort. It’s a matter of adapting.
Date: 11/7/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #9
Illustrators are also improving. My ideas are feeling stronger due to my presentation. I’m beginning to realize my coworkers are responding better to me during the meetings and as I said, when voicing my ideas. My nonverbal behavior “complements” my verbal message (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193). It feels great to see and feel a slight difference in my communication skills.
Date: 11/10/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #10
Eye contact still challenges me most. I know a lot comes into play with eye contact. “The eyes have been called the ‘mirror of the soul’”. Many people can take a lot away from making eye contact. I think it can be intimidating with a coworker because they could take something too personal away at times depending on the project. However, I do continue to see progress.
Conclusion
Illustrators, adaptors, regulators, etc. These all have such a huge role in our lives. Over the last five weeks I have seen and felt progress within myself. Although it may not be a huge difference I know there has been improvements within my nonverbal communication especially at work. I do know I need to continue working on my eye contact. It is the biggest goal for me considering I know it will only help me in my personal and professional life.
References:
Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 11th edition. (2011). Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others. Boston: Pearson Education / Allyn & Bacon. Accessed October/November 2013
During my first marketing meeting in my new position, I made sure to be very aware of my strategies in this assignment. I chose to focus on my regulators (Beebe, 2011, pg.193) first. I intently listened to the ideas being passed around. I made sure to use specific facial expression to show my feeling towards what was being said. I knew this was going to be crucial in my success in this position. I’m excited to continue this process for the next few weeks and hopefully longer.
Date: 10/14/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #2
I had another weekly meeting today. I really focused on my eye contact today. Making sure to illustrate my interest and respect for my fellow coworkers (Beebe, 2011, pg. 192). In the past I found myself looking straight ahead when I would be explaining an idea rather than engaging with those I was talking with. I felt as though my eye contact was certainly better but could still use some work. I know it won’t be a quick adjustment.
Date: 10/17/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #3
I had a meeting about the website I’ll be helping to design today. It was with my boss and the graphic designer at my work. I had some ideas on how the website should look. I focused on my illustrators today (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193). I made sure to voice my ideas as confidently as possible. I felt as though I showed some progress in displaying my assurance and confidence in the ideas I shared. The focus on my illustrators certainly helped in voicing my opinion.
Date: 10/21/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #4
Today I had a meeting with a client for the production company I work for. This was probably the hardest challenge yet. I really had to focus on all three strategies during this meeting. I not only had to illustrate (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193) confidence in myself but the company I work for as well as the services we provide. I also had to make sure to keep my regulators in check by being eager to talk about the great company I work for but also make sure I keep eye contact with the four people in the room that I’m speaking with (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193). I’m terrified of being on the spot so it felt like I did better than I typically would but still have some work to do.
Date: 10/24/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #5
Slowly but surely making progress. It never really occurred to me how much non-verbal communication plays a role in our day-to-day lives. We use all of the non-verbal codes in most conversations we have. Everything from emblems, illustrators, affect displays and so on (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193). These couple weeks have made me more aware to how crucial this aspect of communication plays in general. It’s been helpful already.
Date: 10/28/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #6
Facial expression is one non-verbal code I feel as though I’ve always been fairly good with. However, I decided to pay a bit more attention to it this week during my weekly marketing meeting. The face is “capable of 250,000 different expressions” (Beebe, 2011, pg. 195). I figured I would use that non-verbal code once throughout this process to test most of them out and see which ones need work. I made sure to look interested, confused when I was, in agreement or disagreement. It seemed as though it was the best non-verbal thus far.
Date: 10/31/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #7
“Whether you choose to look at someone or avert your gaze has an enormous impact on your relationship with that person” (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193). I never realized how true this statement was until I really began paying attention to nonverbal communication. I have noticed my relationship with my coworkers I meet with weekly has improved. We communicate well and hold eye contact while having a productive conversation about projects we are or will be working on.
Date: 11/4/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #8
Adaptors have been brought to my attention while doing this journal. Adaptors being “behaviors that help you adapt to your environment” (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193). Once you begin working you adapt certain behaviors based on your workplace. I have noticed my behavior within the meetings I have each week. My behavior is more professional while at work. You know what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior while at work. Usually people won’t discuss personal matters or anything of the sort. It’s a matter of adapting.
Date: 11/7/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #9
Illustrators are also improving. My ideas are feeling stronger due to my presentation. I’m beginning to realize my coworkers are responding better to me during the meetings and as I said, when voicing my ideas. My nonverbal behavior “complements” my verbal message (Beebe, 2011, pg. 193). It feels great to see and feel a slight difference in my communication skills.
Date: 11/10/2013
RE: Interpersonal Change Project Journal #10
Eye contact still challenges me most. I know a lot comes into play with eye contact. “The eyes have been called the ‘mirror of the soul’”. Many people can take a lot away from making eye contact. I think it can be intimidating with a coworker because they could take something too personal away at times depending on the project. However, I do continue to see progress.
Conclusion
Illustrators, adaptors, regulators, etc. These all have such a huge role in our lives. Over the last five weeks I have seen and felt progress within myself. Although it may not be a huge difference I know there has been improvements within my nonverbal communication especially at work. I do know I need to continue working on my eye contact. It is the biggest goal for me considering I know it will only help me in my personal and professional life.
References:
Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 11th edition. (2011). Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others. Boston: Pearson Education / Allyn & Bacon. Accessed October/November 2013