In interpersonal communication, one cannot not communicate well if they lack vital communication skills. Therefore, it is important to develop a range of skills that foster ethical communication. Being aware of your personal space enables one to monitor their communication by adapting and engaging appropriately while observing metacommunication and keenly paying attention to semantic noise (Wood, 2020). Effective communication is an important too in creating personal and lasting relationships.
My sense of self is firmly anchored on my ability to create relationships through interpersonal communication. Excellent communication requires a wide range of skills which are acquired through training and interpersonal interactions (Stangor, & Walinga, 2018). Perkins (2008) posits that excellent communicators pay attention to personal space and continuous improvement through interactions. My experience engaging with people has received accolades for being ethical, responsive, polite and courteous Throughout my social media platforms, I always address and put forward my opinions politely and rarely engage in online altercations. Importantly, my friends consider my firmness in expressing myself a genuine attribute. I express my dissatisfaction, approval, praise or chide in the politest manner.
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Over time, I have learnt to pay attention to semantic noise, create a good first impression by dressing appropriately and portraying a gender appropriate behavior. My self-identity is a product of continuous improvement over time through social interactions. In addition, communication skills in my formative years were shaped by my parents – they taught me courtesy. I learnt the words thank you, bless you and welcome. I have also learnt that accuracy of perception can be improved by being less judgmental and listening more especially in this era of technology where time and space are of great essence.
Daily communication with my parents, students, teachers and people at social places has shaped and improved my communication skills greatly. Both parties bear the responsibility of creating an effective communication. Through my daily interpersonal communication, I have learnt to built relationships through active participation in discussions in class and debates acknowledging the input of others.
Interview
Me: What traits do you think define me?
Other: Courteous and polite yet so firm. You are likeable and fun to be around since your self-identity defines the brand of a person you are. Specifically, you are a good listener and whenever invited to speak, you make use of both verbal and non-verbal cues in interpersonal communication and discussions. As you have observed in the past, I am always on your side of debate in class whenever possible because I love how concisely you express your thoughts at the same time responding to critics. You are easy going and your ability to make new friends is amazing. I am yet to meet you shaggy. ( Laughs) However, sometimes you shy away from expressing your opinions especially whenever gender topics are discussed.
Me: What three words would you use to describe my communication skills.
You: Polite, Firm and courteous.
Me: Why did you choose that description?
You: As earlier said, even in the heat of a debate or discussion, I have never spotted you shouting, flagging down your opposers or walking away from an argument before raising your opinions, whether in support or disapproval. You make friends from both genders so easily that I do not understand the charm you use. ( giggles ). Also, on your social media platforms, you have shown sensitivity and courtesy in all your posts even in the face of your rivals. You also do not shy away from expressing your political inclination, a topic which attracts many adversaries, but through out you have maintained objectivity. In many cases, political debates boil down to insults, gender insensitive comments and body shaming – you don’t participate if the debates lose objectivity.
Interview Reflection
The above interview confirms my sense of what I perceive my self-identity to be. In fact, it exceeds my view of how others perceive me. I stand for courtesy and politeness in interpersonal communication, traits which have been overemphasized in the interview. However, people don’t notice my ability to avoid chaotic people. Poor communicators always feel threatened whenever decisions don’t support their beliefs. I have met people who do not give you an opportunity to speak and even when your turn comes, they keep on interrupting you flow of thoughts. Being heard makes me air my opinions, whenever I am denied an opportunity, I feel upset and resolve to escalating the debate on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
My relationship with the interviewee is that of close friendship dating back to childhood days. He understands my character owing to our years of interactions and experiences together. Being my close friend, it is possible to have natural bias and thus yield praise on me instead of chiding my unbecoming communication behaviors. Largely, I believe it’s a true and fair account of my communication skills which have been shaped by different experience and still continue to improve.
References
Stangor, C., & Walinga, J. (2018). Introduction to Psychology - 1st Canadian Edition.
Wood, J. T. (2020). Interpersonal Communication:Everyday Encounters. (9th, Ed.) Boston
Perkins, P. S. (2008). The art and science of communication: Tools for effective communication in the workplace . John Wiley & Sons.
