As listed on the Help Guide (n.d.) website, the four strategies for becoming an effective communicator, “Become an engaged listener, Pay attention to nonverbal signals, Keep stress in check, and Assert yourself,” (paragraph 10), are all skills that are easily obtainable with practice.
The skills on which I need more
practice are maintaining a low or no stress level, and asserting myself. In my opinion, the ability to keep my stress
in check and to assert myself are the two most important communication skills
that should be displayed when piloting policy change.
As suggested on the Help Guide
website, remaining in a calm state prevents stress from escalating with those
for whom I am conversing. Calm conversations
clearly indicate when to reply and when to remain reserved and quite.
Being assertive is
one of my weakest attributes and one that will take a great deal of work to
change. Although I may express myself, I
need to be more clear, direct, and specific the first time, thus not having to
repeat my words more than once. I have
always been ‘uncomfortable’ speaking in front of small or large groups of adults. On the other hand, in my second grade classroom
I am very comfortable as I am modeling for my students particularly the girls. Considering
my discomfort, and communication test scores, I am sure that these weaknesses
are keeping me from being assertive and raising my stress level. I have already looked for opportunities and taken
steps to improve my communication skills.
In May 2014, I joined the South Cobb Toastmaster’s Club. Though most recently, the majority of my free
time has been spent studying for my online Early Childhood Courses at Walden
University. So, I am not as active in
Toastmaster’s now as I was in the beginning.
However, these last few assignments related to communications, have encouraged
me to sign up for two speech presentations in October.
I plan to incorporate all of the
skills in written communications.
However, my colleagues and I have had much practice with becoming engaged
listeners. Reading and rereading weekly
discussion posts helps to understand what the writer is most passionate
about. In my opinion, the three
remaining skills: Pay attention to nonverbal signals, Keep stress in check, and
assert yourself, can be incorporated into written communication first by being zealous
(without stress) about a specific cause, and then understanding and including
all of the facts assertively. The photo link and videos included in this Blog: (South Cobb Toastmasters Club (n.d), YouTube 2011, Nov 10a, 2011, Nov 8b,and 2014 July 14c) are also examples of how I would use the four communication skills listed above in written communication to push my policy issue.
References:
Helpguide.org. (n.d.). Effective communication.
Retrieved from
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/effective_communication_skills.htm
South Cobb Toastmasters Club. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.southcobbtoastmasters.com/
YouTube. (2011, Nov 10a). Obama: Head Starts Won't
Automatically Get Funding. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P80rqzrWWI4
YouTube. (2011, Nov 8b). President Obama Speaks on
Holding Head Start Programs Accountable. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WS_FlA_kSXo
YouTube. (2014, July 14c). The "Head
Start" early childhood education gave me | Loretta Sanchez |
TEDxPennsylvaniaAvenue. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmSMQX68Fec
