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. 

South Cobb Toastmaster’s Club Members

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