I really like how chapter ten goes into depth about speech anxiety. In many classes that I have been in, the students must get up in front of the class and talk. They may not have to give a speech, but they still have to be in front of the class. I have observed many of the behaviors associated with speech anxiety that the book lists. I can relate to those students with speech anxiety. Today, I am not really afraid to speak in front of a group of people, but I used to be. My first grade teacher is the one who helped me through my anxiety. She gave me some of the same tips that the book gives and they really worked for me. I think that everyone can overcome speech anxiety if they can just boost their confidence level and follow the guidelines from the book.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Blog 1
While reading chapter one, I came across a few things that are part of communication that I often overlook. I read the part about intentional and unintentional communication and it made me think about all the times that I may have conveyed messages to people that I didn't want to. Unintentional communication could cause problems because everyone interprets communication differently and not always the way you would want them to. The book gives an example of a student getting up in class to sharpen a pencil and then describes different reactions certain people in the classroom could have to that simple action. I know that sometimes I observe people and make assumptions as to what their actions, clothing, facial expressions, and many other things are conveying. Most of the time I am probably totally wrong about the message they are trying to get across, if any. I think that other people observe things and make assumptions the same way I do and maybe we need to realize that unintentional communication is probably always present and not jump to any conclusions that are most likely incorrect. Another thing that got me thinking in this chapter was how interference and noise really makes a difference in communication. Distractions are everywhere in our lives and they can be the cause of missed or misinterpreted information. While listening to a speaker I often focus on what they are wearing or the tone of their voice instead of what they are saying. When I do that, I most likely miss important facts and interesting information. For this reason, communication is done best in a quiet, private, comfortable atmosphere. That way there will be few distractions and communication can be done effectively.
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I liked how you included terms from the book and defined them. It was also helpful to see examples you came up with. I feel the same way you do about jumping to conclusions about first meeting people before actually talking to them. In many of my personal situations, I noticed that when I meet people for the first time I am usually wrong about my first impression of them. They end up being completely opposite of what I originally thought of them. This shows that people cannot base judgment of people on their first impression alone.
ReplyDeleteUnintentional communication happens all the time. I never stopped to think how many people get a different message out of what I'm saying to someone else. I also agree that distractions are everywhere. I know that when I am on the phone with people I tend to do other things too. I never give them my full attention. It goes to show you how much people need to sit with no distractions inorder to fully listen.
ReplyDeleteI think you are very right with the unintentional messages that we convey to people, and how these change depending on who reads them. You also made a very good point of how we should not assume that people are doing something for a given reason because we could be very wrong.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you about unintentional messages and how you admitted that you would do them without noticing. I also realized that I do that too, without really thinking about it because it is so easy to do. For example, I might see a girl wearing a cute shirt that I like, so I'll look at her because I am looking at her shirt. But she can misinterpret that and think I am looking at her for bad reasons.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you gave examples for everything. It helped to relate to what points you are trying to get across. I would definately have to agree with how easily someone can misinterperate what someone else is trying to say to them. Also, i like how you said that a lot of the tips in the book worked for you. It was nice to hear that those tips actually work because i do tend to get nervous speaking in front of people.
ReplyDeleteBrittany, I also have sent people communication messages that I did not want to send before. I think that it is something you really have to think about because it really can hurt a relationship. I feel that people need to think about things before they say them sometimes because it sucks when you send messages that are unintentional.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you focused a bit on how nearly everyone makes quick assumptions about people, and the way their acting/things their doing. I find myself doing this on a daily bases. I think most people do this, especially with out realizing it! Also, i am sure that i have sent messages whether it be through body language, or not being able to get my point across. I think that you did a good job, and some things you talked about made me think a little! Good Job! :)
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you focused on just a couple parts of chapter one. There was so much information in there. Personally, I hadn't really looked into it much until I read this, and you're right, it really does make you think. Having read this had made me want to go and reevaluate what I had read and said in my blog as if perhaps I missed something really important. Thanks for putting some meaning back into this lesson for me.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome that your first grade teacher was able to help you with speaking tips! More often than I'd like to see, I have students who come into class with horror stories about teachers who made them afraid of public speaking...I much prefer your story. :)
ReplyDeleteJust to throw it out there, how many of you have had some sort of experience (good or bad) in the past that affects the way you think about public speaking? How can we either learn from these experiences or, if they were bad, overcome them in order to be more confident as a speaker?