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Running head: HD 341 REFLECTION COMMUNICATION FOR EMPOWERMENT

HD 341 Reflection Communication for Empowerment


Pauline Abu-Tayeh
Marlene Fernandez
Pacific Oaks College

HD 341 REFLECTION COMMUNICATION FOR EMPOWERMENT

Communication for Empowerment


Through this class, I came to understand that life processes in part depends on my
response to others, and theirs to me. I have learned that specific words I have chosen impact the
outcome of a given situation. I have learned to speak differently in front of others in a group
setting. I am consciously speaking more positively. Another goal to accomplish is to better
manage my feelings. I learned this goal when we discussed self-esteem. For example, I learned
that self-esteem means self-respect. If you respect yourself, then others will see your positive
attributes.
This class added to my knowledge of the communication process. I have learned to build
bridges with others. Through communication, I have experienced how to manage difficult
conversations. For example, once a coworker told me that there is a specific activity for the
students that she wants for us to do with the children, but she then turned around and switched
the activity on me. When I tried to communicate with her, she did not listen and walked away. It
is about how I talk as well as how I listen to others. I have thought about what I am going to say
next when someone is communicating with me. For example, if someone is giving a lecture, I
am already formulating the response or thought in my mind without fully listening to that person.
I am now stopping those thoughts and listening intently to the person speaking to me. I believe
communication is an important tool for creating and maintaining strong relationships. I also
think that we should keep open lines of communication so that we can share new ideas and
concepts with each other.
I have acquired a new technique from this course. It was the mindfulness technique. I
chose this technique because it has assisted my ability to relax and meditate. Mindfulness has

HD 341 REFLECTION COMMUNICATION FOR EMPOWERMENT

made me aware of my given moment. With this technique, I stay in the present moment with a
focus to the sounds of soft music or peaceful silence. This mindfulness activity gives me the
inspiration to live in the present. This meditation has inspired calmness to my daily frustrations
of life.
One significant contribution was my presentation on conflict resolution. Several of the
students stated on my feedback that they liked the examples given on how to solve conflicts. In a
group presentation, I used a book, Changing the Conversation: The 17 Principles of Conflict
Resolution by Caspersen, (2014). She stated, You cant change how other people act in a
conflict, and often you cant change your situation. But you can change what you do. I learned
through this experience that I can make a situation better or worse. I can make a difference when
conflicts arise.
I felt supported by many of the students contributions in class. At the beginning of each
class, we were given a topic. The topics were geared toward empowerment. We shared stories
and expressed deep feelings. These discussions reminded that we should be thankful for our
lives. It showed me that we think good thoughts about ourselves and others. I felt empowered,
attentive, and valued from my cohort peers. At the end of our weekly discussion, our professor
gave us several quotes. She quoted Dick Bryant: When you can feel good about yourself, it
carries over into everyday life. If you can look in the mirror and like yourself, thats the greatest
feeling in the world. She had us pass a mirror around in the circle and look into the mirror and
say one positive word that described ourselves.
An important take away from this class is the Do You Mean concept. It is a concept
that describes the opportunity to communicate effectively and openly. It empowers the speaker.
It is a technique that improves communication. By using this method, it changes the dynamics of

HD 341 REFLECTION COMMUNICATION FOR EMPOWERMENT

speaking and shows that you are interested in the conversation. The messages send clarity to the
receiver or listener. It has impacted my conversations when I am speaking to any of my family
members. For example, when we were at a family function, my father was upset with one of my
sisters because she wanted to go home early. As they argued, I stood up from the chair and said,
Do you mean you are tired and want to go home and sleep because you have work in the early
morning? My sister responded, Yes. Yes, I am. My dad quieted down. My sister said her
goodbyes. The family function continued. I found this method to improve my way of speaking
and listening to others. It is one type of technique that helps people stay calm.
I have learned new things about myself as I reflected in class. I found that I am a better
communicator. I can speak up in a more relaxed manner. I have become more concise when I
speak. I am watching what I say and how I say it. I find that I am setting standards for myself
such as thinking before I verbally act. I value myself more today than yesterday. I feel my facial
expressions and body language when I am communicating with others. From our textbook,
Nonviolent Communication, by Marshall Rosenberg (2003), it states that communication should
be firm but without violence. I had such a positive experience in this class because I was going
through a situation at work with the co-teacher that I worked with. Every day, she continuously
put me down and never wanted me to assist her. One day, I spoke up to her and asked her to talk
with me and not at me. Our conversations started to be two-sided. I have been given the tools to
make a difference in my life.
As I reflect on this course, I can see that I am replacing old patterns with new ones. My
communication to others has new meaning. Take deep breaths. Listen respectively. It has given
me the opportunity to validate my feelings as well as others. It has benefited me to think about
how to deal with the challenges of communication. I can hope for smoother transitions when I

HD 341 REFLECTION COMMUNICATION FOR EMPOWERMENT

speak to others. It has given me the responsibility that I am in control how I say things and how
others speak to me.
One of the best things that I liked in this class was that the professor gave us quotes ever
week. Then, she asked us to create a quote that summed up our HD 341 course. My quote was
Be mindful, be respectful, and be aware as communication is empowering when you listen first
and speak second.

HD 341 REFLECTION COMMUNICATION FOR EMPOWERMENT

References
Rosenberg, M. (2003). Nonviolent communication. Encinitas, CA: Puddle Dance Press.
Caspersen, D. (2014). Changing the conversation, The 17 principles of conflict resolution.
New York, NY: Penguin Publishing Books.

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