Chasity Mayo

Steve Haslam
Comm 1010
9/2/17

Myself As A Communicator Part 2

As a communicator, we are obligated to reflect on ourselves. Through the first part of this

assignment, I was able to look at my communication skills through my own perspective. The

second part of this assignment led to greater insight, given that I had to talk to others about

myself. I was required to talk to three people in my life, and ask them specific questions about

my communication skills. I chose to talk to my mother, my father, and my boyfriend. Out of all

the people in my life, they are the ones who deal with me frequently, and who I choose to engage

in the most conversations with. This assignment helped me to create goals for improving my

communication, and it assisted me in understanding how certain aspects of communication can

affect our conversations.

Articulating Needs, Opinions, Views, or Concerns

When it comes to articulating needs, everyone expressed similar feelings. “It depends on

your mood. When you are happy or sad, you can articulate them well. When you are angry

though, you shut down and you are not very good at articulating them. You tend to walk away

and change your tone of voice,” stated my dad. (J. Mayo, 2017). For example, my dad had asked

me for a favor, and I was running late for work. Given this previous stressor, I acted out in a way

that caused tension between the two of us. I apologized before leaving, but my mind can become

clouded when I am aggravated by environmental stressors.

“You have good descriptive words, and you are good at portraying what is important to

you. You are also good at writing what you want down,” stated my mom. (L. Mayo, 2017).To

support this, my mother brought up my journal. I have kept a journal since a very young age. I

feel it helps ease my burdens, and I value the principle of reflection.

 Chasity Mayo
Steve Haslam
Comm 1010
9/2/17

When I asked my boyfriend this question, he said, “You are good at articulating your

needs. Sometimes you let your emotions take hold and communication is not your strong suit,

but once you are given time, it’s fine.” (W. Pankey, 2017).

Listening

When the topic of listening came up, all responses were constructive and positive. My

dad said that I am a good listener, except for when I am upset. (J. Mayo, 2017). As stated earlier,

I tend to walk away, which prevents me from listening to the other side of an argument.

My mother said I am an adaptive listener, and can change my skills dependent on who I

am listening to. (L. Mayo, 2017).

My boyfriend stated that I am a good listener because I wait for the other person to finish

before I start to speak. I offer feedback when necessary, which is always appreciated. (W.

Pankey, 2017). William, my boyfriend, brought up an example of a time he was upset. I listened

to him talk about what was saddening him, and then offered him my condolences. I then

proceeded to ask whether he wanted advice or not. He said he really appreciated this, because not

everyone wants advice all the time. Sometimes, it is important to just simply listen.

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication caused my family to stop and think, but they came up with

well rounded answers that motivated me to become better. My dad stated that my eye contact is

excellent, and that people feel I am paying close attention while talking to them. (J. Mayo, 2017).

My mother also complimented my eye contact. “When having conversations, you

maintain good eye contact, and you don’t let technology become a distraction.” For example, my

mother said she noticed me put my phone away at dinner while we engaged in conversation. (L.

Mayo, 2017).
 Chasity Mayo
Steve Haslam
Comm 1010
9/2/17

William stated that my nonverbal communication is centered around my emotion. “When

there is a lot of emotion, your body gets more excited, and there is frequent movement.” (W.

Pankey, 2017).

Communication Strengths

When it comes to communication, I feel I excel in most areas. The answers my family

provided me with also support this.

“You have due diligence. You lay out the pros and cons of situations. You put your heart

and head together to come up with the right solution for yourself,” stated my father. (J. Mayo,

2017).

My mother proceeded to say that my biggest strength in communication is clarifying

what I mean. She also said I put a lot of thought into what I want to say. (L. Mayo, 2017).

William said my strongest point was listening and calming others down. I tend to be

empathetic, and I can assist in easing others burdens when they open themselves to me. (W.

Pankey, 2017).

Communication Weaknesses

My weak points in communication require vast improvement, and this exercise helped

me to reflect on my weaknesses with a constructive viewpoint.

“You hear what you want to hear, and you get frustrated and shut down. You need to

listen to both sides constructively,” said my father. (J. Mayo, 2017).

William said something along the same lines, stating that I tend to focus on myself in

stressful situations and close myself off. (W. Pankey, 2017). For example, he and I argued when

I became stressed over the incompletion of my math homework. After completing it, I was able

to uncloud my mind and talk effectively.

 Chasity Mayo
Steve Haslam
Comm 1010
9/2/17

My mother said I assume that the other person doesn’t care. When arguing with her, I

hold myself back from saying things because I assume she is tired of what I have to say. (L.

Mayo, 2017).

Having a conversation with me

When pursuing this question, I was hesitant. Contrary to what I thought, I received

positive feedback. My father and William offered similar responses, stating that it was pleasant

to have a conversation with me. “Having a conversation with you is always pleasant. Even

though it can be rough, it is always nice to talk to you,” stated William. (W. Pankey, 2017).

My mom said it is fun to have conversations with me because I am animated. She also

stated that I am knowledgeable and have an extensive vocabulary, so conversations never get

boring. (L. Mayo, 2017).

Summary

Through this assignment, I realized that I need to work on keeping an open mind

throughout the duration of my conversations. I struggle with keeping my head level when I am

angry or frustrated. I do not think it is fair to the person I am communicating with. Given this, I

made a goal to start counting to ten when getting frustrated, and trying to talk in an assertive

manner.

I also demonstrate the quality of selective perception, talked about during Chapter 2 of

our textbook. I tend to only hear what benefits me, and supports my argument at the time. I also

made a goal to hear all sides of the story, and try to expand my perspectives.

In conclusion, this assignment helped me to realize the importance of reflection. It

motivates us to improve, and ultimately sends us in the direction of progress. I am going to

 Chasity Mayo
Steve Haslam
Comm 1010
9/2/17

continue to work on improving my communication skills, and becoming more effective in my

conversations.

Works Cited

Pankey, William. 3 Sept. 2017.

Mayo, Liz. 3 Sept. 2017.

Mayo, John. 3 Sept. 2017.