Chapter 3 blog- how do you see things?

I believe that perception is the way we see ourselves and others around us. This perspective of ourselves and others dictates much of our behavior. In fact, the world around us is perception. The objects, people, situations, facts, ideas, and roles are all perceptions of what exists. It is incredible how one person, fact, or idea can be perceived in a multitude of ways. But each of these ways dictates further perception formation, belief formation, and actual behavior. We also have very specific perceptions of ourselves, called a self-concept. This self concept that is our picture of ourselves, can be very different from the way that and others perceive us. We must be very careful in the establishment of these perceptions in both ourselves and in others, as this could lead to inappropriate inferences and assumptions about the person we are presenting to others and the people we are assessing and perceiving. I feel it is important for us not to forget to assess our self-concept and the perception we have of others, so as to continue to improve our communication. It is obvious that this element of perception affects our ability to be good and effective communicators. We also want to make sure that we are seeing the real picture of ourselves as communicators, since we often have a negatively skewed view of how we look in front of a group of fellow students. Such a negative self-concept in terms of public communication can be damaging. I have noticed this damaging sense of self as a communicator in much of my own speeches, as I approach the front of the classroom, filled with dread. From others that I have spoken with, this feeling of dread is commonly felt across speech students.

Do you think you have improved your self-concept as a communicator and public speaker through the participation of this course?

Chapter 4 blog

The most misunderstandings that I have had is with my friend who is Korean. We recently had a misunderstanding about when I would be meeting up with him. A few days ago we were do meet up for lunch. I explicitly said I could not be there by three, but could make it by four. I told him this several times. However, when three o clock rolled around, I got a very upset call from him, wondering where I was. I returned his call, and explained again. He was quite exasperated by me this time, still not understanding what I meant. I finally said "I will be there at four. Is that OK?" He responded with a long pause and then said "OK."

My friend did not realize until we met at four, and I was speaking to him in person, that we had a misunderstanding. It took me showing him my calendar, and explaining that I was in a meeting at three. I pointed to the date and time, and showed him where my four o'clock space was. He finally understood, and apologized for being upset with me. I suggested we meet in person the next time we arrange something, so as to have a further reference for our plans.

I believe the base of this misunderstanding came from the language barrier that we have between us. This language barrier can also be further complicated by the cultural differences that we have. I should have said "I'll be there at four" right away, and met up with him in person to physically look at our calendars. This would have avoided much confusion by stating it this way. It can be really frustrating if you do not clear up mis-communications right away.

Have you ever had a miscommunication with someone simply because of a language or cultural barrier? If so, how have you dealt with this?

Perceptions

It is very easy for me to ignore the misconceptions that I have had, and write them off as universal. I feel as if there are a variety of ways that I assume people are much like myself, because that is what I know. This could be a definite problem if I am to continue on in the field of psychology, as I know that everyone has unique experiences and significant differences. One of the most common mistakes that I make, is in perceiving that those that are female, and of my same gender, hold common ideas. Where I can make a really huge mistake, is where I believe they hold similar views about the opposite gender. Since gender is something that is often presented as being very different from one another, as opposed to very similar to one another, this mistakes I make are in strongly identifying with a gender group as opposed to the human race. I often have assumed that all females who are in administrative positions have had to work twice as hard as men, battle with stereotypes, and have had to develop a tough outer shell to hack it. This is certainly not always true, but I am aware that women have had to undergo a great deal in history to gain their liberties. I also have assumed that because of this, it is easy for most women to resent men. This is certainly not true, and has sometimes gotten me into trouble when talking to my friends that are female who do not agree with that at all! It is sometimes difficult to take a hard look at where I have been going wrong for so long, to adjust these misconceptions and perceptions. I am aware, however, that my misconception of gender needs to be revamped in order to not a. embarrass myself, or b. make another person feel very uncomfortable.

In what ways have you made gender assumptions?