Who Am I as a Communicator?

 

The truth is that for better or worse, you glean quite a bit of information from first impression. (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2009, p. 36). This week was inspection week at my Child Development Center in Altus, OK. This was also my first Air Force inspection, and my boss, and flight Chief was away. I had to communicate to the commander on two programs this week, and I was very skillful in the way I communicated the findings. He is a very intense and a busy man, and everything needs to be communicated in detail, and to the point. This was my first Air Force inspection, and my first meeting with the commander of Altus Air Force Base. I can only hope he understood the findings, and the inspectors were pleased with me, because I was by myself, and handling the programs as needed. What always surprises me is how people at the end of the day understand I love what I do for children, and our military families, and that enough for me. Reasoning being: I did not had to tell them, because of the perception of the very first day.

“Our thoughts and cognitions influence how and what we communicate to others and at the same time influence the way that we interpret the behaviors and messages that others send to us." (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2009, p. 38). I am grateful for this class because I believe it can enable me to go to the next level in my communications to others. In my profession things have to be clear, and all parties most understand what needs to be done. I need to speak clearly, and my message needs to be understood. I do believe I have a little communication anxiety, because when I have to speak before individuals I want them to understand what I am saying, and I always want to give the correct information to whoever I am speaking to. I do realize I have a long way to go in developing great communication skills, and I am willing to learn more.

 

 

References

 

Real Communication chapter 2, "Perceiving the Self and Others" (pp.36, 46–62, beginning with

 

"Cognition: Perceiving Ourselves")