For me, good communication means I can bring my message clear to you and be able to open a dialogue with people easily. However, looking at the statement above, that is not me yet. This is my ideal view of what makes great communication.
During class, we took a profiling test and I am a Peacemaker. I have taken a similar test online before called Myers Briggs Test. In that test, I am an INFP, which means Peacemaker. Both tests shows similar results of who I am, my thought process and how I handle things. I am good in bringing meaningful insights and views on the matter to get the best results possible.I am always concern of the other party’s feeling and thoughts as I converse with them. In my mind, I never stop processing the issues that went by for the day. I would always reflect on them and ponder how different things would have turned out if I did things differently.
However, my strengths are also my weakness. Since I am concern about the other party, sometimes I would hold back. After time has passed, I would feel guilty about myself for not stepping forward and expressing myself. I am terrible at striking a conversation with strangers.
Whenever I see someone that I want strike a conversation with, I would become self-conscious about myself. Thus, the conversation never happened.This seems to be the common problem for my personality type as we tend be mistaken for aloof due to our indecisiveness. I have problem of handling small conversation. I find it tiring. Small talks are important as it helps me to understand the person better. This is something I need to get better at too.
To combat these issues, I learned to be more aware of the other party’s body language, tone and the words he/she uses. From the words that the other party use, I could see whether the person is a thinker, feeling or auditory person. I would mirror his posture, tone and words to get engagement and a sense of familiarity.
From this course, I hope I could be able to strike a conversation with a stranger with ease and be able to decisive in taking a step forward in things.
Hi Syarief.
ReplyDeleteI think that always taking into account the other party's feelings is a great strength to have. It will definitely be useful when the other party is sharing with you his/her problems, or when you are providing advice. However, I do agree with you that it's weakness would be that you would tend to hold yourself back. Sometimes, our feelings have to be expressed, although it may not be something that the other party would wish to hear. Our thoughts, though will sadden the other party, may often help them realize their mistakes or shed light on certain problems that they have not figured out themselves. As such, it may not be a bad thing to voice out your thoughts, although it would be something the other party will not like.
I hope you will be able to achieve their goals!
To consider the feelings of other people is great, and it will help you mediate arguments between two friends. Even better if you could help each party see from the different perspectives.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we know that knowing when to keep quiet is also an essential skill, but always keeping shush about things may be more harm than good. By choosing to not do or say anything is also an action taken, and people may take note of that, at least, that's what I've learned.
I believe you know that sometimes you just need to speak out and share your thoughts. Who knows? The next thing you say may change someone's life.
Stay awesome!
Hey Syarief,
ReplyDeleteIts fine to consider things from the other perspective, but do keep in mind what are your goals during this conversation.
Is it just friendly banter? presenting in front of an audience? or even getting customer support over the phone?
It can be insightful if you consider how you would like the conversation to proceed in the other person's perspective then converse accordingly. Thinking first about the different scenarios before they actually happen can help you "preplan" how to react when the situation actually happens so that you are more comfortable and prepared for it.
Regardless, building communication skills does take lots of actual practice so take the time and you'll improve!
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