The one thing that surprised me the most was how my friends evaluated my nerves while public speaking. They felt that I was more comfortable than I really am - inside I want to run and hide. When I am in small groups I tend to have less nerves than in a large group setting.
What insights about communication did I gain this week?
1) I need to work on not being as sarcastic because not everybody understands it and they could become offended. I was discussing this assignment with one of the managers at work and told her that not using sarcasm is one of the communication goals I have for myself - she said she does not like sarcasm because it is angers ugly cousin. This statement stuck with me and is in the back of my mind every time I say something sarcastic.
2) Communication is more than engaging in verbal conversations with each other, it is about listening to the other person as well. Listening to others will help build a better relationship.
I too tend to be more confident when speaking with smaller groups of people. However, my job requires I do a fair bit of communicating with large groups of people. I have adopted a "fake it until you make it" attitude in some of these situations so that I take a deep breath, stand up tall, smile, speak clearly and confidently, and just go for it! This has helped me tremendously in life as it has made me accept opportunities that I may otherwise have passed up. Additionally, the more I tell myself I am confident and capable, the more I begin to believe it! Perhaps it's that self-fulfilling prophecy piece!
ReplyDeleteChrissy,
ReplyDeleteI too have a problem with sarcasm, I don't even realize I am doing it at times. It is important to be aware how our comment can be viewed as aggressive and possibly offensive. I do like the phrase "sarcasm is anger's ugly cousin. It's a good point to remember.