Communication is, in my opinion, is the most important part of a relationship. Other components to a relationship, like trust, will follow if good communication is present. When applying for a job, the requirements almost always list the person applying must have good communication skills. Interpersonal communication goes beyond simply talking to others, one must listen actively and truly understand what the other person may or may not be saying.
"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
-George Bernard Shaw
The quote above illustrates what I learned from the chapter in the book and the class activities. I have been in many situations were I was trying to tell someone something and they did not understand what I was saying but I would just get frustrated with them and act like they were right. The persons I was attempting to communicate with were not paying attention to what I was saying but they thought they understood. Chelsee's class activity illustrated bad communication much like the situations I have been in.
Different types of communication are needed for certain situations. As a peer mentor, I will have situations were I will need to give advice and situations when I will need to use interpersonal communication. I will need to assess which type to use for each situation in order to help the Hixson student. The book gives great scenarios and tips in order to help figure out which type of communication to use. The communication skills I have learned will help me build relationships and will help me effectively communicate with the incoming Hixsons.
Liz,
ReplyDeleteI agree that communication is essential to relationships. Having good communication is really important because this means that the active listening is also taking place when two people are communicating. Having good communication allows people to have a deeper relationship and understand one another on a more personal level. If that is the case then there will be less miscommunication and misunderstanding to cause confusion and disagreements within the relationship. Good interpersonal communication will be important to use and continue getting better at in order to be a peer mentor!
Kira
Liz, I really liked how you discussed how easy it is to get confused when communicating. I have been in many situations where people seem like they understand what I'm saying, but then end up taking it a whole different way than I intended. I think our job as peer mentors is to make sure we are effective communicators as well as active listeners. This will ensure that our students understand exactly what we are trying to say and we will understand exactly what they are trying to say.
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