Sunday, September 27, 2015

Similarities and Differences


In thinking about the similarities and differences between how I evaluated myself as a communicator and how others evaluated me I was able to signify things that surprised and highlight insights about communication I've learned. 

Listening style profile categorized me in group number one based off the assessment i took and the judgement of my boyfriend and sorority sister evaluated me on. I believe it is important to remain open minded and keep a sense of non shockability. I believe when i verbalize to my clients “you can’t say anything that i have not heard or will make your feel uncomfortable for telling me”.

Doing this helps me in my brain to be aware of anything that may come out. Often times the students desire a non judgmental ear to listen to their troubles. I am aware that time is important and I am aware to schedule orientation appointments far in between in the event time runs longer, and gives me time to drive to my next appointment with the safety factor of not rushing. Also while giving the family the time to express all that they wanted to share. 

Knowing one’s audience is important to realize, I sometimes feel nervous when presenting in front of teens parents because I am constantly taking in to account my visual aids,tone of voice, and movements and time talking to ensure active participation and engagement. My Colleague expressed she enjoys hearing me speak because my ideas are beneficial to all areas of the work that we do with children and families. 

After working out and eating healthy and looking in the mirror at results to getting on the scale and not seeing the exact change in pounds you may have though resulted in one’s efforts. Some times we can be extremely difficult critics on ourselves than others. 

Sunday, September 13, 2015

The Carmichael Show

The show that I choose to watch is the Carmichael show which comes on NBC. The episode title was "Disorganized Religion" in this episode the setting is at a home with people sitting at the table talking. The members sitting at the table consists of 4 males and two females. The dynamics of the relations appear to be a father, mother, two sons, and a reverend. I watched the video without the volume and with it, by doing so i was able to gain more insight of the conversations.

Without the sound:
I viewed the individuals sitting at the table about to partake in a meal. The table was set formally, and a bottle of wine was present, everyone's cup was filled with water except for the Reverend he had wine in his. I inferred the type of role everyone played because of the Fathers character sat at the head of the table, the other gentle man sat on the other end. One of the young men that was sitting at the table when the scene began made me sense he and the young girl character was romantically involved. The girl would lean in very close when she needed to whisper something to the young man. As they sat at the table i observed the female character place wine in the cup of the gentleman that sat closest to her at the table, he must of asked for more drink because she again placed more in the cup, so much so that it almost ran over. The male leaned over without holding the cup and slurped the drink out. He then tucks his napkin inside the top of his shirt indicating he was ready for dinner.

The mom character with the assistance of another male which i believed to be her other son sat at the table with a ham. I observed the older man praying over the food, and the girl keeps her head up and eyes open while everyone else bowed their head and closed their eyes. It appears the Rev asks her some questions about why she didn't participate along with them by bowing her head and closing her eyes and saying Amen. She smiled uncomfortably and I saw her lips mouth Amen.

With the sound
Rev Carlson sat at the table telling a story about Moses in the bible, he mispronounces the name incorrectly and began add his own dialog to the story which wasn't from the bible. Rev Carlson stated to Maxine "More wine" in which she replied "oh no thanks " he proceeds to tell her "no for me" she added a couple of drops, he followed with keep it going until it almost spilled over. The Rev told maxine he want his cup to look like an infinity pool.

The mom (Cynthia) brings the main course the ham to the table and asks the Rev to pray over the food. Everyone at the table bows their heads and closes their eyes except Maxine. Rev Carlson ends the prayer with Let us all say Amen. Maxine remained quiet and the rev repeated let us all say amen. Maxine says " I thought it would be more respectful no to join in because i'm not christian, Amen".
Maxine expresses that she is Jewish and everyone around the table adds their commentary about her statement. Cynthia questions maxine stating of course your christian what else could you be? Rev Carlson comments "Jesus was a jew; look how that turned out".

The dialog around the table continued with Maxine stating her views on the subject and Cynthia ending the conversation by changing subjects.



Watching the same episode with the sound offered so much clarity and insight into the areas of the broadcast that i was not able to pick up on. I struggled with reading the characters lips, however some of the facial expressions helped bring some sense of understanding to the scenes. It solidified that we are very much guilty of misinterpreting thing that people say based of non verbal communication. In instances of the show there were some serious topics concerning race, religion, sin, drinking, lying, and perception shown in the episode.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Competent Communicator



I’ve never met President Obama or ever had the chance to be in his presence however in the event I was I would first like to give him a hug, secondly I’d like to sit and chat with him while racking his brain and asking all the questions imaginable. “It has been noted that President Obama possesses an ability to use oration to win the hearts and minds of listeners”. McGraw Hill, 2008

He has shown great skill in using key communication practices to inspire people, securing their loyalty and passionate support.   Together, these outstanding communication practices enabled Barack Obama to overcome obstacles that would have hindered another politician—his age, his race, his "exotic" name, his unconventional personal story—to become the president-elect of the United States. We have much to learn from him, as we see in the book Say It Like Obama (McGraw Hill, 2008)

My first inkling of knowing about him was seven years ago I was a college Sophomore, Aside from the fact this was the first election I would be able to be apart of I was so exited, I simply loved the idea that I could rally with other youth and register people in the community to vote and explain the concept of exercising your right to choosing the next leader of the free world.

I still remember hearing him on the TV, “his ability to use communication in all of its forms—from body language, to voice inflection, to gestures—to establish a strong first impression and to sustain that positive impression” and listening to how he encourage all to become apart of supporting the campaign even if you only had $5.00 send it and you’ve made all the difference in pledging your support.  

The day my classmates and I walked to our local voting areas and placed our ballots in Support of our 44th President of the United States of America was simply amazing and committed to my memory for years to come. I believe I’ll be able to share my experience with my children and describe what was going on, how I felt, and the history that was made.

I enjoy listening to President Obama speak on television I feel like his voice commands that you listen and it is my desire to give him respect. His words echo in the ears of the American people so much so that it is clear and concise about the direction he chooses to lead. It doesn’t matter the setting our present is in to know that he is a class act and portrays himself as a gentleman, family man and overall visionary. “It is through his ability to use communication to tear down barriers and build up bridges, focusing on areas of commonality that enable him to gain support from a diverse set of people”.  McGraw Hill, 2008

References:

McGraw Hill, (2008) retrieved from  www.sayitlikeobama.com

Shel Leanne (2008) The Communicative Power of Barack Obama: How He Became President-Elect  retrieved from http://www.fastcompany.com/1070311/communicative-power-barack-obama-how-he-became-president-elect