Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Evaluating My Communication Styles
Communication Anxiety, Verbal Aggressiveness, Listening Styles

     This week I and two people I chose took several tests to evaluate how I communicate. I chose to be evaluated by my daughter and one of my closest friends. I chose my daughter because she and I interact on a daily basis and she is somewhat sensitive so I was curious what her responses would be, especially in the Verbal Aggressiveness Scale. I chose my friend because she knows me very well and is willing to be honest in her evaluation.
     I was surprised to see the range of Communication Anxiety Inventory and that my friend’s score. She has seen me speak publicly on many occasions and even though I am very nervous and prefer not to speak, I have been told that no one can tell I am nervous.
    I learned that even though I that feel a bit uneasy in some communication situations and somewhat more confident in other contexts, I feel comfortable communicating in most situations and feel confident anticipating such encounters. 
     With regard to verbal aggressiveness I have a good balance between respect and consideration for others’ viewpoints, and the ability to argue fairly by attacking the facts of a position rather than the person holding that position. 
     Last, the Listening Styles profile was a little ambiguous but I feel I fall between group 2 and 3 respectively which are action and content oriented meaning I am business-like, prefer clear to the point communication that outlines a plan of action, and although my efficiency is respected but may intimidate more sensitive listeners. Also, I focus on detail and prefer to have all information before making a decision and will likely succeed  in classroom settings but struggle in more fast paced environments.
     I feel this is a fair assessment and it indicates that even though I am a good communicator I still need to improve on various communication skills that may impact my professional work and personal life.

Category
Dianna
Cookie
Dijone
*CAI (Communication Anxiety Inventory)
50
29
63
*LSP (Listening Styles Profile)
41
26
30
*VAS (Verbal Aggressiveness Scale)
63
62
53

*VAS-(53, 62, 63)
Moderate: You maintain a good balance between respect and consideration for others’ viewpoints, and the ability to argue fairly by attacking the facts of a position rather than the person holding that position.
*CAI-(29, 50, 43)
Low: You reported that you feel comfortable communicating in most situations and feel confident anticipating such encounters.
Mild: You reported that feel a bit uneasy in some communication situations and somewhat more confident in other contexts. Communication does not seem to be something you worry a great deal about.
Elevated: This range of scores indicates you feel uncomfortable in several communication contexts.
*LSP- Group 2 ( Action-Oriented), Group 3 (Content-Oriented)
Group 2- Business-like, prefer clear to the point communication that outlines a plan of action. Your efficiency is respected but may intimidate more sensitive listeners.

Group 3-You focus on detail and prefer to have all information before making a decision. You likely succeed  in classroom settings but struggle in more fast paced environments.

4 comments:

  1. Dianna -

    It sounds like you have a great understanding of your communication skills through these assessments. I love that you have shared your results with your readers. This really helps us understand you as a communicator. My husband and I had fun taking these assessments and even decided to do these assessments for him! We are very different in our communication skills, which is interesting because we work so well together, as well as communicate well with each other. For the Listening Styles Profile, I am people oriented, while my husband is action oriented. I love how you have grouped yourself in two areas for the Listening Styles Profile, because it shows that you have a range of listening abilities. Thanks for sharing!

    Pamela

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  2. Great blog, I am action oriented I learned a lot about myself and how my son and my friend view me as a communicator. I feel we can use some improvement in an area or two. The way we communicate is important it will determine the kind of reaction we will receive from the person whom we are communicating and listening to. I struggle with my listening skills and these survey will help to use my communication skills.

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  3. Hi Dianna,
    Thanks for your post.You were very detailed in your analysis.The tests has helped me critically evaluate my communication skills, and focus on the areas that need improving.I agree with you that being an excellent communicator will positively impact on my professional and personal life.

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    Replies
    1. Dianna,

      Great Post! I found that I was a people oriented listener, but I also felt that depending on the situation I can be action and content oriented. My daughter and my best friend had lots of healthy conversation with these assessments. I was a bit nervous at first not knowing what they would rate me, but it was surprising;y interesting in each area we were on point. I think this is a great assessment to use with anyone, and it helps to get to know yourself and what others think about you. It also leaves lots of room to discover self, listen and respect how others feel; as well as; understand why responses were made.

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