I found that the readings this week, again, were very interesting. The focus on languages this week definitely peeked my interest because I have always thought that we what we are able and not able to say somehow communicates more than we think. My favorite concept from this week though, was Engage in Dual Perspective. I liked that the book reminded us that to be an effective communicator, one has to “recognize another’s perspective and take it into account” (Wood, p. 112-113). I thought the book put it perfectly when it said dual perspective “requires honoring both our own point of view and another’s” (Wood, p. 113). I always try to keep this in mind when communicating with others. I have certainly encountered people with strong opinions, and although I may not always agree with them, I do my best to express my views while considering theirs at the same time. When I talk with others, it is not my intention to argue with anyone, in fact, I do not like heated debates. The book notes that to accommodate others, we do not have to stifle our own voice, which I think is very important. The point is to not be a passive or aggressive communicator, but to recognize that we all have diverse opinions.
I like this part of the chapter as well and I felt that you did a good job discussing it as well as adding some quotes from the text. I found that this also relates to arguing in the aspect that if you want to be successful in an argument(given that success means having the person either agree or at least think about your side) you have to see both sides of the argument. Wood discussed how seeing both points of view is what creates a dual perspective and this is something that seems very important in communication. If we don't this than we might as well be conversing with a wall. I like how you mentioned that it's never your intention to argue when you communicate, but we can't always avoid this in every situation. I think that effectively listening to the other person's argument and then responding can still be effective communication as long as we keep things like dual perspective and listening in mind.
ReplyDeleteHi Flora Winter,
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed this part of the textbook as it really emphasizes how communication is a two way street. If we are not willing to listen and try to understand someone else's point of view then what is the point of sharing viewpoints. It is through open communication and listening (even if we don't agree)that we educate ourselves on world view points.
Thanks for sharing your view point it was very insightful.
-Katrina