My Communicator Profile

Evaluating my abilities as a communicator gives me that ability to improve and reflect on my own skill set. It encourages me to work on areas of communication where I am uncomfortable, such as in front of larger audiences, which will enable my communication strengths to establish long term relationships capable of producing effective early childhood programs as well as facilitate dialogue within the classroom and with families that evaluate other's needs. I consider myself an empathetic person, who is perhaps too trusting at times, and can establish my own opinions without an argumentative approach and be a mediator in many situations. This was re-enforced by my stepfather and colleague taking the same test, resulting in the same results as my own. It comforts me to know that I am seen as a reasonable, understanding, and trustworthy individual. However, I also considered myself as having high levels of discomfort when speaking to newly met people, being in front of a large audience, or speaking out in small groups. The individuals that took the same test to describe me, resulted in the description of me seeming confident and comfortable in all communication circumstances. This was a pleasing surprise as I feel positively towards the fact that my discomfort and uncertainty in situations is well concealed where I give an aura of calm that masks my true emotions. 

A large part of our communication is delivered by non-verbal means, which means that conveying a message that may conflict with another person's perspective can be easier to accept and be acknowledge by the other party if using positive and re-enforcing body language. It is important to combine what one says with what one does to convey the message effectively (Verbal and non verbal communication by percentage, n.d.). By understanding this concept and executing it in our daily lives, we would be able to work with colleagues to create early childhood programs that take into consideration many needs and can also establish relationships with individuals in our personal life that provide long term benefits as opposed to mere acquaintances. 

Being able to become an empathetic communicator, one needs to have a somatic awareness of oneself and others by understanding certain wants and needs (Green, 2014). With a greater understanding and appreciation for other's needs and being able to set aside one's own perceptions, relationships with children, colleagues, families, and all individuals will flourish as dialogue could exist with the removal of anger, resentment, and dismissal. 

Resources:
Green, J. (2014). Mediation skills: Non-violent communication and Aikido. Mediate. Retrieved from http://www.mediate.com/articles/GreenJ4.cfm

Verbal and non verbal communication by percentage. (n.d.). Study Body Language. Retrieved from http://www.study-body-language.com/Verbal-and-non-verbal-communication.html#sthash.8XH8gJGr.dpbs