toolbox paper

This course has taught me many things. I was not aware that there was so much information to learn about communication, but I have been pleasantly surprised. This course has taught me better ways to communicate with my significant other, my family, my friends, my co-workers, as well as with strangers. I have greatly enjoyed each assignment because they challenged me to examine the flaws within my own communication style. I hope to employ the skills and tools I have learned in this course and apply them to all my future communications.

I was surprised to learn that people can communicate about their communication. This term is called metacommunication and it is something we all do every day. We communicate about our communication by sayings like, “I do not know how to say this, but…,” or by rolling our eyes after making a comment to indicate sarcasm. I use metacommunication to help me clarify or reinforce what I am saying. I find it very useful when I am trying to convey the importance of my message. I may gesture with my hands or simply state, “This is very important.” Metacommunication helps us convey our messages by adding meaning that our primary message was lacking.

Another term I have learned is feedforward. Feedforward occurs when you preface your message with information pertaining to your primary message. This type of communication is often used as an introduction to your main message to prepare the receiver for the message they are about to receive. I use feedfoward at work when I am reporting the progress of a project. I might say, “You are going to be very impressed by our progress,” or, “I know this is not what you want to hear…” Feedforward can be used in verbal or written communication, and should always be adapted t...

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...that we can openly discuss anything with each other, even the things that used to cause arguments. I am also proud to say the regularity of our arguments has decreased dramatically. I am grateful for the knowledge I have gained from this course, and look forward to employing these new found skills and tools in all of my future communications.

When I asked my fiancé if he had noticed any changes within my communication style, he simply smiled and said, “Big time!” He said I am more apt to look at arguments logically instead of blowing up or breaking down in tears like I used too. He also said I have been more open with communicating my feelings, which helps him to feel secure within our relationship. I am happy to hear that he can see a difference in my communications, and hope that we can continue to improve our communications as we continue in our journey together.