The Way I Communicate

SOURCE: Family Literacy Kit, Leon County Schools Adult & Community Education Career Education Guide

According to Merriam Webster, communication is the exchange of information between people. It is hard to develop relationships without good communication. How effective is your ability to communicate? Think about the way you communicate by reading the statements below and indicating whether your response to each statement would be never (N), sometimes (S), or always (A).

  N   S   A    Sending skills
_____ _____ _____    I feel at ease beginning a conversation.
_____ _____ _____    I can tell a story well.
_____ _____ _____    I boast or exaggerate when I tell a story about myself.
_____ _____ _____    I can talk on subjects other than myself and my problems.
_____ _____ _____    I speak well in front of a group.
_____ _____ _____    I look people in the eye when speaking to them.
_____ _____ _____    I use facial expressions and gestures to contribute to the meaning of what I say.
_____ _____ _____    I know how to include others in the conversation when I talk.
_____ _____ _____    I can talk with anyone regardless of that person's age or background.
_____ _____ _____    I use words such as "like" and "you know" in my speech.
_____ _____ _____    I use phrases such as "watchama-call-it" or "thingama-jig" to substitute for the proper words.
_____ _____ _____    I am asked to speak louder or more clearly.
_____ _____ _____    I speak overly loud to get attention or make a point.
_____ _____ _____    I express my feelings easily.
_____ _____ _____    I have trouble expressing myself when I'm emotional.
_____ _____ _____    When I'm angry, I speak with actions more than words.
_____ _____ _____    I can discuss controversial subjects without getting angry.
_____ _____ _____    I avoid saying things I might regret later.
_____ _____ _____    I use the silent treatment when I'm upset.
_____ _____ _____    I criticize others to make myself look good.
_____ _____ _____    I discuss my problems instead of blaming others.
_____ _____ _____    I try to avoid preaching or lecturing in my messages.
_____ _____ _____    I find it difficult to talk with people in authority.
_____ _____ _____    I try to send messages that are clear and specific.
_____ _____ _____    I use polite phrases when making requests.
            Listening skills
_____ _____ _____    I try to concentrate on what is being said.
_____ _____ _____    I try to be aware of the other person's position.
_____ _____ _____    I look at people when they speak.
_____ _____ _____    I listen without interrupting.
_____ _____ _____    I "tune-out" (stop listening) when I feel I know what is being said.
_____ _____ _____    I am distracted by sights and sounds when others are speaking to me.
_____ _____ _____    I am quick to discover the interests of other people.
_____ _____ _____    I ask questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer.
_____ _____ _____    I feel angry and frustrated when someone tells me about my faults.
_____ _____ _____    I find it easy to remember names.
_____ _____ _____    I tend to judge others by how they talk.