Communications And University

[Andre]

Lately I've been thinking I might be able to improve my communications skills by taking another course in communications (I know, strange thought right? :D). I hated the first one I had a long time ago. I could never make myself care about any of the random topics assigned for speeches, or much of how I came across to the audience. Probably didn't help that I was involved with legal stuff at the time either, related to why I'm on here. That association put me off trying anything like this until recently.

If I can manage to continue on the path I've been on for the past few years I'll have to take another communications course soon anyway. I'm worried about failing in the new program if I try it too early and also about getting caught on it at the end and wasting time if I put it off. Negative thought maybe but now I keep thinking it is a bad idea to do any of this. I guess my big concern is does this type of course tend to stir things up any more than others, or was that a fluke experience? This turned out a lot more specific than I thought it would, but I'm hoping somebody has some remotely related experience and will comment on the idea at least.

 

[angelheart]

I think it's a great idea. Any course that gets you thinking, writing and expressing yourself is a good thing. Most profs are fantastic at giving feedback. Go for it!

 

[Lionheart]

My "T" once loaned me a college text on communication called, "It Depends." It was a thought provoking book and I would recommend reading it if you can find it. Today I have an answer for almost everything, you guessed it, the answer is, "It depends." lol :)

But seriously, I learned that I can say, "You may be right" even if I am not sure I agree with the person. This keeps the dialog open until I can understand the person better. I found that repeating back what they said, but in my own words, helps me to see if I am understanding a person correctly.

It taught me to use direct communication rather than beating around the bush. For example I use this formula;
I feel _____ when you ____ because I think _____. I want ________.

I learned about dysfunctional forms of communication also. Like "triangulation" which is where you tell someone else about your dissatisfaction, in hopes that it will get back to them, rather than speaking to them directly. (My father used to use triangulation).

Anyway as you can tell, I think that a communications course is a great idea and hope that it helps you as much as it helped me.

best of luck,
LH

 

[Vee Lagrome]

Oh that's great! I know you'll do great as long as you stay focused! If you have trouble, you could always go to the professor for help. :)