Class Interpersonal Communication Course: My Goals For This

Class Interpersonal Communication Coursemy Goals For This Course Ef

Class; Interpersonal Communication Course My Goals for this Course : Efficiently answer the following three questions. Use a Question/Response format. Be highly specific in stating a specific goal; provide clear examples. Give this assignment serious consideration. A possible twenty (20) can be earned, which conveys the importance of your planning and goal-setting for this course.

I want to specifically improve ____ in my communication style and patterns. I want to improve my listening skills because _____. I want to better understand my Self and Others better because _____.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective interpersonal communication is fundamental to building meaningful relationships, fostering understanding, and enhancing personal and professional growth. My goals for this course are centered around improving my communication abilities by addressing specific areas where I seek growth and development. I will articulate each goal clearly, supported by examples and reasoning that highlight why these objectives are important for my overall communication skills and interpersonal effectiveness.

1. Improving my active listening skills because

I want to specifically enhance my active listening skills because I often find myself distracted during conversations or distracted by my own thoughts, which hampers my ability to understand others completely. Effective listening involves not just hearing words but also perceiving the speaker’s emotions, body language, and underlying messages. For instance, I tend to interrupt or plan what I will say next rather than fully engaging with the speaker’s points. Improving my listening skills will allow me to better grasp the perspectives of others, foster empathy, and build stronger relationships, both personally and professionally. Research shows that active listening contributes significantly to conflict resolution and trust-building (Brownell, 2012). Therefore, I aim to practice reflective listening, paraphrasing, and maintaining eye contact during conversations to become a more attentive listener.

2. To better understand my Self and Others because

I want to better understand myself and others because self-awareness and empathy are critical components of effective communication. Understanding myself, including my communication style, emotional triggers, and biases, will help me convey my messages more authentically and respond appropriately in various interactions. For example, I often notice that I become defensive when criticized, which causes misunderstandings. Recognizing this allows me to manage my reactions better. Similarly, understanding others’ perspectives and feelings enables me to respond with greater compassion and reduce conflicts. Psychologists emphasize that self-awareness and empathy are linked to higher emotional intelligence, which is essential for successful interpersonal interactions (Goleman, 1995). My goal is to engage more in self-reflection, seek feedback from others, and practice empathy exercises, such as perspective-taking, to deepen my understanding of myself and those around me.

3. Improving my communication style and patterns because

I want to improve my communication style and patterns because I realize that my current approach may sometimes be passive or overly assertive, which can lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities for connection. For example, I tend to avoid difficult conversations, fearing conflict, or I may dominate conversations by interrupting others. Both patterns are ineffective for fostering genuine dialogue and rapport. My specific goal is to develop a more assertive yet respectful communication style, enabling me to express my needs and boundaries clearly while also being receptive to others’ viewpoints. According to Myers (2014), assertiveness is crucial for balanced interpersonal communication. To achieve this, I plan to learn and practice "I" statements, maintain open body language, and develop the confidence to voice my opinions constructively. Improving my communication style will help me build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and create more positive interactions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my goals for this interpersonal communication course focus on enhancing my listening skills, deepening my self- and other-awareness, and refining my communication style. Achieving these objectives will contribute significantly to my personal growth and interpersonal effectiveness. I am committed to applying practical strategies and reflecting on my experiences throughout this course to realize these goals, ultimately becoming a more effective and empathetic communicator.

References

• Brownell, J. (2012). Listening: Attitudes, Principles, and Skills. Pearson Higher Ed.
• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence. Bantam Books.
• Myers, D. G. (2014). Psychology (11th ed.). Worth Publishers.
• Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person: A therapist's view of psychotherapy. Houghton Mifflin.
• Knapp, M. L., & Daly, J. A. (2011). Interpersonal communication and human relationships. Pearson Higher Ed.
• DeVito, J. A. (2019). The Interpersonal Communication Book. Pearson.
• Schulz von Thun, F. (2014). Miteinander reden 1: Störungen und Klärungen. Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verlag.
• Helgesen, S. (2006). The female advantage: Women's ways of leadership. In The New Rules of Work. Harvard Business Review.
• Gifford, E. (2010). The art of listening. Journal of Communication, 60(3), 873-890.
• Hargie, O. (2011). Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory and Practice. Routledge.