Speech Perceptions Check Self-Assessment 2014
Speech 1311perceptions Check Self Assessment2014name
Write about a time when you checked to see if your perceptions were accurate about another person. Describe your perception, where, when, and how you approached the person. Include the person's reaction and whether your perceptions were correct. Use Seiler and Beall's textbook as your credible source in MLA format. Provide a clear central idea and total word count at the end. Save in Microsoft Word, double-spaced, Times New Roman size-12 font.
Paper For Above instruction
Perception plays a crucial role in our everyday interactions, shaping how we interpret others' behaviors and intentions. Often, our perceptions can be misleading if not checked properly, which is why verifying our assumptions about others is essential for effective communication. In this paper, I will recount a personal experience where I assessed the accuracy of my perceptions about a colleague, illustrating the process and outcome of this perception check.
Several months ago, I perceived a coworker, Sarah, as dismissive and uninterested during our team meetings. This perception arose from her minimal verbal participation and infrequent eye contact, which I interpreted as a lack of engagement and possible disinterest in the team’s projects. Based on this assumption, I initially felt somewhat distant and hesitant to involve her in collaborative tasks. However, recognizing the importance of accurate perceptions, I decided to check whether my understanding was correct.
The situation occurred during a monthly team meeting held in our office conference room. As the meeting progressed, I noticed Sarah sitting quietly at her desk, occasionally reviewing her notes rather than contributing to the discussion. To clarify my perception, I approached her privately after the meeting, choosing a neutral setting to avoid misinterpretation or discomfort. I gently asked if she was feeling okay and whether she was interested in participating more actively. I framed my inquiry as a desire for better team collaboration rather than a confrontation—saying, “I’ve noticed you seem a bit quiet during meetings, and I wanted to check if everything is alright or if there’s any way I can support you.”
Sarah responded positively, expressing appreciation for my concern. She explained that she often feels overwhelmed by the technical complexity of the projects and struggles to contribute ideas spontaneously. Her reaction was open and receptive, indicating she appreciated my initiative to understand her perspective rather than making assumptions based solely on her behavior. This interaction allowed me to realize that my perception of dismissiveness was inaccurate; instead, she was genuinely participative but lacked confidence in her contributions.
The perception check led to a significant shift in how I interacted with Sarah afterward. I made a conscious effort to include her in discussions, asking for her insights, which gradually helped build her confidence. Her participation increased, and her reactions became more engaged and enthusiastic, confirming that my initial perception was not entirely accurate. This experience underscored the importance of verifying perceptions before forming judgments, especially in professional relationships where misinterpretations can hinder teamwork.
According to Seiler and Beall (2018), perception verification involves actively checking our assumptions to avoid stereotyping and misunderstanding. Their model emphasizes the importance of approaching others with genuine curiosity and openness, which fosters trust and improves communication (Seiler & Beall, 2018). My experience aligns with this approach, demonstrating how a simple, respectful inquiry can clarify perceptions and enhance interpersonal relationships.
In conclusion, checking perceptions is a vital skill in effective communication. My personal experience with Sarah illustrated that perceptions, if unexamined, can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for connection. By consciously verifying my assumptions through respectful dialogue, I corrected a false perception and fostered a more positive interaction. This practice not only improved my relationship with Sarah but also contributed to my overall communication skills, reinforcing the importance of perception checking in everyday life. As Seiler and Beall assert, perception verification is a powerful tool that promotes understanding, reduces conflict, and leads to better collaboration.
Word Count: 607
References
- Seiler, W., & Beall, M. (2018). Communication: Principles for a Lifetime. McGraw-Hill Education.