Week 8 Final Report

Interpersonal Communication

DeVry University

Student Name


8A.
The course materials from the first two weeks were the base influence to model my
change in behavior. I have always understood the broad concepts of nonverbal communication
and perceptions, but never really read into the more intricate workings of it. The concepts of
using encoding and decoding in gestures and hand motions were aspects of communication I had
never considered to be employed actively. Through understanding of how nonverbal
communication are influenced by cultural and social axioms, are also influencing personal
perceptions, I see how these are very strong and important concepts to master for highly effective
speaking. The impact to perception made by people from nonverbal cues, particularly the
importance of first impressions had made me observe myself and realize my behavior was very
animated and impulsive. This continued to lead to further self-reflection and identification to a
lack of active self-awareness which prevented me from giving consideration to the words I spoke
in conjunction with my physical behavior is affecting the perceptions people had of me.
8B.
I had identified initially that I needed to modify my impulsive behavior, but I soon
realized that the true core behavior I need to focus on was practicing active self-awareness. I was
afforded a large quantity of time, due to illness, to contemplate many of my behaviors and
personal experiences to see me from a new perspective. I became focused on my morning
interactions with my wife, which were often arguments and in general unpleasant. I began
practicing active thought to my emotional-state along with the reactions my words could incite,
and have shown vast improvement in reducing spontaneous reaction and manage conflict by
observation and identification to underlying problems, and guide conversations to more desirable
outcomes.
8C.
I have no dissatisfaction to the outcome of my behaviors. I had realized from the
beginning that choosing a core behavior for modification would also have a positive influence on
my other behaviors as many of them are intertwined and closely connected. I also understood
that improving my behavior would require active effort and practice. I have made several
mistakes where I would speak spontaneously what was on my mind during many conversations,
but I continue to practice and have made great strides in improving myself. As I continue to
practice self-awareness I feel like I am slowly becoming in tune with my emotions and am seeing
much improvement in my relationship, physical pain reduction, and mood stabilization. There is
much more practice and the process of improvement is never ending.
8D.
Impulsive and spontaneous verbal communication is still a high priority for improvement.
I still have some problems hearing all of my internal thoughts before they exit my vocal cords.
The largest aspect to this is in my tone. Often it is not what I say but how I say it that causes
negative reactions or outcomes to conversations or events. I am now highly focused on
improving the two way communication with my relationship with my wife. The negotiating
needs to improve for total satisfaction results, and this is going to be a lifelong endeavor which
will always show an opportunity for improvement.

8E.
Over the past several weeks, I have seen a great improvement to my interpersonal
relationships. At home I can see and feel a positivity which had been missing for a while. It
occurred to me that my wife hums and sings like she had in days past, and we have good
physical contact (sitting close together, holding hands, and a random dance to a song we
mutually enjoy). I have also seen a reduction in negative behavior from my son as I speak to him
in more soothing tones when he is upset, and my professional life I have been told that I appear
much more approachable since the constant scowl I was never aware I wore is gone. Truly I have
been amazed by the power of how self-awareness and monitoring nonverbal communication can
have such an awesome and impressive impact on almost all aspects of life. Improved emotional
state form positive interaction with people, and good physical health that is associated from
something as simple as sitting up straight, and guiding conversations on a personal level will
prove to be a great tool for all facets of my life.