A521.4.3.RB - Subtleties of Communication and Hidden Messages

 A521.4.3.RB_Matthew-Napu Manglona_ Subtleties of Communication and Hidden Messages

When it comes to in-congruent messages in my National Guard organization I can think of over hundred instances where it actually left me puzzled, angry, and speechless at times. Then there are times where I actually felt like I was able to provide some good to the situation or dilemmas.  At an individual scale of things I know I can definitely use these skills to help me communicate better with others. When it comes to the Eight Hidden Agendas Mckay, Davis & Fanning (2009) hit on point with how I see myself. I see myself as a humble person and see the “You’re Good (But I’m Not)” concept when it comes to myself. Through the times of being in a leadership position I have been told that I am the future of the organization, however I never believed in myself to be that person they put up on that pedestal. 

 I never thought my communication skills were good but to others they were.

Mayfield & Mayfield (2007) wrote, “Research shows that leadership models that incorporate language as a principle attribute, leader–member exchange (LMX) in particular, often fulfill these roles to improve desirable employee consequences including job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and performance.” (p. 86) LMX from my previous classes from what I took away is something that can be used to enhance communication between subordinate to superior, superior to subordinate, or peer to peer for example.

I can recall situations of body language notifying me on just how my presentation was going. Kaps, R. W., & Voges, J. K. (2007) states that “The instructor who fails to observe the unspoken delivery of information and interpret recipient's attitude is conveying only a small portion of the intended message. Gestures and other kinesics signals synchronized to reinforce a verbal message clarify its meaning and create a sense of the speaker's presence and purpose.” (p. 2) when I saw arms crossed, bubble gum popping, eyes drooping, and saw heads looking down at smart phones I knew that my message wasn’t getting across and had to revert to getting their attention back. There would be times where I would ask the audience to pause everything that they are doing mid presentation and have them stretch. Another tactic I would use is to get them involve in my presentation is simply asking them all questions during my presentation. I try my best to ensure that I get the undivided attention of my audience.

If I can change anything to my approach it would have to be my Paralanguage and Metamessages. There are times when I brief that my tone of voice depicts what I am actually trying to say. There are also times where my articulation and tempo can throw me off. Mckay, Davis, and Fanning state, “If people have difficulty understanding you because you speak too rapidly, mumble, or otherwise distort your words.” (p.74) that is something I would like to change. We all have experienced those tongue twisting words that are inevitable when we speak. There are times I go into a presentation over confident and start talking then a few minutes later I am mumbling words because I’m just trying to breeze through my presentation. It’s a habit that needs to be changed. That feeling when you mumble in front of a crowd can be a letdown to oneself, but I have learned to adapt and continue like nothing happened. It simply comes down to me rehearsing before I go into a presentation, being more prepared, and ensuring if I am trying to pronounce certain words I can calmly say it with no mistakes.

References:

Kaps, R. W., & Voges, J. K. (2007). Nonverbal communications: A commentary on body language in the aviation teaching environment. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research, 17(1) Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/docview/1689380126?accountid=27203

Mayfield, J., & Mayfield, M. (2007). The effects of leader communication on a worker's intent to stay: An investigation using structural equation modeling. Human Performance, 20(2), 85-102. doi:10.1080/08959280701332018

McKay, M., Davis, M., & Fanning, P. (2009). Messages: the Communication Skills Book (3^rd edition). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. (ISBN:  978-1-57224-592-1