Communicating Effectively

This week in class we discussed communicating effectively. I think Brandon and Chelsee did a great job leading the class. I thought the activity that they had chosen was very good. It was interesting to see how components changed as each person had their own perspective at looking at things. We each perceive some things a little bit more different than others. We all have our own point of view so it is important to understand the way one person communicates with others.
My favorite way to communicate is usually with smaller groups. When I'm interacting with large groups, it seems a little bit harder for me to focus and listen well. I become a lot more engaged in a discussion if it is with a smaller group because I feel as if people will listen more to what I have to say. I just feel like I am more of an active listener when in a smaller class per say than in a lecture hall. Since being a freshman here at Iowa State, I know I have increased my communication skills. From meeting new people and friends to discussing some topics in class, I have been able to become a better speaker and listener than I was in high school. Being a student at college basically requires one to become a more effective communicator.
I communicate with different people in many different ways. When I'm around my friends or family I feel very relaxed and calm. I can talk about anything and seem to listen very well and pay attention usually because it seems more important to me. When I'm in class or with a professor, it usually depends on the professor. In some of my classes, I feel like the professor is trying hard to get our attention and keep us focused by keeping us engaged in the class, but for other professors it seems like they don't even try. The most effective way for communication with me and with other people is usually face to face. Depending on the person, I can be very good at communicating. If I feel that person doesn't seem interested, I honestly probably won't even try to actively pursue a conversation if that person isn't even remotely interested.
I was pretty apprehensive about using Twitter. I thought it might be a waste of time for me but after a while I now realize that it can be a very important way of staying in touch with others and communicating with other students and friends. I think it's a very friendly way of saying whats on our minds. We could use Twitter with our students as a way of becoming closer as a mentor and student. It is a useful way to get used to some of this new technology in our society. One way I think we could get them excited about Twitter is just to let them see how much we use Twitter and how much we enjoy it. If they see how much we enjoy it, it might rub off on them. To keep tabs on my students and communication between us, I plan to use email, texts, and facebook. If that doesn't work, I might have to use some drastic measures. Have an awesome spring break everybody.