Exercise One: Communicating with Self and Others: A Feedback Form

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                           EXERCISE 1
       Communicating with Self and Others: A Feedback Form

> Instructions:

l) Read the list of statements for each skill area and check the
column that generally describes your own practices.

2) Go over the entire feedback form to see if there are skill areas
in which you clearly sense the need for improvement.

3) For each of the six skill areas, make note of individual
statements that you didn't understand or sense you need to work on.

4) Select three or four of those skills or practices where you feel
the need for improvement and write a short goal statement (i.e., "I
will improve my active listening skills") and build this goal into
your learning contract.


       COMMUNICATING WITH SELF AND OTHERS: A FEEDBACK FORM
                                                                 
                                                Some-         Don't
                                        Seldom  Times  Often  Know 
> Self Observation and Feedback

I give myself supportive, 
     objective messages.

I am aware of what is going on 
     inside (my thoughts, feelings, 
     direction).

I view myself as competent, 
     capable, lovable.

I can state what I want for 
     myself in a simple,
     positive picture of how 
     I'd like things to be.

I create symbols or images of the 
     directions I wish to go.


> Receiving Feedback

I listen actively to suggestions  
     of others.

I ask for feedback from others.

I sort out the feelings of 
     others from their objective 
     observations.

I share generous amounts of 
     who I am with others.


> Giving Feedback

I let others know when I:

     do not understand 
          what they have said.

     appreciate something 
          they have said or done.

     disagree with them.

     feel hurt, embarrassed, or 
          put down by something 
          they have said or done.   

I seek appropriate times/places 
     to give feedback.

I separate my feelings from objective 
     observations   when giving feedback.

I use feedback to build/empower others.


                                                                 
                                                Some-         Don't
                                        Seldom  Times  Often  Know 

> Active Listening   

I use appropriate non-verbal cues 
     to indicate I am actively 
     listening (eye contact, body 
     language, silence).

I am aware of how my verbal responses 
     as a listener maintain or change 
     the focus of the speaker.

I use "open questions" (how, what, 
     would, could) to help the speaker 
     clarify his or her thinking.

I use reflections (statements which 
     reinforce or clarify the speakers 
     statements of fact or feeling).

Others seem to seek me out as a good listener.

I see my ability to listen as a means 
     of giving support and empowering others.


> Non-Verbal Expressions

I am aware of my own body language.

I am aware of the body language of others.

I use effective non-verbal skills when:
     listening to others
     influencing others

I know and practice relaxation techniques. 

I am aware of my breathing patterns.

I am aware of the use of touch in 
     communications.

                                                                 
                                                Some-         Don't
                                        Seldom  Times  Often  Know 

> Public Speaking

I talk in public in formal and 
     informal settings. I am 
     comfortable when giving 
     public presentations.

My public presentations are well 
     organized and well received.

I use a variety of styles when 
     speaking in public.

My speaking voice is clear; my 
     volume and rate are appropriate.

I practice my public presentations 
     to see how they will sound, 
     how long they will take.

I use humor appropriately in 
     public presentations.

I use a variety of audiovisual 
     aids and equipment when 
     speaking before groups.  


> Written Expression

I write using a wide variety 
     of formats (memos, reports, 
     press releases, grants).

I research and organize my 
     thoughts before writing.

I think about my audience(s) 
     when writing.

I ask others to read and comment 
     on my content, style, organization.

I allow time for two or more 
     drafts of important written 
     products.

The local paper runs my releases 
     without revision.

I use informal writing (journals, 
     letters to friends) to improve 
     my formal writing.

• Lois M. Frey, UVM Extension, RR #4, Box 2298, Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 223-2389, email: lfrey@sover.net
• "Group Development: Creating Group Effectiveness" by Duane Dale, DFD Associates, 99 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-3402 (moving to 764 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01022 after 8/1/98);
• Bob Biagi, 142 Cherry Lane, Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 549-1412;

Comments to: crs@uvm.edu
Reviewed as of 4/20/98