Perception CheckingMajor Skill Building AssignmentCourse Objectives:

By completing this assignment, students will demonstrate the ability to: Identify and analyze how verbal and nonverbal behaviors impact the effectiveness of interpersonal communication within the transactional model; Examine and evaluate how perception and self-awareness affect the ways in which we interact with others;Analyze personal communication behaviors, including biases, effective listening and communication apprehension and develop a skill set to become a competent communicator; Demonstrate the use of effective assertive communication in personal and professional contexts; Examine relationship processes and theories and apply them to different relationship types.

Understanding Perception Checking:

Perception checking is a useful communication strategy to help ensure that you have understand another person's message correctly. By engaging in perception checking, you increase the likelihood that you will keep an open mind and reduce misunderstanding.

Assignment Directions:

Use the perception checking process to practice your perceptions using the following situations. Write your answers in complete sentences. For example, 1. When my co-worker left my office the door slammed behind her. 2. Perhaps the door was heavier than she thought. Perhaps she was in a hurry. Maybe she was upset. 3. "I noticed that the door slammed behind you when you left my office earlier today. I was wondering if you were as surprised by the door slamming as I was or was it, perhaps on purpose?" HINT: Keep everything as neutral as possible!

NOTE: If you have not done so already, please view thePerception Checking Instructional Video that accompanies this assignment. (plain text URL:_{https://use.vg/tlw5UZ})

Assignment Questions:

Scenario One: (Continue the statements for each perception checking step.) - 5 points

Last week, you made a suggestion to your supervisor, Mrs. P, about how to make improvements at your job. You thought it was an excellent suggestion. Your boss did not look very interested, but, said she would look in your suggestion right away, however, you have not yet heard back from her.

1. Describe the behavior you observed.

Last week I suggested some improvements at work but ...

1. Provide at least two possible interpretations for the behavior.

Perhaps Mrs. P ....

OR

Perhaps she ...

1. Ask for clarification.

"Mrs. P, I was wondering..."

Scenario Two: (Write an appropriate statement for each perception checking step) - 15 points

You have been trying to make lunch plans with a friend, and you have not heard anything from her, even though you have left several messages inviting her. She usually responds to your text messages and goes out to eat with you. Recently, she hasn't responded.

1. Describe the behavior you observed.

1. Provide at least two possible interpretations for the behavior.

1. Ask for clarification.

Scenario Three: (Write an appropriate statement for each perception checking step) - 15 points

"An old friend" with whom you have shared the problems of your love life for years has recently changed when around you. They have been noticeably more affectionate, both physically, and in their text and phone conversations.

1. Describe the behavior you observed.

1. Provide at least two possible interpretations for the behavior.

1. Ask for clarification.

Scenario Four: (Write an appropriate statement for each perception checking step) - 15 points

Your roommate, who is usually very tidy, has not done his dishes for the past 4 days. He knows that this annoys you because you have talked about it in the past. Every time he sees you, he seems to disappear into his room. (NOTE: This is a tricky one. It might be tempting to jump to the conclusion that your roommate is either lazy or mad at you. However, maybe there is something else going on in his life? Consider interpretations that take this possibility into account and try wording your request for clarification in such a way that conveys concern and empathy for your roommate.)

1. Describe the behavior you observed.

1. Provide at least two possible interpretations for the behavior.

1. Ask for clarification.