Skill: Perception Checking

Introduction

Communication is affected by different factors. one of the most powerful include pre-existing mind formations. For instance, one can have constructed certain aspects about a given speaker and their listen to such a speaker will be based on these beliefs. This paper will detail how I have managed to check my perceptions during communication. 

Second Paragraph

The skill that I will discuss in this paper is perception checking. According to Adler, Rosenfeld and Proctor, “perception checking is defined as reality constructed, as we create out reality with others through communication.” The definition goes further to explain that there are two types of realities; first-order realities which focus on observable qualities of a thing or a situation, and the second-order realities which involve attaching a meaning to first-order things or situations. To me, perception is forming opinions based of superficial information. It is passing judgement about a thing or a person just by physical characteristics.  

Third Paragraph

The reason I chose to discuss perception checking is because I tend to find it hard to see people with an open mind. When having a conversation, I tend to imagine what might be the character of the person am talking to just by looking at them. Their stature, dressing, and mannerisms tend to sway the attention I give them. If the scale of my perception about someone tips on the negative side, I withdraw and fail to communicate effectively. In other instances, I am left without sufficient communication since my perceptions made me have high expectations of people and they don’t meet them. Since I started using perception checking, I have come to a realization that those people I often misjudge are the once who make the biggest impact. As such, I have not been having expectations but rather I get into communication with an objective mind. 

Fourth Paragraph (experiment 1)

My best friend had noted that I had problems with other people, especially those who did not meet my expectations. Actually, when I met him, I had already formed a perception of him. Initially, I had not liked him but as our lines crossed more and more, we got to know each other. One time, we went to a museum and I openly told him, “I don’t like that museum guide, he looks incompetent.” That statement hit him hard and he responded with a very short but heavy message and he said, “you often don’t like strangers. We actually met that way.” he decided to take the test and confirm that I was indeed acting out of intuition and misconstrued perceptions. I decided to also play along and have my theory tested. It was actually the same guy who taught me a lot about history. We had a liking for each other. My friend was very amused. From then henceforth, I have been avoiding the mistake of developing perceptions about others. 

Fifth Paragraph (experiment 2)

Sixth Paragraph (experiment 3)

Conclusion

Works CitedAdler, Ronald B., Lawrence B. Rosenfeld, and Russell F. Proctor. Interplay: The Process of
Interpersonal Communication. 12th ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2013. Print.