Perception is a universal, yet individual, process. Each person experiences and interprets the world differently from others (Adler, Rodman, & Pré, 2015).

Think of perception like wearing a particular pair of “glasses.” Your “glasses” are made up of your core values and beliefs, life experiences, past communications, and similar experiences. You see the world through your very specific pair of “glasses” – no one else can see the world exactly as you do. It is impossible. Sometimes we try to get others to put on our “glasses” so they can see the world the way we do; sometimes we even tell other’s that their “glasses” – the way they view the world is “wrong” and our way is “right.” It comes down to each person having a very different pair of “glasses.”

Clarifying your perceptions, aligning these with others, and noting perceptual differences are important for effective communication.

References
Adler, R. B., Rodman, G., & Pré, A. D. (2015). Essential communication. New York: Oxford University Press.

Formatting

For this 1 page assignment, please use the reflection format, which is Times New Roman, 12 point, double-spaced.

At the top left of the page, please provide the following information:

First and Last Name
Professor Voso
CMST 101
Date
Instructions

Pick a communication situation that is causing you confusion in your life that your are willing to share in this reflection. This assignment requires that you describe the situation, then go through the process of perception checking.

1. Describe the situation.
2. Describe behavior you have observed.
3. What about your life experiences or past experiences is influencing your current perception of this situation? Be sure to use the terminology from Chapter 2 in your analysis!
4. Provide at least two other possible interpretations of the behavior that are different than the current way your are perceiving the situation.
5. Write out a script (word-for-word) you could use with this person to checking your perception. Be sure to use the terminology from Chapter 2 in your analysis!
As always, the level of your disclosure is up to you. These documents will not be shared, but rather will be used to assess your mastery of the concept and its applicability to your life.