Title: 2.4 Improving Perception – Communication in the Real World
Headings: 2.4 Improving Perception
2.4 Improving Perception
Learning Objectives
Improving Self-Perception
Avoid Reliance on Rigid Schema
Be Critical of Socializing Forces
Beware of Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
Create and Maintain Supporting Interpersonal Relationships
Beware of Distorted Patterns of Thinking and Acting
Overcoming Barriers to Perceiving Others
Develop Empathetic Listening Skills
Beware of Stereotypes and Prejudice
Engage in Self-Reflection
Checking Perception
“Getting Competent”
Key Takeaways
Exercises
References

Content: A variety of life-changing events can relatively quickly alter our self-perceptions. Think of how your view of self changed when you moved from high school to college. Similarly, other people’s self-perceptions likely change when they enter into a committed relationship, have a child, make a geographic move, or start a new job. Having a child can lead to a major change in a person’s self-concept. Photophile – Father & Son 2055 – CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Aside from experiencing life-changing events, we can make slower changes to our self-perceptions with concerted efforts aimed at becoming more competent communicators through self-monitoring and reflection. As you actively try to change your self-perceptions, do not be surprised if you encounter some resistance from significant others. When you change or improve your self-concept, your communication will also change, which may prompt other people to respond to you differently. Although you may have good reasons for changing certain aspects of your self-perception, others may become unsettled or confused by your changing behaviors and communication. Remember, people try to increase predictability and decrease uncertainty within personal relationships.