This is homework for communications class, and I'm not sure what the hell I need to do. I need to get a good grade, because I'm not doing to well.
Please help.
Here is what to do.
Using I language
Practice using I language. Use it at work, school, home with your family, any where you find it appropriate.
For your paper, write about three situations where you have used I language. Tell the situation, what you said and how the other person responded. Finally, tell if you thought I language was helpful.
I Language
As you read in Chapter 6, using I language can help you to create a positive climate in a relationship. It is amazing how one word can make a difference in how smoothly a conversation will go.I language is a skill that will allow you to use language in a way that opens communication. It is can be used at times when someone has upset you or has aroused a negative feeling in you, or at times when you want to show someone appreciation. When using I language you take responsibility for your feelings and communicate them to the other person without putting him/her on the defensive. You want to avoid using you language.
I am guessing that "I" language is a way to show your needs/concerns when communicating with someone without appearing to blame or judge the other person. For example:
Instead of saying, "You need to act better" and "You always do this" and making the other person defensive, say "I would like it if we didn't argue so much" and "I am offended when this happens". It is just manipulating words in order to get another person to cooperate better.
For your paper, I am assuming that you just need to write about three instances where you used this "I" language technique. The teacher won't know if these stories are real or not. I may be wrong about what this "I" language is, so make sure you read your textbook and find out what it is.
Like Lilith, one version of "I" language is to accept the responsibility for what you think and feel, in contrast to "you" language, which leads to closing off effective communication.
More specifically, it can involve three parts
"I feel... (describe what emotion you feel — angry, happy, disappointed, confused, etc.).
"... when... (described the specific behavior that elicits this feeling in terms of what can be sensed — seen, heard, felt, smelled).
Effect on you.
Example: "I feel hurt when when I'm not invited to go on a shopping trip, because it leads me think that I am being rejected."
"I feel elated when you cook my favorite meal, because it makes me feel special and loved."
The three parts do not need to be in a specific order.
Here is an article that talks about "I" messages in a couple's relationship:
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/adjust.sex.htm
"If this helps you to satisfactorily complete your assignment, then I will feel satisfied, because my attempt to help you will have been successful." (How's that for an "I" message?)
To complete your assignment, follow these steps:
1. Understand what I language is: I language is when you communicate your feelings and thoughts using first-person statements, taking responsibility for your own emotions and avoiding blaming others.
2. Reflect on your experiences: Think about situations in your life where you have used I language. It could be at work, school, home, or any other setting where communication takes place. Consider both positive and negative interactions.
3. Choose three situations: Select three specific situations where you used I language. These situations should be distinct and demonstrate the effectiveness of using I language in communication.
4. Describe the situation: Provide a brief description of each situation, including the context, the people involved, and any relevant details. Make sure to explain why you decided to use I language in each situation.
5. Share what you said: Write down the statements or phrases you used to communicate using I language in each situation. Be specific and include the exact words you used to express your feelings or thoughts.
6. Describe the other person's response: Explain how the other person responded to your use of I language. Did they seem more engaged or receptive? Did it lead to a more positive or productive conversation? Include any relevant details or observations.
7. Reflect on the effectiveness of I language: After each situation, evaluate whether using I language was helpful in achieving your communication goals. Did it improve understanding, promote empathy, or resolve conflicts? Discuss the overall impact on the relationship or situation.
8. Summarize your findings: Conclude your paper by summarizing the common themes or patterns you observed in your three situations. Discuss any insights or lessons learned from using I language.
Remember, the purpose of this assignment is to practice using I language and analyze its effectiveness in communication. By sharing specific examples and reflecting on your experiences, you can demonstrate your understanding of I language and its impact on interpersonal relationships. Good luck with your assignment!