David Kehr COMM 2110 Proposal Assignment 9/20/13 Goal When taking input from others about something

I have a previously established opinion on, I will not judge the speaker, or tune out the ideas. Rationale When Im not open to ideas others have, it creates a negative experience for both of us. It prevents me from responding with a genuine idea. I end up using something fake in an attempt to move the conversation to the next subject, or end it. If I can learn to be open to other ideas, and not judge the speaker, I can develop better relationships, as well as have more opportunities to learn. Strategies By September 21, 2013, I will make a conscious effort to apply these strategies in at least 85% of my interactions with other people. 1. I will refrain from internally criticizing the speaker by monitoring my inner dialogue and focusing on the message, not the messenger. (Beebe, 2008, p. 126) 2. I will make a conscious, mindful effort to listen, clearing my mind of off topic, often negative self talk. (Beebe, 2008, p. 128) 3. I will improve my understanding more about the others point of view by asking appropriate questions. (Beebe, 2008, p. 139) 4. By implementing the above strategies, I will avoid using disconfirming responses. (Beebe, 2008, p. 148.) Implementation I will take my first step toward my goal on September 21, 2013, because on that day I visit my grandfathers home. We often find each other disagreeing. I will continue my progress by becoming aware of judgemental thoughts when they happen, and proceed to implement my strategies. I will remind myself of these strategies daily by setting a recurring timer, set to go off following my alarm in the morning. In order to keep myself motivated, I will remind myself of the end goal every morning, where I want to be and what I want to achieve with this exercise. Works Cited Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond. (2008). Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others. Boston: Pearson Education / Allyn & Bacon.