Mikayla Stettler

COMM 2110

Personal Change Proposal

Goal:
Learn how to be a more present, active listener instead of assuming things/jumping to conclusions by
practicing a few good communication strategies (slow down, redesign my use of conversation time, and
adapt listening style) implemented over a period of time and consistently practiced.

Rationale:
I jump to conclusions instead of hearing what the person is actually saying. Because I do that, at times I
will start to think of what I’ll respond with, so the next thing they say goes in one ear and out the other
which has also led to the habit of zoning out and not actively listening to the other person. By improving,
I will be able to more effectively listen, answer, and understand where the other person is coming from
and what their needs are (Brownlee, 2019).

Strategies:
1. Instead of assuming similarities and differences, I’ll take the time to get to know and understand
the other person’s background and cultural beliefs before making an opinion (Steven A. Beebe,
2017, p. 100).
2. I’ll ask questions that allow me to further my understanding of another person while sharing
some information about myself, then asking follow up questions based on their answers (Steven
A. Beebe, 2017, p. 104).
3. Because I recognize my listening style to be more of a Critical/Analytical Listener, I will learn how
to better adapt to what type of listener and responses the other person needs at that time
(Steven A. Beebe, 2017, p. 121).
4. I will use the time I had zoned in/out of what the other person was saying and use it to
summarize what they’ve already said (Steven A. Beebe, 2017, p. 124).
Implementation:
o Each week, I’ll focus on a different strategy while reviewing and continuing to practice the ones I
had already set into place for the previous weeks.
o I will put myself in to situations where I will be able to communicate with others and also
implement it working with my two different groups I have for class projects. Some of these
opportunities may be electronic message communication, videocalls, phone calls, one-on-one
in-person, or group communication.
o Because I want to start my own business and that’s something I’m excited for, I’ll keep a
record/notes of small things I learn while implementing these strategies then apply them to how
I can be a better leader and manager of a business.

Works Cited
Brownlee, D. (2019, July 1). 5 Communications Best Practices of Great Leader. Retrieved from Forbes:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/danabrownlee/2019/07/01/5-communications-best-practices-of-
great-leaders/#46c777fc2e99

Steven A. Beebe, S. J. (2017). Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others (Vol. 8th Edition). United
States: Pearson.