There is always a better way to deliver a message. “What you say and how you say it are of equal importance” (Wilk, 2022). Experience, perceptions, values, belief, and culture are some of the factors that influence our communication. Knowledge and experience contribute to confidence. Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach said it herself, “Confidently beautiful with a heart.” She’s lucky she’s beautiful as she’s confident! Truth be told, no matter how much we emphasize the importance of confidence, without experience, portfolio, achievements, track record, then confidence may die down. Confidence is also attributed to assertiveness. How can a person be assertive without proof, truth, or sense? Assertiveness is different from aggressiveness, and so is passiveness. Assertive people speaks gently, firmly and positively. They do not hesitate. They do not appear anxious. They are respectful. They are direct, honest, and sincere. Truth, honesty, and respect are the weapons held by Mr. Assertive.
Interesting fact about verbal communication is that it is a spoken word. That’s what I thought! However, I discovered today that symbols and sign language is still counted as verbal communication! They may not be spoken, but they’re like a word-ed communication. Should I say, easily transferable to words. On the other hand, nonverbal communication encompasses messages sent without words but through body language, such as posture, appearance, facial expression, body movement, eye contact, gestures, and touch and the use of silence! Now, when it comes to touch, it’s always necessary to ask permission before touching a person. Of course, we only touch the public area. This reminds me of a photographer I worked with at an international school in Singapore, UWCSEA. Before she would take a photo of someone, she would always ask, “Can I touch this? I will just fix how it appears,” referring to the person’s lanyard. I saw her grace in her actions, and her politeness, very respectful! She knew the importance of asking permission before touching anything attached to a person, such as hair, necklace, shirt, because of the possibility of differences in the culture of a person she’s interacting with. Even hugging a person who’s new to us means we also need to ask permission. It is always graceful to be careful how we touch another person. “It is very important that you ask your clients for permission each time you touch their body or possessions” (Wilk, 2022).
Empathy is putting one’s shoe to another. It means “open to and trying to understand the experience and feelings of others” (Wilk, 2022). As a Health Care Assistant, I am paid to do my job, therefore it is my job to empathize with my clients. However, my life outside HCA job is to not always empathize. Like what Allie Beth Stuckey said, not all empathy is healthy. There also is toxic empathy. It is when we literally put ourselves in the feelings of another person in as far as approving sin. As HCA, I will empathize with my clients, but my life outside HCA will not only evolve around empathy but bounce between empathy and sympathy.
As a final thought, I consider myself a positive person. I look at a glass half full, than a glass half empty. I chose Sprott Shaw College to support my future after considering many factors. I am hopeful for what my future awaits me.