Competence and Identity

Effective communication paired with appropriate communication results in communication competence. Effective communication can be determined by how well your message achieves your desired goal. It relies on a person to choose the correct message to meet their communication goal. Appropriate communication results from knowing how to follow communication rules in various settings. The rules may differ based on culture, environmental setting, genders, religion, and many more. A good communicator is able to adjust effective and appropriate communication to reach the goal of communication competence. However, you may reach one without the other. For example, a male doctor is excited to greet his first patient of the day and decides to shake the female patient's hand to introduce himself. The doctor failed to read the chart that requested a female doctor because the patient is Muslim. In Muslim culture women are segregated from the men, and often will request a female doctor. While the male doctor effectively communicated his introduction of who he is, the communication was not appropriate.  How can you be sure you’ve reached competence? The purpose of your communication will be fulfilled adequately without offending anyone or crossing boundaries.

https://youtu.be/U1SXs2vI0nU?si=QYZSN6rkvmevFSwK

How is your identity created?

I was born into a christian family with both my mother and grandfather being pastors. Religion is a part of my identity that I was born into. My religious beliefs shape my identity in many ways such as the attitude I have toward difficult situations and overall compassion towards others. I was also raised with three older brothers and no sisters. That in itself molded me into a strong resilient woman. I was always competing, never wanting to be viewed as weak.Therefore, I worked twice as hard to be stronger than my older brothers. Over the years my identity has changed because I am a dedicated Mother, and that is what I take pride in the most. No longer competing for the strongest spot because I’ve matured, though my environment as a child contributes greatly to my strength as an adult. However, I still work hard because biologically I inherited a good work ethic.