Understanding Perception Filters: Observing My Own Bias During the Speech
Perception filters are cognitive biases that affect how we interpret and understand information. They are formed by our past experiences, personal beliefs, cultural background, and societal norms. As I watched President Obama’s and President Trump’s inauguration speeches, I noticed my perception filters leaning toward my political beliefs (ABC News, 2017; The Obama White House, 2009). For instance, I found myself agreeing more with the speaker whose views aligned with mine, and I was more critical of the one whose political stance differed from mine.
Listening with Expectations: Reflecting on My Own Tendencies
Listening with expectations refers to the process of approaching a conversation or a speech with preconceived ideas or assumptions about the content or the speaker. I noticed this tendency as I watched the speeches, expecting certain topics to be addressed or certain rhetoric to be used based on my knowledge of the speakers’ political affiliations. For instance, I expected Obama to address issues like climate change and healthcare because of his known stance on these issues, whereas I anticipated Trump to talk about immigration and the growth of the economy.
Empathic Listening: Assessing My Skill Level While Watching the Political Speech
Empathic listening involves comprehending and empathizing with the emotions of the person speaking. It involves not just hearing the words but also interpreting the emotions behind them. As I watched the speeches, I found myself trying to understand the speakers’ perspectives, their intentions, and the emotions they were trying to convey. However, I would rate my skill level as moderate because I found my emotional responses were often influenced by my political beliefs.
Enhancing Openness to Change: How Listening Skills Contribute to Success in My Field
Exercising listening skills such as perception filtering, listening with expectations, and empathic listening can profoundly enhance one’s openness to change and personal success. By being aware of our perception filters, we can strive to be more objective and open-minded, minimizing bias. Listening to expectations can help us to prepare and engage more effectively in discussions or debates. Empathic listening can foster better relationships and understanding, which is crucial for success, especially in fields involving teamwork, leadership, and client relationships.
These listening skills can help us to appreciate and respect diverse perspectives, a valuable trait in today’s globalized world. They can also facilitate personal growth by challenging our beliefs and assumptions, thus fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the world. This aspect, in turn, can make us more adaptable, innovative, and successful in our respective fields.
References
ABC News. (2017). Trump Inauguration Speech (FULL) | ABC News [Video]. YouTube. Web.
The Obama White House. (2009). President Barack Obama’s inaugural address [Video]. YouTube. Web.