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Hannah Marshall
12/15/15
Comm 122/Olsen

Application #2
Communications is something I have always been fascinated by, and its something Im
always glad I have the opportunity to study. I am also always on the lookout for different ways I
can improve myself as a person, as our entire purpose in this life is to progress. As I wrote the
last application paper I had the opportunity to really look inward and determine the type of
communicator I am. I was able to determine that as a communicator I want to be able to develop
a secure communication environment with those I interact with. I want to address, based on
research, the importance and necessity of providing a safe communication environment, and how
I plan to put the research I have conducted into effect in my life.
I have based the necessity for myself to develop a safer communication environment on
my tendency to overpower others sometimes and my natural obnoxiousness, for lack of a better
word. I also can show absentmindedness toward others feelings and I can sometimes put my foot
in my mouth, and say things which can offend others if they are not accustomed to my brash
personality. I know that not everyone in the world can adjust to my brusqueness and frankness,
so I know I must try to adjust my own communication standards to meet those of others around
me. Another thing I would like to work on is my nonchalant use of sarcasm while

communicating. Sometimes I catch myself making sarcastic comments without even noticing it,
and I know it can offend those that dont have a similar way of communicating.
Based on the article Attachment Style Differences and Similarities in Evaluations of
Affective Communication Skills and Person-centered Comforting Messages by Suzanne M.
Jones, Emotional support is one of the most important resources people rely on in interpersonal
relationships. This rang true to me personally because my natural tendency is to want to boost
others up, not tear them down. I know being emotionally supported can make me feel wanted
and secure, and I want others to feel that way while interacting with me.
Jones also addresses the different factors which affect the type of communicator one can
become and the type of communication you react most positively to. I think, for myself, to
become an effective communicator and to be able to develop a secure communication
environment, I would need to learn about, and master the different types, so as to be able to
recognize and effectively communicate with those who fit into each category. I feel like the
Savior is a perfect example of this, as He knows each of us personally, and He is able to help us,
and communicate with us in the ways we will recognize best. I think the best way for me to
develop those skills that I study and have studied will be to ask the Savior for help, and to draw
upon the changing power of the atonement to be able to adjust my character and become a more
loving, capable communicator.

Going along the same thread of God-like words, I look to the scriptures. In John 1:1-3,
John states, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God .
The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any
thing made that was made. All communication stems from God, so I feel that our
earthly communications with our fellow-men should be the way that God
intended: loving, caring, compassionate, interested, and kind . All Christ like
attributes.

In a talk given by Constance K. Lundberg, Words of Hate, Words of Love

at BYU, she makes the point, Words are among the most marvelous gifts we
have as human beings. Words are tools used by God to build the necessary
framework to lift us from our mortal existence and carry us back to His
presence. He uses words for making and keeping binding commitments . My
favorite part of that quote is where she states, He uses words for making and
keeping commitments. I personally take my own word very seriously, and when
I say something I mean it. I dont make empty promises. I think this is
something which our world is missing out on. People make empty promises
every day and dont even think twice about it. This is part of my effort to creat a
safe communication environment, as I keep my word and only speak words that
I mean, those I speak with and interact with will feel that they can share

confidential things with me. They will also trust that no matter what opinion
they ask of me, I will be willing to speak my mind and tell them how I feel .

The only catch in speaking so openly is the chance one might become
offended, this is where tact and caring come in. As I learn to develop Christ like
attributes I can speak openly and frankly with those around me without
offending, and I will be able to more fully utilize those communication skills
which I hope to better develop. I know relying on the Savior is truly the only way
to achieve this, and I really hope to be able to become a safe communicator .

Citations
Jones, S. M. (2005). Attachment style differences and similarities in evaluations of affective
communication skills and person-centered comforting messages. Western Journal of
Communication, 69(3), 233-249. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.ldsbc.edu/docview/202692500?accountid=27877

Lundberg, C. (2003, March 11). Words of Hate, Words of Love. Retrieved December 15, 2015,
from https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/constance-k-lundberg_words-hate-words-love/