Communication

There are many ways people communicate with others.  Conversely, technologically, physically, or emotionally.  During this weeks activity, we had to communicate without using our voices to build a story line using pictures given to us.  I was hoping I could use sign language to help communicate with others, but I was told not to use it.  I was a little upset, but we were able to build the story using different ways of communication.  This exercise made me realize how I communicate to an individual and groups.
To individuals I learned in sign language to focus not on the words being said, but to look at the body language.  From facial expressions to body language and actions, a story being told can be shown more from the physical expressions.  For instance, if someone is upset, then the way the face looks and the look of the body's movement or pose can emphasize more about the person's dialogue.  That is why when I talk to someone, I glance at his/her body language and match it with the conversation so I can have a better understanding of the conversation.  Another technique I use is eye contact.  The most common act of courtesy and respect toward another in a conversation.  Making eye contact with someone shows to that person you are focusing on him/her at that moment.  It shows importance and respect toward that person.  I would also say small comments or statements during the person's conversation like, "wow", "oh my god", etc, because it shows that I am interested in the conversation and that I'm not just standing there not obtaining the information.  Finally, I make our conversation personal by showing sympathy toward that person.  Rather than have a scripted conversation, I want to talk on a friendship level toward others.
It's personally tough for me to communicate in a group, because I'm either too shy to speak or someone overpowers what I was about to say.  Although I have picked up some skills of how to communicate in a group.  First is to make yourself stand out.  If I'm having a conversation with a group, I think outside of the conversation and mix up the topic that relates to the current topic.  Just like the individuals, I focus on body language, because I am able to sense what kind of people I am talking to in the group.  With this I can be comfortable either speaking or not speaking.  If I do get overpowered in the conversation, I'll try to through in one or two topics into the group, so that I know that I contributed to the group.  I would also state comments and agreement towards what someone says in the group, because it shows that although I'm not contributing much into the conversation, I am engaging myself in the group.  On the other hand, if I do feel confident in the group, I would take lead and start the conversation.  For me if I know the topic of conversation by heart, then I would lead the group with the first discussion.  These techniques rarely occur during social group conversations; they are mostly used during groups projects or assignments where I need to contribute an idea or plan.
I would rather have individual conversations rather than group conversations, because I can focus on one person's interests and not be interrupted by others trying to add onto the topic.  I want to learn about others on a personal level, rather have different people throw facts at me at one time.  I like one on one communication, because that connection between two people shows respect and interest toward each other.