Page 140 - Effective Communication Soft Skills Strategies For Success by Nitin Bhatnagar, Mamta Bhatnagar

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− A persistently whining or sneering tone of voice or posture as
assumed in relation to one’s own or other’s successes, as if to dis-
miss any accomplishments by anyone as luck or special privilege.
− An unsporting attitude expressed about competition.

High Self-concept
On the other hand, here are some verbal patterns which may characterize a
high self-concept:
• Use of original expressions; a rich vocabulary used in appropriate set-
tings; an ability to ‘find the right word’ or to use the balanced correct
forms of address with others (for example, Mr, Miss, first names, or
nick-names).

• A tendency to talk about the self less frequently and to talk about others
easily in terms of their accomplishments is an apparent ability to get
along without constant reassurance of personal worth.
• The ability to accept, praise or blame gracefully; in working on proj-
ects, taking risks and verbalizing positions other than the ‘correct’
ones; not spending much time figuring out the ‘safe’ way of approach-
ing problems in order to avoid blame.
• A willingness to look at accomplishments with the balance of credit
and with the ability and the circumstances, and give credit to others
for their part in what is done.
• A confident tone of voice; avoidance of a condescending tone or
attitude; ability to say ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I was wrong’.
• Admission of wide range of feelings and of empathy for others without
considering these are not popular.
• An optimistic attitude about competition; willingness to try new
games, to enter into discussions about new topics with questions (to
risk displaying ignorance in an effort to learn more).
We want to emphasize that this list is partial and that it does not necessar-
ily describe a person. It describes some verbal patterns which may, in some
circumstances or if found persistently, indicate low or high self-esteem for
that particular relationship.

Individual Differences in Communication

Each individual is unique. And the idea that people differ from one another in
systematic ways is as old as man himself. Scholars today, in various academic
disciplines, continue this tradition. In the field of communication researches

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