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PDIR

This document discusses the social aspects of personality and communication. It begins by stating that people take on different roles in their everyday lives, similar to actors on a stage. Effective communication involves both verbal and non-verbal exchange of ideas between individuals. The document then provides tips for improving communication skills, starting conversations, and the role of humor in social interactions. It describes characteristics of social health such as accepting others and maintaining relationships. The concept of being proactive rather than reactive is explored. Finally, the document outlines various social graces and etiquette for situations like smoking, drinking, dating, parties, and phone calls.

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Chantelle Ishi Macatangay Aquino
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58 views

PDIR

This document discusses the social aspects of personality and communication. It begins by stating that people take on different roles in their everyday lives, similar to actors on a stage. Effective communication involves both verbal and non-verbal exchange of ideas between individuals. The document then provides tips for improving communication skills, starting conversations, and the role of humor in social interactions. It describes characteristics of social health such as accepting others and maintaining relationships. The concept of being proactive rather than reactive is explored. Finally, the document outlines various social graces and etiquette for situations like smoking, drinking, dating, parties, and phone calls.

Uploaded by

Chantelle Ishi Macatangay Aquino
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 7

CHAPTER 7

SOCIAL ASPECT OF PERSONALITY

"...All the world's a stage"


-William Shakespeare -

Our life is basically determined by the variety of roles we perform everyday. The way
we behave in everyday life is like playing different roles in the Theater. Much of the
way we interact with our fellow human beings involves presenting ourselves in ways
that we hope will make a certain impression on them, just as actors and actresses do.
(Worchel et al 2000).
The basic factor in interacting with the 'significant others' involves communication. It is
a necessary skill that one has to develop so as to assure effective delivery of ideas and
sentiments. Communication connotes exchange of ideas which suggests interaction.
However, such may be verbal or non-verbal. We can actually communicate through
body language & gestures that expresses feelings. People smile, frown, wink, clench
their fists and may even wave. Some gestures are warm and friendly, cold or
threatening. Communication can therefore make or break relationships whether in
informal or formal groups.

The Elements of Communication


Good Communication Skills
Since communication is the exchange of thoughts, ideas and beliefs between two or
more parties, it follows that communication helps in solving problems in case of
disagreements. A good communicator, therefore, knows how to put his thought into
appropriate words. The same means being a good listener to others thoughts. The same
can be carried out if we are profoundly learned in using the rights words at the proper
time and venue.

Mastering the art of communicating is a very significant social skill that each of us
needs to develop so as to improve our relationships.

Improving Communication Skills


•Listen to the other person.
•Do not try to get your ideas across in a hurry.
•Recognize different points of view. Not everyone thinks just like you. Different
opinions can make a discussion interesting.
•Avoid hurtful criticism and arguments. Do not use people's 'opening up' as a chance
for you 'to put them down'.
•Look for the right words to express a feeling or an idea. Try out new words in
conversations with friends.
•When necessary, repeat what was said so you know you understand each other.

Starting a Conversation
•Talk about the weather and make it interesting.
•Find out the person's interests.
•Tell an amusing and interesting story.
•Ask the person if she/he has any pets.
•Where he/she goes to school.
•If he/she belongs to any organization or group..
•Compliment the person's clothing or haircut.
•Walk up to a group & politely introduce yourself.

The Role of Humor


A sense of humor can lighten a dark mood. It is actually a manifestation of insight and
maturity. It is an effective way of coping with the stressors and challenges of life. In fact,
those who have the capability to see the lighter side of life can easily magnetize and
charm people. But that should not be misconstrued as 'laughing at somebody else's
failure or errors. Definitely, only persons with wit can afford to arrive at intelligent and
healthy humor.

Social Health
Social Health is the ability to get along with people around you. You can make and
keep friends, offer and get help when it is needed. You are socially healthy if you
possess the following characteristics:
•Can accept differences in other people.
•Get along with family members.
•Can accept other people's ideas and suggestions when they are working in a group.
•Meet people easily.
•Can make friends with people of both sexes.
•Can make friends with people of both sexes. Continue to take part in an activity even
when other people disagree about what to do.

Social health is directly related with your relationships with other people. These are the
connections you have with other people and groups in your life. These connections are
based on how you relate to, or act toward, others. Key skills of social health should be
learned. They are communication, compromise and cooperation (Merki 1999). One
should learn to balance relationships to prevent failure and conflict. Furthermore, it is a
necessity to learn how to accept differences because people are not created with equal
abilities and characteristics. Tolerance should be developed by accepting and respecting
other people's beliefs and customs. This will help you recognize that different people
have the right to express themselves in ways that may be different from your own and
you recognize that people are more alike than they are different. You have to learn to
understand other people's views and develop respect for them.
Being Proactive and NOT Reactive
Being Proactive connotes the ability to be involved in the achievement of an objective. It
means openness to change and dynamism. Being reactive is the opposite where one is
skeptical on the possibilities of change and improvement. One is defensive and negative
about change which is considered as a burden.

In any group or even organizations, people who resist inevitable change as it is a need
to transform the whole set up or system into something better are considered 'liabilities'
because they do not contribute anything to the achievement of any goal.

Here are some responses that determines whether one is proactive or reactive:

Social Graces and Etiquette


Lord Chesterfield stated that... "Good breeding is the result of much good sense, some
good nature, and a little self-denial for the sake of others, and with a view to obtain the
same indulgence from them." It is true that all civilized societies are built upon
discipline. Since man is gregarious by nature and people meet each other at all levels
whether at home, at work and in everyday life we desire to comply with our personal
needs, which sometimes maybe contrary to others, thus results in conflict and tension.
Hence, there are certain unwritten guidelines that maintain the harmony in their
relationships through etiquette we adhere to conventional requirements of social
behavior.

It is a must to have the proper manner especially in front of others so as to be


considered 'cultured' and civilized. A personality is judged healthy and educated if it is
carried according to the norms set by a civilized society. Here are some practices that
one has to develop and master especially during significant occasions.

A. Smoking Etiquette
• Use an ashtray.
• Put out the stub.
• Do not throw cigarette butts on the floor.
• Throw cigarette butts in proper places.
• Don't smoke while walking.
• Never smoke in public vehicles.
• Be courteous to those who are sensitive to smoke.

B. Drinking Etiquette
•Don't create unpleasantness for hosts & companions.
•Drink in moderation.
•Drink slowly.
•Don't mix drinks.
•When you drink don't take sleeping drugs. Drink coffee to cure hangover.
•Call it a day when you feel you had enough.

C. Dating Etiquette
•Give a gift.
•Learn to appreciate.
•Do not embarrass the other person if you don't really like him/her.
•Don't stay so late at night.
•Inform your parents.
•Don't be tempted by smoking, drinking, drugs and sex.
•Control yourself.
•Know the difference between being a young person and men and women who are
more emotionally mature and ready.
•Don't waste money.
•Plan ahead.

D. Party Etiquette
•Plan ahead.
•Make good food.
•Don’t over decorate.
•Relax.
•Dress up well.
•Receive guests personally.
•Get conversation going.
•Play soft music.
•Arrange party games.
•Appreciate hospitality.
•Be on time.
•Make new friends.
•Eat moderately.
•Do not overstay.
•Thank the host & hostess.

E. Phone Etiquette
•Greet the one you are calling.
•Caller should identify himself first.
•Modulate your voice & be articulate.
•Caller should end the call.
•Use good speech habits.
•Be helpful and accommodating.
•Avoid negative phrases.
•Say ‘thank you and goodbye’.

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