Competent Communication

The person I have chosen to discuss for this assignment is my dad. He exhibits competent communication every time we speak. Whenever I call and really need to talk to him about something, the first thing he does is makes the time to give me his undivided attention. If he is busy at the time of my call he will advise me to call him back at a certain time so that he can effectively communicate with me. He listens very attentively when I speak and often repeats what I say to ensure he has a good understanding of what I am saying or asking him. By listening to me, he determines whether I am seeking his advice, his opinion, his approval or disapproval, or simply an ear to vent in. After I speak he accommodates what I need. For example, if he can tell by what I say that I really don’t want him to solve my problem for me he will ask questions like “what do you think would be the best way to handle the situation?” or “ what makes you feel the way you fee?l” etc.,  and he eventually guides me to solve the problem on my own. He is successful because he listens. If he didn’t actively listen he would not understand what it is I need from him. I have been trying to model his way of communication for the last 3 months and I notice that with certain individuals it has been extremely helpful.