Problem
Begin each with a specific reference or a quote from the week's assigned readings. Use this reference to anchor your discussion and reflections. Discuss the assigned topic by comparing, contrasting, and synthesizing a variety of course materials by different authors. You may also include additional sources and Scriptures. Provide a personal response to the topic and course materials. Reflections may include new insights about yourself, your communication style, and your relationships; realizations about existing communication barriers, challenges, and opportunities in your personal and/or professional arena; communication strategies and skills that you discovered and applied; and observed outcomes emerging from changes you have made. Each paper must also include a biblical worldview/faith journey perspective as well as a brief discussion of how your behavioral blend (as described by Carbonell) influences your communication and actions on the given topic.
Petersen described and illustrated the importance of emotion regulation in interpersonal communication using humorous terms such as the Flat-Brain Theory of Emotions, the Flat-Brain Syndrome, and the Flat-Brain Tango (Chapters 3-7). Examine your emotion regulation skills, feelings-versus-thoughts differentiation, and communication habits. Reflect on your interpersonal communication behaviors in private and professional/public context.