Sunday, July 22, 2012

A521.8.4.RB - Making Contact


I feel that I am very comfortable and skilled when it comes to striking up a conversation with strangers. I have a very diverse background and upbringing that allows me to do this. In the 8 years that I have lived on my own, away from my family, I have had 4 different jobs and have lived at 5 different addresses. During my time at each job and address, I have had to initiate and develop relationships with complete strangers, and in some cases, rely on these strangers to save my life because of the location and the circumstances of my job. For these reasons initiating and engaging in conversation with strangers is not difficult for me, nor is it uncomfortable. I also have a very outgoing personality and have been called a people pleaser, so this helps with my comfort level around strangers. I think the more people, the easier it is for me to control the room and tailor messages. I feel very comfortable talking in front of large crowds, especially when I do not know the people in the room and the subject is familiar to me.

I grew up in a family of 14 children, most of them being younger than myself. There were numerous times when I had to take control of the group, which required strong communication and leadership skills. This allowed me to gain confidence when talking in front of others. I also left my hometown and family at the age of 18, being stationed overseas for my first assignment with no family or friends. I had to develop and improve on my communication skills and self-confidence to be able to meet new people at my first base and form relationships with them.


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