EDUC-6165-WEEK 4-Who am I as a Communicator?

I had my husband and a work colleague evaluate my communication skills.  My husband and my work colleague both see me as people oriented.  My husband evaluated me as having mild communication anxiety whereas my work colleague seemed to be more aware of some of my anxieties in speaking out at team meetings.  I was so surprised (well maybe not) that my husband evaluated me as having moderate verbal aggressiveness whereas my work colleague said I was not verbally aggressive at all. I think my husband's assessment surprised me as I do not think I am verbal aggressive with him just more comfortable and confident expressing my opinion.
I must share this story.  After my husband completed the verbal aggressiveness evaluation (actually he did all three tests about himself), I was shocked at the results.  Instead of completing the assessment about me, he completed the assessment for himself.  He said he followed the directions.  

Insights about communication:

•  No matter how clear you make the instructions (complete assessment for me not yourself) some will hear only part of what you say.
•   It is important to not rely completely on your first impression.  It is important to take the time to get to know the person.
•   Our assumptions or perceptions can influence the way we interact and communicate with others.