Perception• Perception is the process by

which we assign meaning to a stimulus.

• Much of your self-talk is based on your perceptions.

Personal

• Since each person is unique, his or her perceptions are highly personal and individualized.

Three Steps of Perception

1. Sensory– An individual’s ability to detect

stimuli in the immediate environment.

(Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and touching)

2. SelectiveThe process a person uses to

eliminate some of the stimuli that have been sensed and to retain others for further processing.

3. Personal• Organizing, sorting and assigning

meaning to data.

Figure-ground principle

• We select, organize, and evaluate the multitude of stimuli, so that what we focus on becomes figure and the rest of what we experience become ground

Two Faces or a Vase?

Rubin ambiguous face-vase figure.

Personal Perception:(Interpretation)

Making Judgments About Others

Factors that Influence Personal Perception

• Values• Beliefs• Culture• Bias• Past Experiences• Attitudes• Expectations• Knowledge• Communication skills

Are you an optimistic or...?

Do you realize only what you see?

Culture

• A person’s cultural background can influence his or her interpretation of the world.

• Every culture has its own worldview, language, customs, rituals, artifacts, traditions, and habits.

• Look at Japanese communication style for example.

Culture

• Japanese keep a greater physical distance between themselves than do Westerners.

• Speaking loudly is considered rude and threatening. • Pointing is also considered rude. • Coats are kept on and ties are kept straight at

meetings. Dress is conservative and often sophisticated and expensive.

• Direct eye contact is considered as rude and confrontational.

Stereotypes

• A fixed impression about a group, may influence your perceptions of individual members

Perception Checking

Everyone sees him or herself, others, events, and theworld from a different viewpoint.

How do you know you really saw what you think you saw or heard what you think you heard?

The secret to checking perceptions is never to assume that the truth is the actual, absolute truth.

How to perceive effectively• Perceive critically: For example, recognize your

role in perception, avoid early conclusions, and KINDLY avoid mind reading.

• Check your perceptions; describe what you see or hear and ask for confirmation.

• Be culturally sensitive; recognize the differences between you and.

Take Responsibity for Your Own Communication

• Verify the receiver’s perceptions.

• Ask questions