Why might you use a perception check

Perception Checking Exercise

Instructions: Read each situation below and think about various perceptions of the event. Write perception-checking statements for each scenario. You may need to create the background details. Note: A good perception check has 3 elements: (1) Describe the behavior observed; (2) provide two possible interpretations of the observed event; and (3) seek clarification. Do not use the perception check to pass judgment or negatively evaluate the other person or score points against the other. If a situation set-up below uses vague language, you need to make the description of the behavior specific and detailed. This may be where you create a back-story to fill-in the details.

Example Scenario: Your friend George gives your girlfriend Tamika his phone number and says he wants to get together with her to discuss English class.

Perception-checking statement to George:

When I heard that you gave Tamika your phone number, I didn't know what to make of it. I thought you might just need help with an assignment; but, I also wondered if you're interested in dating Tamika. Are you interested in Tamika as a friend or as a date?

*Note: This is a simplistic example but it addresses the behavior, provides two possible interpretations and requests clarity.

Scenario 1: For the last three evenings you’ve come home and found your neighbor’s car (Apt. 2) parked in your space (marked Apt. 3).

Scenario 2: You wanted two pieces of tuna sushi, so you inquired how many come with an order. Your waiter tells you that two pieces come with one order. You asked for one order. Two orders (four pieces) are delivered to your table.

Scenario 3: You and your spouse agreed not to write checks until after deposits are made. You go to the checkbook (joint account) and find a space left for a deposit but no amount written in, and below that, information about two checks were written out.

Scenario 4: A group of six of you and your friends eat at a restaurant. You noticed that the menu indicates that a 20% tip will automatically be added to groups of eight or more. When the bill comes, a 20% charge is added in.

Scenario 5: A certain bookstore gives a 10% discount to students. You show your ID for your purchase of a book on sale for $18.00. The clerk rings up $18.00 plus tax and tells you the total.

Scenario 6: You just started a new job. You know about a party Friday night at Joe’s house because several other co-workers (not Joe) include you in conversations about the party as if you are invited. You never received an invitation, and you don’t know if the invitations are just word of mouth and everyone understands that all co-workers are invited, or if only certain people are invited.

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Introduction to Communication