Based on Lynda.com and this week's readings, what are the benefits and challenges of I-message formulation? How would this strategy impact your life?Please provide an overview and personal insights 

Benefits and Challenges of I-message Formulation

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Benefits and Challenges of I-message Formulation

I-message is regarded as a technique of communication that emphasizes on the views or feelings of the speaker as opposed to the features and thoughts the speaker attributes to the person listening (Proksch, 2016). In other words, it is the way speakers express their feelings, concerns, problems, expectations and needs to listeners in a humble manner that does not attack them Springer, Cham. (Ury, 2010). I-message allows the person conveying the message to be assertive without generating allegations. Often, listeners can feel defensive because of allegations. It is very important to formulate I-messages correctly in order to achieve the intended goal. Formulation of I-messages has both benefits and challenges.

Benefits

When I-messages or statements are well formulated they can help promote good communication in relationships. Positive communication is vital because it may help relations grow stronger (Proksch, 2016). When people share thoughts and feelings in a way that is transparent and honest, they are able to emotionally connect with one another and this ensures healthy relations.

I-messages serve as a defending assertion messages and thus they encourage behavior change (Ury, 2010). The people being infringed can express their feeling to those hurting them through use of I-statements. This may encourage the individual causing harm to adjust his or her behavior.

I-statements provide a way for speakers to express their resentment to listeners without lowering their self-esteem or insulting them. I-messages communicate or describe the problem without placing the blame to another person (Proksch, 2016). Consequently, the other person may easily resolve the problem without having to accept the blame.

Challenges

There are various challenges that come up with the use of I-messages. The main challenge is that these messages can be manipulative (Bluestein, 2013). I-message can create an impression to the listeners that it is their obligation to make ensure that the speakers are always satisfied. Some scholars like Jane Bluestein claim that I-messages are always used in ways that generate undesirable and negative outcomes (Bluestein, 2013). According to Bluestein, the challenge occurs when individuals use I-statements to manipulate or control other people (Bluestein, 2013).

How the strategy of I-message formulation impacts my life

Correct use of I-messages can be helpful in solving the problems we face each day. This strategy has helped me to understand how I can invite other persons who cause problems to change their behaviors and attitude without necessarily accusing them (Proksch, 2016). I now have confidence and courage to express my feeling and correctly describe the problem that I am going through. Nevertheless, the insights I have gained in formulation of I-statement would be essential in enhancing my relations with others.

Overview and personal insights of this week's class activity/discussion

Class activities and discussions in this week explored the concept of message formulation. The main focus of class activity this week was on how to formulate defending assertion messages (Ury, 2010). Use of defending assertion was highlighted in class discussions. The main components of three-part assertion messages were covered adequately during class activity. These components include describing the behavior, describing ones feelings, and describing the negative effect the behavior has on life of person being infringed. According to discussions and teachings, it is very important to describe all three parts of assertions messages correctly if the intended objectives are to be achieved.

I have learned how to successfully create I-messages. I believe the knowledge and skills gained in the class activity/discussion are essential in helping us to understand how environment better. In fact, the class discussion/activity has equipped us with appropriate skills and experiences to improve our communications, especially during conflict resolution (Ury, 2010). Nevertheless, lessons learned provide good insights in regard to building healthy relations.

References

Bluestein, J. (2013). What’s Wrong with “I-Messages”?.

Proksch, S. (2016). Mediation Techniques. In Conflict Management (pp. 57-67). Springer, Cham.

Ury, W. (2010). The walk from “no” to “yes.”. TED Talks.