Communication Theories Unit One

Human communication permeates the human condition Human communication permeates the human condition. Human communication surrounds us and is an in-built aspect of everything human beings are and do. That makes any effort to explain, predict, or to some extent control human communication a pretty big order. How does one get a handle on the totality of human communication? Frank Dance

Arrow Theory Introduction Effectiveness “I communicate by memos because I know I’ve communicated. Then I know I did my job!!!” Effectiveness Clearly and precisely put my thoughts into words. Speak with credibility. My talk forces action.

Arrow cont. Communication Breakdowns Accoutrements Failure= Blame Failure = Incompetence Accoutrements Pro-management Downward comm. Directive

Arrow cont. Origins Past Training Communication Training Personality Traits

Arrow Cont.

Arrow Cont. Scorecard Effective Expression = Effective Commun. Passive Information Processors Words contain meaning Focus on clear expression Links words to actions

Arrow cont. I didn't hate them because they were dumb, I didn't hate them because they had spilled our blood for nothing. I hated them because of their arrogance .. because they had convinced themselves that they actually knew what they were doing and that we were too minor to understand the "Big Picture”. - Chuck Horner

Circuit Theory Introduction Key terms - networking, going with the flow, making connections Emphases Feedback over response Relationship over content Process over purpose Understanding over compliance

Circuit cont. Effectiveness Examples Elton - “I just want everyone to get along” Smart-talk trap = Sound smart, but no action Effectiveness Actively listen to employees in order to make them happy. Sensitive employee needs Open to employees.

Circuit cont. Circuit Breakers Origins Poor climate Misunderstanding Hidden agendas Origins Business schools Communication training Personality

Circuit cont.

Circuit cont. Accoutrements Change initiation Sources of innovation Direction of communication

Circuit cont. Evaluation Understanding = Effective Comm. Connections Feedback Relationship issue Disconnections Goals of comm. Understanding = agreement

Dance Theory Communication has multiple purposes. Comm. involves coordinating meanings. Comm. involves co-orientation. Comm. is rule-governed. Comm. has patterns.

Dance cont. Communicators develop skills that are often unconscious. The beauty of comm. is a function of the degree of coordination.

Dance Fortunately, there is no relationship between your ability to dance and your skill at communicating.