Communication Competence

Take Away Points Is there a right/wrong definition of communication? How do scholars pick a definition of communication? What are components that may be included in a definition of communication? What are the different aspects of communication competence as described by the book model? Be able to apply the book model of communication competence to a specific situation (e.g., what does it mean to be a competent communicator as a romantic partner?) Be able to apply the components of the model (e.g., what does role competence involve for a romantic partner?)

We are studying communication in this class We are studying communication in this class. What do you say when people say “what does that mean?”

What does it mean to “communicate” What does it mean to “communicate”? Write down your own definition of communication.

Definition(s) of Communication No right or wrong Useful and not useful

Is this communication? Agatha notices a grubby-looking weirdo in one of the front seats of the bus she is boarding. She decides to sit in the rear. Did he communicate with her? Did she communicate with him? Does there need to be a “receiver” of communication? In what situations would it matter if there was/wasn’t?

Is this communication? During a dramatic pause in her lecture, Lisa hears a student’s stomach growling. Is this an example of communication? Intent: whether or not the communicator intended to communicate This is an important element that is present/absent in some definitions of communication.

Book Definition Communication: The process whereby humans collectively create and regulate social reality

Discussion Question: Can you interact with another person without communicating?

Why Care about Communication Competency? One of the objectives in the class is to make you more aware of your own communication, and possibly to help you be a more competent communicator -Personal Benefit Accomplish your goals Build up social support network -Other p’s benefit Be a good friend -Relevant in any situation in which there is com

Communication Competence The ability to communicate in a personally effective and socially appropriate manner Book definition, p. 10 Think of people who you know that are “competent communicators”? What about them makes you classify them as such?

Applying the Book’s Model Think of a time when someone gave you bad advice OR think of a time when someone said something to you that made you mad/angry/hurt/upset Turn to a partner and discuss Why was the advice bad? In what area(s) of communication competence did the advice-giver fail?

Student Communication Competence Frymier (2005) Four communication skills: Interaction involvement (ability to attend to, understand, and react to ongoing interaction) Assertiveness (capacity to stand up for oneself without attacking other Responsiveness (ability to understand others’ needs and listen actively) Frequency of out-of-class communication

Student Communication Competence Frymier (2005) Best Predictor of Positive Classroom Outcomes: Interaction involvement (ability to attend to, understand, and react to ongoing interaction) Assertiveness (capacity to stand up for oneself without attacking other Responsiveness (ability to understand others’ needs and listen actively) Frequency of out-of-class communication

Take Away Points Is there a right/wrong definition of communication? How do scholars pick a definition of communication? What are components that may be included in a definition of communication? What are the different aspects of communication competence as described by the book model? Be able to apply the book model of communication competence to a specific situation (e.g., what does it mean to be a competent communicator as a romantic partner?) Be able to apply the components of the model (e.g., what does role competence involve for a romantic partner?)