Communication Choices

What is communication? The process of creating and exchanging meaning through symbolic interaction. We exchanging information and ideas with others using symbols.

What kind of symbols? Verbal – words you use. Nonverbal – anything except spoken words. It includes sounds and movements. Examples of non-verbal communication: Gestures Facial expressions Posture Attire Tone of voice

Making choices – consider the… Context – the situation in which communication occurs. Includes the people present The occasion The task

Context What is our current context? Communication Applications class Who are the people? Students & teacher What is the occasion? Education/Learning What is the task? To learn about communication choices

How does context affect the way we communicate? Would you speak the same way in front of a judge as you would hanging out with your friends? Would you act the same way at a wedding as you would at a rock concert? Would you talk to the police officer the same way you talk to a baby?

We communicate differently in different contexts. You would often not use the same language and style speaking to a judge as you would with your friends. A wedding is not a place to get rowdy and obnoxious but it is perfectly acceptable at a rock concert. Talking to a police officer like a baby would probably raise a lot of eye brows!

Making choices – also consider… Appropriateness - It is what is suitable for a specific situation. It will vary depending on your context. The example of the wedding vs. rock concert behavior indicates appropriateness.

Three things that determine appropriateness Your role. – a part played in a specific situation. It will vary depending on your context. Right now you are in the role of a student. When you go home, you might be in the role of a son or daughter, brother or sister. If you have a job, you would be in the role of an employee. You often behave and communicate different in each of these roles.

Three things that determine appropriateness A norm is a stated or implied expectation. It is a guideline for what is appropriate. They can be written or unwritten and varies from place to place and in different contexts. Dating norms in the U.S. might be different than in another country. Norms for one school might be different than another.

Three things that determine appropriateness A standard is an established level of requirement or excellence. They are the foundation in which you make your communication decisions. You have the responsibility for What is appropriate for yourself and your listeners. What is appropriate for the occasion. What is appropriate for the task.

Why are communication skills important? Determines your success: In school On the job In relationships Every aspect of your life

Everything Speaks Every time that you interact with another human being you are communicating. You cannot NOT communicate.

Competent Communicators Use Knowledge Attitudes Skills

Knowledge Having the right information Support for your ideas Without knowledge you cannot be taken seriously

Attitudes Influence the way you see yourself and others They impact others Can be managed and changed

Skills Task skills help you do a job Relationship skills help you to get along with others Tact – Speak without offending Courtesy – Polite behaviors and words Respect – Showing consideration and appreciation

Keys to Success

Speak with Good Purpose Think before you speak Be positive with our language. Avoid gossip. Know that words are powerful – can build up and destroy Choose not to given into the power of spoken words if they will hurt others

Speaking Test Ask yourself these three questions before you say something to someone else: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Should answer “yes” to 2 of the 3 before saying it.