Chapter 7 Communication

What Is Communication? Communication is the exchange of messages. Messages can be -verbal (spoken, written) - nonverbal messages (gestures, expressions body language, symbols)

Page 162 Figure 7-1 For communication to take place there must be both a sender and a receiver.

One-way communication Sender transmits a message, the receiver gets it and the message is complete. What are some examples of one way communication. Texting Instant messaging blogging Emailing Snail mail Leaving a message Speakers at a podium Web-seminars ONE-WAY – often transmits orders, lectures – you are the listener with not chance to respond

One-way communication Texting Instant messaging Blogging Emailing Speakers at a podium Web-seminars Looking at a catalog Teacher telling you to write down an assignment and you leave the class.

Two-way communication Sender transmits a message, receiver gets it and responds with another message. What are some examples of two-way communication? Telephone conversations Chatting Instant messaging You can respond

Two-way communication Telephone conversations Chatting Instant messaging Texting Emailing

Nonverbal communication “It is not what you say but how you say it!”

Nonverbal communication Give examples … Facial expressions Eye contact Body language Voice qualities

Nonverbal Communication Facial expressions -smiling/ frowning, raising eyebrows communicate feelings Eye contact means different things in different cultures. In the U.S. eye contact is expected. In some cultures it is a sign of respect to avoid it.

Nonverbal Communication Body language: shrugging, nodding, gesturing with hands, shifting weight. Each culture has its own unwritten rules about body language and personal space.

Nonverbal Communication Voice qualities such as: - loudness - high or low pitch - fast or slow (speed) can convey interest, emotions, and mental state. can convey if someone is bored, interested, tired, or happy

Barriers to Communication Physical Barriers Mental Barriers Emotional Barriers Lack of rapport Physical Barriers – Noisy room, loads of activity, hearing is difficult Mental Barriers – People focus on what interest them, criticism, performance evaluation, eyes glass over

Barriers to Communication Physical barriers. Excessive background noise or activity, bodily discomfort, hearing loss Mental barriers. Assumptions, selective attention, unfamiliar or “loaded” words. Emotional barriers. Stress, fear, anger, prejudice, shyness. Even feelings of love and happiness can impede communication.

Physical Barriers Sitting or standing in an awkward position Boss & subordinate Hearing loss Concerts, cell phones go out Noisy rooms Concerts

Mental Barriers We pay attention to positive matters and ignore negative matters Criticism Someone talking down or yells

Emotional Barriers Worried about something else Prejudice Shyness, withdrawn or too quite Lack of confidence

Lack of Rapport They are not on the same “Wavelength” No chemistry Out of sync

Thinker Achiever Seller Relater Communication Styles Thinker Achiever Seller Relater

Two Dimensions of Communication Style Responsiveness. The degree to which a person is closed or open in his or her dealings with others. Assertiveness. Ranges from a tendency to ask questions to a tendency to tell others what’s expected.

Merrill-Reid Model page 171 of Communication Styles

The Thinker Quiet, level tone of voice Leans back or away Limited eye contact Stiff posture Uses big words Guarded Self-control Deflect questions from themselves Auguste Rodin

The Achiever Factual speech Leans forward and faces others Limited facial expressions Limited body movements Fast-paced speech Express expectations clearly Guarded about revealing inner selves

The Relater Little emphasis on detail Touches others Smiles, nods Casual posture Talks about relationships Warm/friendly in their interactions

Seller Dramatic or loud tone of voice Animated facial expression Direct eye contact Lots of body and hand movement Uses voice to emphasize points Outgoing Warm

Effective Communication Why do we need to have effective communication?

If you improve the quality of your communication with others, you will improve your relationships with them. And you will improve the quality of Your life! How so?

Overcoming shyness What can you do? Arrive early to a gathering or class Think about the people who will be there and why they might be like Start a conversation, small talk – the weather, dress, the host Support others topics You simply need to be responsive to others Arrive early to a gathering or class Think about the people who will be there and why they might be like Start a conversation, small talk – the weather, dress, the host Support others topics You simply need to be responsive to others

In Class Activity (5 points) Complete the communication style handout. Describe your family’s use of nonverbal communication. What facial expressions, eye contact, and body language are used to communicate in your home? 3. Which of the barriers to communication poses the greatest problem for you (physical, mental, emotional)? 4. How can you overcome these barriers? Write your name on the paper and turn it in.