Communications – The Problem and the Answer Al Condeluci, PhD

Definition Communications is a process by which human beings send and receive messages in such a way that a close approximation exists between the message sent and received

Functions of Communications To retain information To derive new conclusions To reconstruct information To initiate/modify the intellectual process To influence and direct others

Modes of Communications Words Print Actions Gestures Images Sounds Scent Touch

Words as Tools Regardless of the method, words are often the key raw material of communications. To this extent the more words one knows the greater the possibility the message sent might be understood

Communication Process Field of Experiences converge One person is the source of the message The other person is the destination Message is encoded by the source Message is signaled to the destination Destination then decodes the message

Verbal Communications Coding Decoding Language or Jargon used Tone and Pitch of the voice Consistency is key

Communications Key Elements Content – What you want to say Affect – How you say it

Affect has 2 Major Components Proxemics – This is the distance and spacing between people Kinesics – This is the non-verbals and gestures of the communicator

Proxemics has 4 Key Zones Intimacy Zone – Touching to 18 inches Personal Zone – 18 inches to 4 feet Social Zone – 4 feet to 12 feet Public Zone – 12 feet and beyond

Kinesics major aspects Dress Touch Posture Eye Contact Facial Expressions Hand Movements Paralanguage

Listening That ability to tune in and attend to the person you are communicating with in an effort to better understand their situation

Skills to Listen Stop talking Imagine others viewpoint Look, act, be interested Nonverbals Don’t interrupt Listen Affirmative response

Enhancing Verbal Communication Tend to Affect Establish Eye Contact Face the Person Squarely Remain Calm

Enhance Listening First have a reason to listen Suspend your judgement Reduce distractions Pause and think before responding

Scatoma This is a “blind spot” in communication when one person gets focused on one aspect that may distract the entire message

Effective Speaking Determine Purpose Consider Time/Space Adapt to Listener Use Appropriate Jargon Control the Voice Appropriate Gestures Organize your Information to Audience

Communication Seduction Refers to the communication process by which the audience is lured or seduced into wanting to know or find out more about the topic of the communicator

“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being” van Gothe

“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor” H.D. Thoreau

Al Condeluci McKees Rocks, PA 15136 412-848-0278 alcondeluci@alcondeluci.com www.alcondeluci.com