Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 1 Chapter 2 Your Communication in Groups Verbal communication Words and meanings Concrete vs. abstract words Patterns of language Messages accomplish functions Influence relationships among members Verbal Activity Amount of time a group member talks

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 2 Improving Verbal Skills Provide full descriptions for terminology Watch for cues that signal members need more information Choose your words carefully Link your messages to comments of others Monitor your talking time

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 3 Nonverbal Communication How words are said or how behaviors are used as substitutes for words Vocalics Kinesics Proxemics Haptics Chronemics Artifacts

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 4 Nonverbal Cues Multiple nonverbal cues occur simultaneously Precise meanings difficult to determine No dictionary for nonverbal cues Group members are often unaware of the cues they display Use and interpretation of nonverbal cues is often culture bound

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 5 Functions of Nonverbal Communication Helps structure and manage group interaction Facilitates group member identity Conveys relationship information Regulates who talks Reveal quality of group’s interaction Reveal status of group members

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 6 Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Verbal and nonverbal communication are intertwined Verbal and nonverbal messages are not always in agreement Generally the nonverbal message is more believable

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 7 Improving Nonverbal Skills Identify the nonverbal messages you send Ask another group member to observe you Pay attention to how others respond to you Observe and analyze the effectiveness of the nonverbal communication of other group members

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 8 The Listening Process In groups, you spend more time listening than speaking Listening errors often go undetected Extraneous conversations affect listening More listeners = more possible interpretations Listening is difficult

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 9 The Listening Process Listeners, not speakers, control whether they will listen Listening is a process Excellent hearing does not ensure listening Listening requires interpretation Stages of listening occur rapidly

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 10 Listening Pitfalls Ineffective listening creates artificial barriers Prejudging the speaker Rehearsing a response Selective listening Group members often unaware of their contributions to listening pitfalls

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 11 Active Listening Paraphrasing what the speaker says Asking questions to confirm Taking notes Avoid cliché phrases as feedback

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 12 Task Communication Verbal and nonverbal messages instrumental to accomplishing group tasks and activities Offer or request direction Advance or ask about a belief or value Report or request facts, observations, or experiences

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 13 Relational Communication Verbal and nonverbal messages that create social fabric of a group—essential to creating relationships among group members Demonstrate friendliness or unfriendliness Show tension or anxiety, or reduce it Demonstrate agreement or disagreement

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 14 Task and Relational Messages Distinct, but interdependent Relational messages create context for group’s task or activity Relational problems often reported as primary reason for work group ineffectiveness

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 15 Group Communication Outcomes Synergy Performance of group exceeds capabilities of individual group members Collectivity efficacy Individual group member belief that the group can be effective Group potency Group members’ collective belief that the group can be effective