Communication Communication is a symbolic, transactional process, or the process of creating and sharing meaning. Transactional means that when people communicate, they have a mutual impact on each other. A message is sent verbally and nonverbally The message is received and interpreted Verbal and nonverbal feedback is usually given Feedback is offered by the sender Present the definition of communication. Ask for participants to do block building to illustrate the symbolic nature of communication. Consider that we assume the others understand our symbolism and we fail to ask at times.

Principles of Communication One cannot not behave One cannot not communicate The meaning of a given behavior is not the true meaning of the behavior; it is, however, the personal truth for the person who has given it a particular meaning (subjective) Be curious! What is their reality? Communication takes place in a context

Interpersonal Communication Model Noise Interference Noise Interference Senders Actions (Public) Effect On Listener (Private) Senders Intentions (Private) Communication begins with the senders intentions which are private These intentions can involve interference (mental set, mixed motives) These intentions must be encoded into verbal and nonverbal behavior that is public and observable Interference occurs from noise such as noisy distractions, mood, and social skill Wow it sure is cold in here? You smell good? Father sent his son to the store. Here is one dollar for nails and 6 cents for tax. Son comes back crying and upset. Father asks why he is crying and he reported that he could only get the tacs and not the nails because he hadn’t given him enough money for the nails. Senders Style Of Encoding Listeners Style Of Decoding

Barriers to Listening Preoccupation or Lack of Interest 1. Listen and develop interest. 2. Pretend to listen. 3. Tell them your not interested (honesty). Environmental Factors Noise, Distractions, Context or Situation Psychological Filter Assumptions, Hopes, Preconceived Ideas, Stereotypes, Labels, Attitudes, Selective Attention

Barriers to Listening Cont… Emotions Emotional states impact our ability to focus Take time out or learn to self-regulate Rate Differences Average rate of speech is125 to 175 words per minute whereas the brain can process 500 to 1,000 words a minute (challenge to not wander in our thoughts. Interpersonal Distance Intimate Zone (chest to 18 inches) Personal Zone (18 inches to 4 ft) Social Zone (4 ft to 12 ft)

Negative Listening Behaviors Interrupting Negative Listening Gestures Cheek Puffing, Eye Rolling, Shoulder Shrugging,, Sighing, Smiling

Improving Listening Behaviors Open and Attentive Body Position Position in Relation to the Speaker Positive Eye Contact Lack of Confidence, Dishonesty, Lying, etc. Facial Expression Be Aware. Head and Body Movements Nodding. Verbal Responses Paraphrasing, Clarifying, and Feedback