1 CM 206 Unit 1 Seminar

Agenda Welcome and introductions Review of course syllabus, class policies, and assignments Questions? Seminar questions: What specific areas of your interpersonal communication would you expect to address in this course? What strategies can you use to help you successfully complete the course content? How will improving your interpersonal communication benefit your personal and professional relationships? Overview of Interpersonal Communication

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course introduces students to the principles of interpersonal communication and emphasizes how to be a more effective communicator in professional and personal situations. Emphasis is on interpersonal communication in varying contexts, focusing on professional communication as well as personal, social, and cultural dimensions. Topics include the communication process, the influence of perception on communication, verbal and nonverbal elements of interaction, listening, the communication of emotions, conflict management and effective communication strategies.

COURSE OUTCOMES CM206-1: Explain how self-concept and perception impact interpersonal communication CM206-2: Identify the roles of verbal and nonverbal communication in interpersonal interactions CM206-3: Analyze what constitutes effective interpersonal communication in diverse contexts General Education Outcomes: In addition, the following General Education outcomes are assessed during this course: GEL-7.1 Identify the ethical issues within the field of interpersonal communication GEL-1.1: Demonstrate college-level communication through the composition of original materials in Standard American English

LATE POLICY Extenuating Circumstances: If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from completing projects, quizzes, seminars or participating in the class, please contact the instructor to make alternative arrangements.

Without Extenuating Circumstances: Points will be reduced by 10% per unit the paper is late. Final projects wil be reduced by 5% per day.

Incompletes Incompletes provide students with limited additional time to complete coursework after the term’s end. To be considered for an incomplete, you should have completed approximately 75% of the coursework. Please see the Kaplan University catalog for further information. Whether or not to grant an incomplete is your instructor’s decision. The deadline for requesting an incomplete for the July C term is Monday, September 27, Incomplete coursework is due October 15, 2010.

RUBRICS Discussion Questions provide a forum for students to ask questions and answer important questions about the course material. The discussion questions also allow students to receive feedback from the instructor and other students in the class. A discussion question grade will be posted to the grade sheet for each Unit.

Rubrics Be sure to review the rubrics for seminars, discussion board, and projects listed in the syllabus.

For discussion What questions do you have on the class policies or syllabus?

11 Concepts Words Mean Different Things to Different People. The Initiation of a Message Provides No Assurance It Has Been Received. Communications Often Become Distorted as They Are Transmitted.

12 Why is Communication Important? Everything a person does involves communication. Ineffective communication skills can lead to problems in our personal and professional relationships.

13 What Is the Interpersonal Communication Process? Communication Sequential Steps Encoded Transmitted Decoding Noise Feedback

14 Exhibit 3-1: The Communication Process Model

15 Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills Avoid Barriers to Communication. Send Understandable Messages: Effective communication. Actively Listen. Utilize Non-verbal Signals. Give and Solicit Meaningful Feedback. Adapt to Diversity of Communication Styles… try multiple channels

16 What Are the Barriers To Communication? Frames of Reference Semantics Value Judgments Selective Listening Filtering Distrust

For discussion What specific areas of your interpersonal communication would you expect to address in this course?

18 Attributes of effective communication Problem oriented not person oriented “I don’t like the way you dress for work.” “You are not very professional.”

19 Attributes of effective communication Descriptive versus evaluative Avoid judgment How: 1.describe objectively; 2.focus on the behavior and your reaction not the other’s attributes; 3.focus on solutions “You screwed up”

20 Attributes of effective communication specific not global “you never ask for my advice” “You are lazy”

21 Attributes of effective communication Owned not disowned Use of “I statements” not “you or other statements” “I’ve heard that you…”

22 Attributes of effective communication Two way not one way Listening by responding

Understand your learning styles online.com/Objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=P HR1501http:// online.com/Objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=P HR1501

24 Exhibit 3-2: Guides for Giving and Receiving Feedback Criteria for Giving Feedback 1.Make sure your comments are intended to help recipient. 2.Speak directly and with feeling. 3.Describe what the person is doing and the effect the person is having. 4.Don’t be threatening or judgmental. 5.Be specific, not general (use clear and recent examples). 6.Give feedback when the recipient is open to accepting it. 7.Check to ensure the validity of your statements. 8.Include only things the receiver can do something about. 9.Don’t overwhelm the person with more than can be handled.

For discussion What strategies can you use to help you successfully complete the course content?

26 How Can You Utilize Nonverbal Cues? Visual Tactile Vocal Time and Space

27 Exhibit 3.3: Means of Nonverbal Communication ComponentsExamplesMeanings Communicated ImageClothing, hygieneValues, competence Facial ExpressionsFrown, smile, sneerUnexpressed feelings Eye MovementsLooking away, staringIntentions, state of mind PostureLeaning in, slumpedAttitude GesturesHandshake, waveIntentions, feelings VISUAL TouchPat on the backApproval Gentle touch on an armSupport and concern TACTILE

28 Exhibit 3.3: Means of Nonverbal Communication (continued) ComponentsExamplesMeanings Communicated How things are saidLoudness, pitch, rateDifferent meanings, e.g. Vocal intonationsRhythm, pitch, claritySarcasm, disapproval VOCAL SPACIAL Body closeness0 – 2 feetFeelings of intimacy Furniture arrangementLarge pieces far apartFormal and serious

29 Differences in Communication Styles The Socializer The Director The Thinker The Relater How Can You Adapt to Diversity of Communication Styles?

For discussion How will improving your interpersonal communication benefit your personal and professional relationships?